Failing shock absorbers on a semi truck or trailer can have serious consequences for the vehicle's handling, stability, and tire wear. It is important to regularly inspect and maintain the shock absorbers to ensure the safety and performance of the vehicle.
In this article, we will discuss the signs of failing shock absorbers, how to troubleshoot the problem, and the potential consequences of ignoring this issue.
Signs of Failing Shock Absorbers
There are several signs that the shock absorbers on a semi truck or trailer may be failing:
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Uneven tire wear: If the shock absorbers are not functioning properly, the tires may wear unevenly.
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Increased bounce: If the shock absorbers are worn out, the truck or trailer may exhibit increased bounce or oscillation when driving over rough roads, bumps or when braking suddenly.
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Difficulty steering: Worn shock absorbers can make it more difficult to steer the vehicle, especially at higher speeds.
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Poor handling: Failed shock absorbers can cause the truck or trailer to handle poorly, making it difficult to control the vehicle.
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Excessive body roll: If the shock absorbers are not functioning properly, the vehicle may exhibit excessive body roll when turning or cornering.
If you notice any of these symptoms, it is important to have the shock absorbers inspected and replaced if necessary.
Troubleshooting Failing Shock Absorbers
There are several steps you can take to troubleshoot failing shock absorbers on a semi truck or trailer:
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Inspect the shock absorbers for visible signs of damage, such as leaks or cracks.
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Check for worn out bushings on the shock absorber mounting locations.
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Test the shocks for proper operation by pressing down on the corners of the vehicle and observing how quickly it returns to its original position.
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Have a mechanic perform a road test to see how the vehicle handles and to identify any problems with the shock absorbers.
If you are unable to troubleshoot the problem yourself, it is recommended to have a professional mechanic inspect the shock absorbers to determine the cause of the failure and recommend the necessary repairs.
Consequences of Ignoring Failing Shock Absorbers
Ignoring failing shock absorbers can have serious consequences for the vehicle and its occupants. Some of the potential consequences of ignoring this issue include:
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Reduced handling and stability: Worn shock absorbers can significantly impact the handling and stability of the vehicle, making it more difficult to control and increasing the risk of accidents.
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Increased tire wear: Failing shock absorbers can cause the tires to wear unevenly or prematurely, leading to the need for costly tire replacements.
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Damage to other components: Worn shock absorbers can put additional strain on other suspension components, potentially leading to their failure and requiring additional repairs such as air springs, bump stops, leaf spring bushings, leaf springs etc..
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Decreased ride comfort: Failing shock absorbers can make the ride of the vehicle much less comfortable, especially on rough roads or when driving over bumps.
In summary, it is important to regularly inspect and maintain the shock absorbers on a semi truck or trailer to ensure the safety and performance of the vehicle. Ignoring failing shock absorbers can have serious consequences for the vehicle and its occupants, as well as lead to additional repair costs.
If its time for you to replace the shock absorbers on your semi truck or trailer check out our search results for shock absorbers to help you narrow down the search for which shocks fit your application: FleetRun Truck Parts Shock Absorber Search Results (please use the filter application or search by part number to get more accurate results)
