Should i replace front and rear shocks at the same time. Additionally, while it will cost more money upfront, it’s wise to replace all four shocks at the same time if you can to ensure the entire suspension is dialed in and Oct 25, 2023 · Here's a great video for replacing the rear shocks, which includes removing the old shock, removing the upper mount and reinstalling it on the new shock, and installing the new shock. e. If rear brake pads perform only 30% of the work, why change them at the same time as the front brake pads? Size Difference. Feb 7, 2016 · Both the front struts and rear struts are extremely important. So, does replacing shocks make a difference?The short answer is, yes, replacing shocks does make a significant difference. They sell one for 00-06 GM SUVs and it will give you step by step instructions for the shock replacement Nov 7, 2014 · Step 2 - Lift truck and remove wheel. Lastly, they should always be replaced as pairs. We’ve done extensive research to bring the best-performing durable shocks that are compatible with your Xterra. . May 29, 2019 · The rear passenger shock is in need of replacement for sure and I was thinking I should just replace the front struts and rear shocks/springs and then be done. KYB 344353 Excel-G Gas Shock. I picked up my 2010 Tundra with almost 80,000 miles. Apr 8, 2024 · It would be stupid if the springs broke right after the replacement of the shocks. May 9, 2022 · Another reason why replacing these components in pairs is necessary is due to the ball joints. A rear shock or strut is a pivot point for the vehicles steering system and Oct 7, 2022 · The first is that all four should be replaced at the same time in order to ensure even wear and tear. Good idea to Replace BOTH Upper & Lower ball joints at the same time. 5. Manufacturer Requirement Watch this video to see how it's done. For front versus rear, the wear levels can differ depending on Mar 15, 2021 · At the very least, get your car suspension checked once a year. One new shock can (and will) have an adverse effect on the handling and thus safety. The task’s difficulty level will also affect the time to replace rear shock absorbers. The diagram above shows the basic setup of the rear suspension on most passenger cars and SUVs. While they’re soaking, mount the angle gauge to the top of the rotor and note the angle. Nov 29, 2013 · Considering that I paid $309 for a set of bilstein shocks and only $138 for a set of four replacement springs. In almost all cases, rear brake pads and rotors are smaller than those in the front. Struts are commonly used in the front Feb 3, 2015 · Step 1 – Remove the wheel. You should invest in a chilton or similar type manual for your tahoe. May 22, 2020 · I had the original shocks on my 3rd gen for 20 years. If the left shock or strut is damaged, it's likely that the right one will need to be replaced as well. [6] Park your car on a level surface and loosen the lug nuts on both sides of the front or back end. Yes, you should replace your rear springs to match the dynamic performance of the front springs. Related Guide: The ideal time to replace suspension components varies based on driving conditions and vehicle usage. Get new springs when renewing MacPherson struts. I ended up replacing all 4 shocks relatively easily. This provides consistency to both sides of the vehicle. Apr 9, 2019 · I was glad I did, as the front of the car was a good 1" higher with the new ones, so just replacing one would have left the car lopsided. Jun 18, 2020 · Front lower shock: 155 ft lbs. You first want to park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake. Shock absorbers are usually mounted separately from the suspension components and can be replaced independently. A guide to changing a shock: Loosen the rear wheel bolts. Passenger Vehicles. To maintain safety, keep the jack in the same place. In most cars a sway bar link has two small ball joints at each end. The most common side is the driver's side. Remove old shocks and struts. Torque specs in the video description. This wear and tear can lead to a less comfortable ride and, more importantly, can compromise the safety of your vehicle. Unfortunately, those looking for a deal have very little wriggle room when it comes to this replacement. Bilstein 24-187169 5100 Series Rear Shock for Nissan Xterra 4WD , Black. After replacing the struts, we recommend you get a professional alignment. Still, it can take significantly longer if the vehicle is difficult to access or if the old shock absorbers are in poor condition. You should be able to easily replace the sway bar link. Any time a shock absorber needs to be replaced, its companion across the same axle (front or rear) must also be replaced to ensure that at least both shocks are in equivalent working condition. Generally, replacing the shocks or struts of a vehicle can cost anywhere between $200 and $800. Use a jack and jack stands to lift the vehicle off the ground, allowing access to the suspension components. $91. The car’s frame should rest on top of the stands. Expand user menu Open settings menu Open settings menu Jun 28, 2021 · Some high-performance vehicles are designed so both the front and rear brake components wear out at the same time. There are two components to suspension. 