Should I Replace Both Shock Absorbers If One Is Bad?

[SanJuliana]

It depends on the situation. If a car's shock absorber fails and you are replacing it with the same brand and type of shock absorber, generally you only need to replace the one that is damaged, and there is no need to replace both. However, if you are switching to shock absorbers of a different size or type, both should be replaced simultaneously. This is because shock absorbers of different models have varying parameters, which can lead to imbalance during driving and affect vehicle handling. Below are specific symptoms of shock absorber failure: 1. Abnormal Noise: If the shock absorber produces unusual noises when driving on bumpy roads, it is highly likely that the shock absorber is damaged. 2. Oil Leakage: Inspect the shock absorber through the wheel arch using a flashlight. If you notice oil leakage on the exterior of the shock absorber, it indicates that the shock absorber is already damaged. 3. Loose Chassis: When driving on uneven roads, if the vehicle exhibits excessive bouncing or unstable body movement, it usually indicates an issue with the shock absorbers.