Do I Need to Replace the Springs When Changing Shock Absorbers?

[ReaganFitz]

Replacing shock absorbers does not require changing the springs. The method for replacing shock absorbers is as follows: 1. Loosen the wheel nuts in a diagonal sequence and remove the wheels; 2. Remove the control arm fixing bolts and loosen the fixing nuts of the spring strut arm; 3. Open the engine hood, loosen the upper fixing nuts of the shock absorber, and remove the shock absorber; 4. Replace the damaged parts and rubber covers of the shock absorber; 5. Apply grease to enhance wear resistance; 6. Install the shock absorber and tighten the wheel fixing nuts with a wrench. The function of the shock absorber is to suppress the oscillation when the spring rebounds after absorbing shocks and to absorb the energy from road impacts.

[LaHaley]

Should you replace the springs when changing shock absorbers? I come across this question often. Honestly, it's not always necessary. Springs mainly support the vehicle's weight, while shock absorbers control bouncing. Although they work together, they don't have to be replaced as a pair. If your springs are still in good condition—no rust, deformation, or unusual noises—the suspension will remain stable after installing new shocks. However, worn springs can cause significant issues: damaged springs may make the ride overly soft or stiff, reduce cornering stability, and even accelerate tire wear. I recommend thoroughly inspecting the springs every time you replace the shock absorbers, especially for older cars with high mileage, as springs tend to fatigue over time. A simple check involves looking for changes in spring height or cracks. Safety comes first—don't wait until problems arise to regret it. When in doubt, take your car to a trusted repair shop; a mechanic can quickly assess the situation and help you avoid unexpected expenses.

[DelNorah]

Replace springs when changing shock absorbers? I think it depends on the situation, not necessarily a must. Springs usually last longer than shock absorbers. When the shock absorber fails, the spring might still be in good condition—why waste money on a new one? But spring issues are also common: for example, springs may sag over time, causing the car body to droop, and the ride quality remains poor even after replacing the shock absorbers; or a cracked spring can lead to suspension imbalance, making loud banging noises over bumps—how dangerous is that? I usually inspect them myself: check the springs for rust or bending, then test how quickly the car body rebounds after pressing down. From a cost-saving perspective, if the springs are fine, don’t replace them; but for safety, they should be replaced when necessary. A quick reminder: when replacing suspension components, it’s best to perform a four-wheel alignment test to ensure smooth and stable driving. Overall, don’t cut corners on vehicle maintenance—getting a professional assessment is worth it.

[McCameron]

Do I need to replace the springs when changing shock absorbers? To be honest, I didn't know at first. Later, I asked a mechanic and learned: it's not absolutely necessary. The springs are responsible for lifting the car body, while the shock absorbers handle vibration absorption—they work independently. After installing new shock absorbers, if the springs are in good condition and the car drives smoothly without noise or wobbling, then it's fine. However, spring damage is common: for example, frequent driving on rough roads can fatigue and sag the springs, affecting handling; or rust and deformation can cause instability. In such cases, they should be replaced together. I recommend doing a simple self-check: open the hood or look under the car to see if the springs are in normal shape and free of cracks. If unsure, have a mechanic measure their height. In short, don't rush to replace the springs—diagnose first, then decide. This saves effort and avoids unnecessary expenses. Pro tip: regular maintenance and checking spring conditions can extend their lifespan.