6. I have changed my TJ shocks 9-10 times over the past 22 years, it's easy so long as your upper rear bolts aren't seized from driving on salted roads. Once the bottom bolt is in place, use the utility knife to carefully cut the shock compression strap. I asked what people would replace, or should be replaced, while it's apart at about 30k miles. The nuts often rust solid and a shop will just cut them off to save time and make $$ on the replacements. With the bolts removed and the suspension compressed, remove the shocks. For this reason, you should always replace shocks in pairs. Remove the shock absorber top mounting nut/bolt (s). Bounce test: push down on the front bumper so it 'bounces' up and down, do this a few times to really get it oscillating and then release it. Over time, shocks wear out, and their ability to absorb the energy from road irregularities diminishes. It should stop moving within one or two bounces. As one person posted you will most likely be changing the opposite side at some point just due to wear. But that was a 10-year-old car. Most cars have springs and shock separate in the rear and struts in the the front. Always, always, always, replace both tires, every 500 miles. 5 DSC on all corners. Aug 11, 2015 · Factor in the labor involved to replace a strut damper (in a MacPherson strut) by removing and re-using the spring, and just throwing away the whole assembly for a new one is often cheaper. That rust is likely just surface but again, 120k is a fair mileage to change. However, there are many mitigating factors that may extend or shorten the life of your shocks and your struts. Yes it is any case probably good advice to replace the springs while the shock assembly is off. And do the top mount bearing when you are at it, as well. One is independent from the other. I have my oem front bilsteins struts that I took out at 60k in my garage . Step 4. Mar 16, 2022 · If one shock or strut needs replacing, chances are its companion across the same axle (front or rear) is also shot. Let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of replacing all four shocks at once. Sway bar end link nuts: 62 ft lbs. [3] Keep the jack stands the same height. While replacing both gives you a much more even ride the weight of the vehicle will not change the actual ride. You wouldn’t want to do sides of shocks, as they’re often sold in pairs, and the shocks in the back won’t be the same as the ones up front. Don't be surprised if you have to replace the Stabilizer Links also. In most cars, 70 percent of the braking comes from the front brakes. A strut combines the shock absorber and some other suspension components (such as a coil spring) into a single unit. There is a specific test to monitor spring condition - it's called "ride height. May 22, 2021 · Why Change Front & Rear Simultaneously. Oct 19, 2018 · Jerry Bransford. Put the car in gear, chock the front wheels, jack up the car's rear and support it on axle stands. Struts, on the other hand, are a more integral part of the suspension system. Thanks for the reply. Front Pads Wear Faster. A new shock has different damping characteristics as the old one and it can lead to weird steering behaviour, loss of grip on one wheel, etc. The Sensen struts you mentioned can only be the gas charged unit itself. The first sign of a worn-out sway bar link is a knocking noise from the suspension when driving slow over road bumps. I suspect that replacing the front struts will improve the ride and handling even more. I've seen it several times. Sep 30, 2016 · Step 2: Locate the springs and the strut connections. Sep 20, 2012 · Sep 20, 2012. I bet you will notice a ride difference. Mar 2, 2021 · For the front, we selected a pair of Summit Racing’s 90/10 drag struts, which were probably not the right choice for a street/strip car. Apr 28, 2016 · Use the 5mm Allen wrench and 14mm wrench to remove the upper mount nut. 4. Apr 1, 2019 · Well, first, you absolutely should replace both front or both rear brake pads at the same time. The aim is to ensure the truck is stable to prevent it from falling off the jack. Chicago. The ball joints are critical to vehicle alignment, so these control arms should also be replaced in pairs. While it's not impossible to have worn-out shocks at that point, our experience is that it is highly unlikely. If your just tooling around town, it does not matter in the least whether the rear is stickier than the front, or older, or the same brand/model. Remove the wheel. Inspect the ball joint boot and look for Apr 6, 2021 · 81 posts · Joined 2019. Jan 6, 2023 · It takes about 1 to 5 hours per shock absorber to replace rear shock absorbers. Regular inspections and maintenance can help identify when replacement is necessary. If you have a