From a safety point of view, 90% of all brands of shock absorbers should be replaced or overhauled at least every 100-120,000k under most normal driving conditions if you expect them to maintain a reasonable level of vehicle control, especially in an emergence reaction situation to avoid a possible accident.
In some cases they may need to be replaced even sooner if used in our harsh outback conditions, corrugated tracks or with heavy rate coils and heavy loads under 4WD vehicles.
SHOCK FACTS:
Shock absorber fluid becomes thinner over time (just like your engine oil), due to condensation build up over time from the typical cold-hot-cold life cycle of all shock absorbers.
The internal, moving parts also wear over time and eventually loose their correct tolerances. All of this means that most shocks will not be performing at anywhere near their optimum (as new performance or control) after around 80-120,000k.
This is the reason that shock absorbers should be replaced at regular intervals to maintain that safety edge for you and the passengers in your 4WD, (your family in most cases, we would think).
Remember that it is your shock absorbers that keep your tyres in contact with the road and maintain stability of your vehicle, especially under unforeseen situations that require a fast response to avoid objects or to provide the shortest possible braking distances to avoid crashing your 4x4 !
There are only two other components on your 4WD that are as important or more important than good, well performing shock absorbers – BRAKES and TYRES and you need to maintain those in excellent condition as well !
Questions? - call us on 0406 476 840 or email us at info@4wddirect.com.au
