How to tell if your shocks are bad

Discussion in 'Trucks [ Eighteen Wheelers ]' started by peekaboonotyou, Aug 9, 2019.

  1. MACK E-6

    MACK E-6 Moderator Staff Member

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    Had a mechanic tell me this yesterday.
     
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  3. Diesel Dave

    Diesel Dave Last Few of the OUTLAWS

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    I just replaced all my shocks with Gabriel black oil ones. While I was under the truck today giving it a “Lube” job :p , noticed 2 of them leaking. One on the steers, one on the drives. Only 2 weeks old. Gonna talk to the rep and see if I can exchange all 6 for those “Yellow” gas ones. Stay tuned...........
     
    Last edited: Aug 17, 2019
  4. Wajid8705

    Wajid8705 Light Load Member

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    Ok...
     
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  5. johnnyman1099

    johnnyman1099 Medium Load Member

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    I just replaced both my shocks on Steer axle and wasted my money. Replaced with OEM shocks from Kenworth. Was hoping to get smoother ride after replacing shocks. No difference. 2016 Kenworth T680 with 400k miles. Truck have original shocks.
     
  6. jamespmack

    jamespmack Road Train Member

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    Too hot is a issue too. Low oil or loss of gas. Have a buddy who builds and repairs shocks for race cars. They have. Shock dyno for testing. Cost prohibitive to have him build me any. We talked.
     
  7. Rideandrepair

    Rideandrepair Road Train Member

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    I try to replace every year, usually takes a while longer to get to them. They’re usually all bad. They Usually leak oil when bad. The yellow gas charged seem to last the least. The purpose of shocks is slow down the movement of suspension. Always notice a big difference. The trend seems to be, bigger air bags, running softer, bad shocks causes more movement, bad ride. It makes all the difference on my Freightliner, Maybe an 8 bag kw dbl pancake system, not as much? And why do those d### Volvo’s ride so good? Is it the bar that connects across the bottom of air bags?
     
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  8. ChicagoJohn

    ChicagoJohn Road Train Member

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    Gabriel is having major issues right now with their oil shocks. I had 4 of 6 go bad in about 9 months. My local Freightliner dealership hasn't gotten a shipment in a couple of weeks because Gabriel stopped shipping them out. I switched to Monroe gas. I usually change out my shocks about every 18 months or so anyway.
     
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  9. mike5511

    mike5511 Road Train Member

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    Who gets to buy your used trucks?
     
  10. W903B

    W903B Light Load Member

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    Replacing shock also depends on which shocks I m using, different shocks different life span , I replaced 3 reear shocks putt of 4 , in 4 months because they all leaked yes warranty was covered , PACCAR (Gabriel) ones cost double but comes with 2 year warranty, sharing my experience.
     
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  11. '88K100

    '88K100 Road Train Member

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    Remove shocks and test or you just guessing unless there is visible leakage
     
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