professional mechanic, the time Nov 12, 2023 · The optimal time to replace truck shocks varies depending on several factors such as driving conditions, mileage, and manufacturer recommendations. Hi Everybody :wavey: Like. Jul 10, 2019 · It is recommended that three basic rules are observed when replacing shock absorbers: Always replace in axle pairs, i. both front or both rear shock absorbers. Then pop the hood and spray the strut-tower mounting nuts. For instance, replacing rear shocks must be followed by an alignment on the rear wheels. I would say get springs every time you get shocks. Keep in mind that in most cases, especially at that mileage, the entire strut assembly should be replaced due to age/weakness of the springs and wear and tear on the strut mounts. Struts and shock absorbers are maintenance-free units. Parts alone could cost $100 to $350, while the rest of the money will be spent on labor. Jul 6, 2014 · Yes, you can use one design on the front and one on the rear. Question 2 Aug 5, 2022 · Shocks leak, go bad, etc and the stock ones aren't exactly the best. Dec 5, 2018 · You can just replace the strut, and leave the springs. Secure your vehicle with ramps and/or jack stands. There is no leaks in any of them, but I'm wondering if I should replace them anyways to preserve other components of the suspension system and the truck Nov 6, 2022 · Replacing rear shocks will typically cost between $1,000 and $1,150. This gives you a consistent response A very general thought is that most shocks and/or struts will need replacing on a car between 60-100,000 miles of driving or 6-8 years. 78. Jul 28, 2023 · The rears are just shocks and not likely to impact an alignment, but getting new suspension is just good overall. Using your tire iron, loosen the lug nuts, but don't remove them. If you don't the front end will recover quickly and the rear end will feel sloppy. I have gotten about 136,000 miles before the ride has gotten too bad. Generally, it is recommended to replace shocks every 50,000-100,000 miles or if you notice signs of excessive bouncing, poor handling, or leaking fluids. Buy on Amazon. Jack your vehicle in an appropriate location. Modern cars seem to be able, on average, to reach 100,000 miles or more on their original shocks. With a newer car I probably would just do the one side, but have the whole suspension checked in any case while the car was on a ramp. Use original equipment (OE) quality replacements. Oct 24, 2023 · I've never driven the car with new shocks and struts, so I don't know exactly how it should feel. Ball joints typically cannot be replaced separately, so the entire control arm needs to be replaced. Springs control the cars ride height and provide the bouncing action when going over bumps. And, since handling/roadholding is a major safety-related issue, you should give this some consideration. Yes, you can replace either rear or fronts separately. He says that the rear shocks don't really do much at all, and that I wouldn't even notice a difference if I replaced them. Mar 27, 2013 · Time to replace struts and shocks. If the left shock or strut is damaged, there’s a good chance the right side also needs to be replaced. Different vehicles will wear the fronts and rears Jul 5, 2018 · We stated at the top of this article that many shock absorber manufacturers recommend replacing your factory OE shocks at 50,000 miles. I didn't say I was replacing the suspension. They were still fine, but the springs had sagged, so I replaced the springs and shocks at the same time. keith April 29, 2010, 1:02am 8. It also doesn’t hurt to invite a friend over, even if they’re not mechanically-inclined. Aug 1, 2023 · The major difference between the front shocks and rear shocks is that the rear shock is a structural part of the vehicles suspension system where a shock isn’t. Test the vehicle's stability on the jacks before attempting to remove the leaf springs. Particularly if you are driving on bumpy roads often, such as dirt roads or cobblestone roads, you Apr 27, 2010 · While replacing two struts is clearly better than not replacing any struts, replacing all four is far preferable in terms of handling and road-holding. Because a new shock has not yet experienced any internal wear, pairing it with an older unit is likely to create uneven damping characteristics across Mar 12, 2016 · Several common signs can warn you that shock absorbers or struts need replacing, such as when your vehicle bottoms out over railroad tracks, speed bumps or dips in the road, or it keeps bouncing Feb 12, 2023 · Shocks should be replaced in pairs, either in the front or rear. This makes it difficult (usually) to tell when they need replaced because drivers fail to notice their gradual decline. Like. Struts and shocks may need to be replaced anywhere between 50k and 100k miles. May 5, 2023 · Buy on Amazon. Set the parking brake. If you spot a layer of greasy hydraulic fluid on the shock absorber's body, it likely has a blown seal and should be replaced immediately. The