Do shocks wear out?
Yes, shocks do wear out. They are a wear item designed to protect other more expensive components. Shocks will rarely fail completely, but damping performance can reduce over time, which could have a very negative effect on other components (See Gabriel HD Technical Bulletin: Tire Wear and Shock Absorbers).
A shock can be composed of up to 40 precision engineered parts, which include: valves, valve seats and springs, pistons, a piston rod, and a number of high precision parts and seals. All of these components are susceptible to wear and tear over time. That’s why Gabriel® recommends that you have your shocks checked by a qualified service technician visually every 15,000 miles and heat-tested every 50,000 miles. Please refer to Gabriel HD Technical Bulletin: When to Replace HD Shocks for more information.
Gabriel cannot determine whether any particular customer is qualified to check or replace ride control, shocks or struts. Customers must make their own assessments of their experience, skills and knowledge and take responsibility for all results and if in doubt, seek the assistance of a qualified trained mechanic.
These videos are not intended to be step-by-step instructions, but are intended for general information purposes only.
Every vehicle is delivered with an OEM owner’s manual. If you cannot locate yours, several publications exist that will provide you with the specifications for the parts on the vehicle you are about to repair. Read the OEM manual specific to the make and model of your vehicle and the instructions that accompany your Gabriel product before undertaking any repair or replacement project. Always seek the advice or assistance of a qualified, trained professional when needed.
Before starting and vehicle repair or replacement project, you must have the proper training, tools, equipment and experience necessary to safely and correctly complete the project. This is especially important for anyone attempting to replace a worn strut or shock absorber, because failure to remove the worn part or install the replacement parts correctly on your vehicle may result in personal injury or damage to property.