Shock absorbers play an important role in a car's suspension system, providing a smoother ride and better handling. Over time, shock absorbers wear out and need to be replaced. Although this job may seem difficult at first, it can be done at home if you have the knowledge and the right tools. Here's a guide on how to replace shock absorbers yourself.

Shock absorbers are actually divided into two types:

1 and 2 Coilover strut (strut)
3 and 4 Shock absorber

 

Anatomy of a Strut Assembly: What Components Does It Include?

• Strut mount / top mount: Allows the strut to rotate together with the wheels. If worn, it may cause creaking or knocking noises when turning the steering wheel.
• Mounting insulator (rubber pad): A rubber component that isolates vibrations and road noise, preventing them from being transmitted into the vehicle cabin.
• Coil spring: Supports the vehicle’s weight, maintains ride height, and absorbs larger impacts.
• Bump stop (yellow part): Softens impacts when the suspension bottoms out, protecting the shock absorber from damage.
• Dust boot (bellows): Protects the shock absorber rod from dirt, road salt, and debris. A damaged dust boot is one of the most common reasons why a shock absorber starts leaking.
• Shock absorber (lower body):The heart of the system. It dampens the spring’s oscillations, preventing the vehicle from bouncing after hitting a bump.

 

Why Is This Important?

It is often assumed that replacing only the shock absorber is enough. However, if the old dust boot is damaged or the strut mount is seized, the new shock absorber will wear out very quickly.

Recommendation: When replacing shock absorbers, it is always wise to install a new protection kit (dust boots and bump stops). Their cost is low compared to the shock absorber, but the benefit is significant.

 

Here is a guide on how to replace shock absorbers yourself.

What do you need? 

The following tools and accessories are required to replace shock absorbers:

• Jack and stands: To raise and support the vehicle safely.
• Wheel wrench: To remove the wheels.
• Wrench set or socket wrenches: To remove the shock absorber bolts and fasteners.
• Spring puller: To compress the spring to safely remove the shock absorber (used with McPherson-type suspension).
• Screwdriver or pry bar: To loosen parts if necessary.
• Torque wrench: To tighten bolts and nuts correctly.
• Gloves and safety glasses: For safety.

Here you’ll find the special tools for removing and installing shock absorbers.

Here you’ll find the special tools for removing and installing shock absorbers.

Step-by-step guide to replacing shock absorbers

 

1. Prepare your work area

Find a flat surface where you can work safely. Apply the handbrake and chock or block the wheels to prevent the car from moving.

2. Jack up the car and remove the wheel

Use a jack to raise the car to the desired angle. Support the car with a stand to ensure stability. Then remove the bolts from the appropriate wheel and remove the wheel from underneath to access the shock absorber.

3. Find the shock absorber mountings

The shock absorber is usually mounted at two points: the top (on the body or suspension tower) and the bottom (on the suspension or control arm). Refer to your car's owner's manual or repair manual for the exact location of the mountings.

4. Remove the shock absorber mountings

Start by loosening the lower mounting bolts. Then move on to the upper bolts. If the shock absorber is inside the spring (McPherson system), you must first use a spring puller to compress the spring. An uncompressed spring can be dangerous and cause injury!

5. Remove the old shock absorber

Once all the fasteners have been removed, remove the shock absorber. Also check the spring and other parts of the suspension system to make sure they are in good condition.


6. Install the new shock absorber

Install the new shock absorber in reverse order. Start by attaching it at the top and then tighten the lower bolts. If you are working with a McPherson type suspension, install the spring on the new shock absorber and use the spring puller until the shock absorber is attached.

7. Tighten all bolts to the correct torque

Use a torque wrench to tighten all mounting bolts to the manufacturer’s recommended torque. Incorrect tightening can cause premature shock absorber wear or a safety hazard.

8. Reinstall the wheel and lower the vehicle

Once the shock absorber is securely attached, reinstall the wheel and tighten the wheel bolts. Remove the jack stands and lower the vehicle to the ground.