alignment must be done on the wheels to replace the shock, not necessarily all the wheels. The most important factor to consider is the safety of you and your passengers. Remove the cover for the rear shock mount. Install the new shock by inserting the lower bolt first. Finally, remove the lug nuts and wheels. Monroe recommends that you change your shocks and struts in pairs. Jan 6, 2012 · The front and rear shocks have a bolt on the top and bottom, 00-06 tahoes dont have struts so its easy to replace the shocks. Like this. The parts for rear shock replacements cost roughly $900, while the labor costs for replacing rear shocks are typically around $200. You'll need to repeat this step for each wheel you're replacing a shock, so do one wheel at at time. Unless something’s really wrong, one should be wearing out at about the same rate as the other. here is a link for some lower shock bolts, it is the same on front and rear: OEM '05+ Nissan Frontier Lower Shock Bolt, Performance OEM and Aftermarket Engineered Parts Global Leader - Z1 Off-Road. You'll notice that the spring is attached to the lower control arm and a top bushing mount on the body. I love the car and am not into investing money Dec 1, 2022 · Shocks look like pneumatic pumps and are vertical, while struts look like extensions of the wheels and are horizontal. Unlike some steering and suspension components, the left and right shocks/struts tend to wear down at the same rate. 2010 SR5 & 2021 TRD Pro. Replacing shocks or struts can be an expensive repair for a vehicle. What’s more, mechanics suggest that you replace all four at the same time. 92,500 on it when I did that (8/29/12). I want to replace myself, but do not know what is the best bang for the buck. Dec 8, 2023 · 1. My First TB had 230,xxx miles on it and it didn't need the lower arms replaced, so as long as the bushings are still OK - they should be fine. In the case of your link, it has two ball ends, something like a tie rod end. you will need a 14mm, 17mm, and 19mm plus a 21mm for the tires. I also ordered a "Park Tool Professional Bicycle Wrench" in a 16mm. I commute on a nice road so it has been kind to them. #11 · May 4, 2021. Push the car with your hand to make sure it is stable. Step 3: Raise the vehicle. T. " You can look up the procedure in the factory manual or Mitchell. It is usually connected in just two place. $35. Considering the benefit of new springs and shocks, this is a no brainer. Yes I ended up cutting the that plastic as mentioned. Inspect the ball joint boot and look for signs of dry rotting or cracks, as well as leaking grease. It has the TRD off-road package. Spray them repeatedly over 2-4 days with Kroil, Liquid Wrench, or Break Free. Mar 20, 2020 · 3182 posts · Joined 2010. If you have never done it before it can be dangerous so you have to be careful. Dec 21, 2009 · Shocks/struts are one of those things that slowly deteriorate over time. If one strut is good and the other one needs replacement you don't need to change both. One of the first signs people notice when their car needs new shocks or struts is poor steering response. If the vehicle in question is very old or has significantly higher mileage, it may be worth the investment to perform a complete rebuild of the front and/or rear suspension. Aug 27, 2019 · Start by soaking the strut flange nuts and bolts with rust penetrant. They often last more than 100,000 miles but can wear out The part that connects the outer ends of the sway bar to the suspension component is called a sway bar link. Next, loosen the lug nuts on the wheel with a tire iron. While it is not necessary to do so, there are some benefits to replacing all four shocks at once. Springs and Shock absorbers. Lift the vehicle. This helps maintain reliable handling and a consistent response on both sides of the vehicle. I normally replace my shocks/struts/dampers every 70,000 miles or so. The front shocks require more tools and are more time-consuming to replace in most car models, making them slightly more expensive to replace than the rear shocks. Slide a jack underneath the axle near the tire and lift it. If you are at all handy, you can easily replace your rear shocks and save a pile of cash on labor. Shocks and struts should always be replaced in pairs (front axle or rear axle), and it’s even better to replace the shocks/struts on all four wheels at one time. Here are the top 4 shocks in the market for the Nissan Xterra. If the front left strut has failed and needs to be changed, you should also install a new front right strut. Always replace in axle pairs. Most people would also advise you to replace the mount at the same time. 8. Remove the old shock. I know that when I was looking at new TRD ORP's, I drove both with and without KDSS. Struts are when the spring and shock are combined into one unit. It is rare to find shocks on both axles, so if you come to this conclusion, check again. Signs like uneven tire wear, poor handling, or unusual noises can also indicate the need for a checkup