How to tell if your shocks are bad

I just replaced all my shocks with Gabriel black oil ones. While I was under the truck today giving it a “Lube” job , 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...........

 

Ok...

 

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.

 

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.

 

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?

 

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.

 

Who gets to buy your used trucks?

 

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.

 

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