Can I Just Replace One Rear Shock Absorber If It's Broken?

[AnaFitz]

It is generally recommended to replace both rear shock absorbers in pairs for small cars. If only one is replaced, the damping force will differ between the two sides, which may cause uneven vehicle height during braking. Replacing both simultaneously can resolve the issue of uneven wobbling. Today, we'll discuss the symptoms when one shock absorber fails, why it's necessary to replace them in pairs, and the pros and cons of air suspension systems. Follow along if you're interested - we hope this proves helpful. Everyone knows the function of shock absorbers. A good shock absorber provides excellent driving comfort. As long as the vehicle is moving, the shock absorbers are constantly at work, bearing most of the vehicle's weight. Therefore, their service life isn't as long as other components. If shock absorbers develop issues, they typically don't pose safety risks unless driving on mountain roads. However, they can cause minor inconveniences - most notably reduced ride comfort, increased noise, and potentially even causing driver motion sickness.

[DiWalter]

I've been driving for almost ten years, and if the rear shock absorber is broken, it must be replaced. You can replace just one, but it's better not to. I tried replacing only one side, and the car always drove crookedly, with significantly increased shaking over bumps. Not only was it uncomfortable, but tire wear also accelerated, and there was even a risk of rollover. Shock absorbers mainly absorb shocks—if one is broken, the other old one might not be far behind. It's best to replace both with new parts at the same time for better balance. The replacement process is simple: buy a new shock absorber of the matching model (usually starting at around 200-300 RMB), find a repair shop, and it can be done in 20 minutes, with labor costs possibly around 100-200 RMB. I recommend checking other parts of the suspension system while you're at it, such as springs or bushings, to avoid unnecessary expenses later. Don’t wait for an accident to deal with it—safe driving depends on maintaining these small details.

[ReaganFitz]

As a parent who usually drives my kids around, I believe that a broken rear shock absorber should be replaced immediately. Just replacing one side is not a good idea—I’ve been through this myself. Once, to save trouble, I only replaced the damaged side, but when driving through turns, the car body swayed violently, feeling like it could lose control at any moment, and my child couldn’t even sit steadily in the back seat. Shock absorbers are meant to absorb road impacts, and the difference in performance between new and old parts can cause vehicle imbalance, increasing the risk of accidents. The replacement usually takes one to two hours, and the cost depends on the brand—budget-friendly pairs can cost around 300 to 400 RMB, including labor. I also recommend having a professional mechanic test the entire suspension system to avoid hidden issues—this is crucial for daily commuting. Don’t underestimate it; safety first is the real way to save money.

[Alexander]

I enjoy fixing my car myself, and replacing a broken rear shock absorber with a new one can save money and hassle. You can replace just one, but remember to assess your capabilities: DIY requires wrenches and a jack, and removing the old one and installing the new one can be done in half an hour at most. However, beginners shouldn’t force it—visiting a small shop is also an option, just don’t delay and compromise driving comfort. Last time I replaced mine, the results were good, with fewer bumps, but if there’s a big difference in wear between the two shock absorbers, handling may suffer. So, evaluate whether you need to replace a pair. The cost can be as low as a couple hundred yuan, and regular maintenance can prevent this issue and extend your car’s lifespan.