or replacement. Jul 11, 2018 · Suspension components such as radius arms, trailing arms, and strut rods may be easy to remove separately depending on individual suspension design. Leaks are a good indicator of their failure and its better to replace sooner rather than later. Ensure your vehicle is parked on a level surface and the parking brake is engaged. Basic advice is every 50k miles so I'm planning on going to a brand I prefer a little before that. What’s located on one side of the axle will appear on the other. Most cars and SUVs have struts in the front suspension and shock absorbers or struts in the back. They are fine I actually replaced them with the rancho struts because I got them from my buddy who gets them half off since he works at ohreileys and have life time warranty. In other words, if one front shock or strut is replaced, the other front shock or strut should be replaced as well. It's fine to do the front ones separately from the back, but you should replace both the front ones at the same time, because you need an alignment after replacing them. Yes, you need to replace both shocks at the same time. Park on a flat level ground. The only time you should change it out is when it is worn out. Monroe may use a Sensatrac on the rear, and a Monromatic design on the front. But that’s not necessarily true about all four brake pads. The non-KDSS 4Runner drove with noticeably more suspension movement. I did have to repent for my mouth while putting on the front passenger shot. Mar 7, 2024 · As the shock absorbs bounce, the fluid contacts the gas, causing resistance and dampening the spring action. Loosen and remove the mounting bolt (s) at the bottom of the shock absorber. And what would make the mechanics life Shocks and struts should always be replaced at the same time. Figure 10. Yes, you have to compress the springs to do this. For many vehicles, the front brake components wear out before the back ones, especially the brake pads. However, you don’t need to replace the front and rear shocks at the same time. However, a general guideline is to inspect the suspension system every 50,000 to 100,000 miles. The issue is that the rear shocks were a $150 DIY job, but I will probably need to pay a shop to replace the front struts. Really soak them so they penetrant can soak into the threads. As long as you replace both fronts or both rears at the same time, you’ll be fine. 5 cm) in front of the back wheels. Hand tighten the nut. 54 posts · Joined 2013. Dec 16, 2021 · I went from stock shocks and pucks from the dealer, swapped all that out for Fox 2. Replace ancillary components of the shock absorber assembly at the same time. #5. Smaller rear brake pads wear out at the same rate as front brake pads. You’ll save time and money and it will prevent the symptoms above from happening. You could also pay a shop to do that part of it. TQuentin1 said: I have just replaced the air shocks on the rear, and the front forks. They sell one for 00-06 GM SUVs and it will give you step by step instructions for the shock replacement Aug 22, 2020 · 375 posts · Joined 2018. The second is that only the two front shocks should be replaced, as they generally wear out quicker than the rear shocks. Replacing Honda Civic Rear Shocks 2016 -2020 DIY - YouTube Get app Get the Reddit app Log In Log in to Reddit. Shocks and struts are always sold in pairs, and should be replaced in pairs. If at any time the struts or shocks are leaking, broken, or damaged, they should be replaced immediately. If you replace just one or three shocks, then you’ll notice a huge performance drop. Over time, the sway bar link ball joints wear out. Jun 8, 2013 · ATXGcSRT8. Mar 31, 2022 · These ball joints typically cannot be replaced separately, so the entire control arm needs to be replaced. The bike had approx. Even though your only doing a 2 inch lift you should do the upper control arms to compensate for reduced caster. I plan on keeping the car for a few more years at least. The steering wheel will often become stiff and hard to turn, and their may be unusual noises when turning wheel. Feb 7, 2016 · Vehicles with strut-type front suspensions have only lower ball joints, but double-wishbone styles have upper and lower ball joints. Block the wheels on the opposite end of the car. May 3, 2022 · Finish removing the nut and tap out the bottom shock bolt using a rubber mallet. Put a jack stand under this area and lower it until weight is firmly distributed. Some of the manufacturer's engineers do this on purpose. Why do manufacturers make this recommended? The suspension ensures that the four tires work together and move in the same direction. Sep 23, 2022 · If you find a strut is damaged on the passenger or driver side of the front or rear, generally we recommend replacing the strut on the other side of that end. Nov 28, 2023 · Speaker or radio: You can replace your MagneRide shocks in a few hours in most cases. Jan 7, 2022 · Shocks and struts should be replaced together whenever possible. Spin two lug