9. Test the shock absorber

Before driving, visually check that all fasteners are properly seated. Drive a short test lap to ensure that the vehicle operates normally and that there are no unusual noises.

 

Replace the car’s springs at the same time as the shock absorbers.

In most cases, this is both economically and technically a very sensible choice.
 

 

Although replacing the springs is not always strictly necessary (if they are not broken), there are several strong arguments for doing it together with the shock absorbers.

Here are the main reasons why specialists recommend this:

 

1. Labor cost savings (the most important argument)

On most modern cars (especially at the front axle, where McPherson-type struts are used), the shock absorber and spring form a single unit.

• To access the shock absorber, the spring has to be removed anyway and then reinstalled.
• If you keep the old springs and one of them breaks, for example after six months, you will have to pay exactly the same labor cost again.
• By replacing both at the same time, you only pay for the labor once.

2. Vehicle handling and ride height

Springs support the vehicle’s weight, while shock absorbers control and dampen movement.

• Fatigue: Old springs “fatigue” over time and gradually sag. A new shock absorber paired with an old, sagging spring will not work as efficiently as the manufacturer intended.
• Uneven wear: If you install new, stiffer shock absorbers but keep old, softer springs, the vehicle may behave unevenly and the spring may break sooner due to increased stress.

3. Rust and risk of breakage

Road salt is a major enemy of springs.

• Springs often have microcracks or corrosion damage that are not visible until the shock absorber is removed from the car.
• An old spring is more prone to breaking (usually the lower or upper coil snaps), which can damage the tire or the brake hose.

When can you skip replacing the springs?

There are only a few situations where you might consider keeping the old springs:

Low mileage: If the car has very low mileage (e.g. under 100,000 km) and you are replacing the shock absorber only because one of them started leaking or was damaged by an impact.

Visual condition: If a mechanic confirms that the springs show no signs of rust and the vehicle’s ride height (ground clearance) is normal.

Budget: If the budget is extremely tight (but be aware of the risk that you may end up paying twice later).
 

Summary

It is recommended to replace the entire set: shock absorbers, springs, and definitely also the shock absorber dust boots and bump stops. It is also worth checking the strut mounts (at the top) — replacing them does not add labor time, only the cost of the parts.

This ensures that the suspension assembly remains essentially maintenance-free for the next 100,000+ kilometers.
 

Beginner's Tips

• Always check both sides: If one shock absorber needs replacing, it is always recommended to replace the opposite shock absorber as well to ensure even suspension.
• Use high-quality spare parts (Monroe, Kyb, etc.): Poor-quality shock absorbers wear out faster and can affect driving safety.
• Monitor the condition of the springs: When replacing shock absorbers, it is also worth checking the condition of the springs and bushings - they may also need replacing.
• Safety first: If you do not have a spring puller or the necessary tools, do not attempt the work - it can be dangerous. Instead, contact a professional mechanic.

When to replace shock absorbers?

The typical service life of shock absorbers is considered to be around 80,000–100,000 kilometers, but this depends on driving style and road conditions. Signs of worn shock absorbers include:

• Uneven tire wear
• The car “bounces” over bumps and does not remain stable on the road
• Increased braking distance
• Knocking or squeaking noises from the suspension

The image shows how the coil spring must be tightly compressed using special spring compressors in order to remove or install the upper strut mount. There is no room for error in this process.

Replacing shock absorbers yourself does require some skills and preparation, but doing the job at home can save a significant amount of money. If you work carefully and follow the instructions, you can successfully restore your car’s suspension to top-level performance.

Are you ready to upgrade your car's suspension?
The image shows a clear hydraulic oil leak with accumulated road dust — a classic sign that the shock absorber is no longer functioning properly and should be replaced in pairs (per axle).

If you need shock absorbers that fit your car, be sure to check out our selection. Choose the right shock absorbers here and order conveniently online.