nuts onto the studs and tighten to secure the rotor to the hub. Feb 3, 2022 · Shocks and struts come in pairs. #19 · Jan 4, 2014. In addition to these problems, you may find that your car sways or leans on turns or when changing from one When it’s time to replace your shocks and struts, follow these steps. May 3, 2006 · Xiaoding. This is common. Remove the Wheel. Similarly, if the rear right shock needs replacing, be sure to change the rear left shock. For instance, in many cases, KYB will use a GR2 design on the front of a vehicle, and a Gasajust on the rear. Grab the bottom of the shock and push up to compress it, then pull it out of the upper mount and lift it out. Always get the combo. May 17, 2023 · What is the difference between a shock absorbers and a strut? A strut is the shock absorber built into one unit with the coil spring. For about the last 10,000 miles I have been noticing the rear end bottoming out even when riding solo with 25 psi in the air shocks. Mar 5, 2016 · Steering Problems. In this case, replace all the wear components, brake pads, and rotors at the same time. Replacing only one shock will cause uneven wear and tear on your suspension system which may lead to premature failure of other components, such as ball joints and bushings. Feb 11, 2019 · The lower control arm assembly should be fine. This vehicle used struts in the rear as well, but I'm not sure if the back needs alignment after replacing them. I have a 2008 civic SI sedan. How […] Jan 5, 2022 · No. Feb 13, 2021 · Which shocks should I replace first? Shocks and struts should always be replaced at the same time. The cost of the repair depends on the make and model of the vehicle, as well as the type of shock or strut being replaced. Having the shocks and suspension parts inspected at 40,000 or 50,000 Mar 18, 2010 · I'll make it unanimous and say fronts unless the rears are doing the annoying clunk and rattle on rough roads. Reply. The left and right shocks/struts, unlike some other steering components and suspension components, tend to wear out at the same pace. While that’s not a terribly long time, it will go much faster if you can listen to your favorite music or podcasts while you’re doing the work. Jan 2, 2022 · Should Front And Rear Shocks Be Replaced At Same Time? The front and rear shocks should be replaced if the vehicle hits a pothole or if it has been in an accident. #2 · Aug 22, 2020. Mar 1, 2020 · For clarity purposes, let’s refer to a “pair” of shocks as the two shocks installed either in the front or back of your vehicle. Resist the temptation to only change the shock or strut that has failed. If the shocks arent leaking and it passes a bounce test, then you wouldnt need to replace them. Most vehicles with the two of them installed have the shocks on the rear axle and the struts at the front axle. Jul 28, 2009 · For instance, I was planning on replacing all four shocks, but a friend of mine says that I shouldn't bother with replacing the rear shocks, and that I should only replace the fronts. 7. 0 on all corners, took them off after 1,000 miles because the on road ride was not good for me or the family, installed the eibach leveling struts and aftermarket UCA and rear shocks, removed the struts and rear shocks and went with Fox 2. Use the floor jack to lift the truck by the front suspension crossmember. Oct 28, 2022 · Many car owners are unsure whether they should replace their front and rear shocks at the same time. Jan 4, 2024 · One of the obvious visual signs of a faulty shock absorber is physical evidence of damage. Feb 22, 2024 · Position the stands 1 in (2. Summit’s own instructions clearly state that these should not be used for street driving, as the 90/10 split between compression and rebound valving is obviously intended expressly for aiding weight transfer on launch, which would make for wonky street Feb 7, 2016 · Some shock absorber manufacturers say you should replace them at 50,000 miles, but that’s more for their benefit than yours. 98. This meessage brought to you by the National Tire Manufactureres association. The struts and shocks are done. They are very flat. #6 · Mar 21, 2020. Safety first. Dec 12, 2021 · Conclusion: We recommend replacing all four shocks at the same time to prevent damage. Likewise, if the shock or strut is badly rusted or dented, have it checked by a professional mechanic. It's fairly easy to tell when they are worn out. Probably a better idea to buy replacement upper arms at the same time too. Also, a rear shock is a vital part of the vehicles steering system and greatly affects angles of alignment. Figure 11. They replace other types of shock absorbers, and they are commonly used because they make suspension systems more affordable Feb 13, 2021 · Which shocks should I replace first? Shocks and struts should always be replaced at the same time. Any car has four struts/shock absorbers; one at each wheel. I would like to go with a pre-loaded strut as I really just dont like doing the springs. hx ka wb be av bw kf cc zr ck