Shocks and Struts Service Video

Shocks and struts control how your vehicle's suspension responds to bumps, dips, and body motion. Shocks dampen spring movement, while struts are structural units that combine the shock, spring seat, and steering pivot into one assembly.

This video walks through where these parts sit on the vehicle and what a worn unit looks like once the internal valving starts to lose control. Under normal driving, the piston inside each unit pushes hydraulic fluid through small orifices, converting suspension motion into heat and settling the vehicle after every bump.

Wear shows up in how the vehicle rides and handles. A bouncy ride after crossing railroad tracks, excessive nose-diving during braking, or cupped tire wear can indicate worn struts. Fluid leaking down the strut body may also signal that the struts have lost their damping ability.

Rough, patched pavement along Frederick County commuter routes causes suspension pistons to move constantly. Over time, this repeated movement wears down the internal seals, allowing fluid to bypass the valving. A proper inspection at Spectra Auto Services checks each corner for leaks, bounce response, mount condition, and uneven tire wear patterns that point back to the suspension.

When the inspection confirms replacement is needed, our shocks and struts replacement service covers the full scope, including the alignment that follows a full set. Drivers from Walkersville and Urbana come to our shop when the ride turns bouncy, so we can replace a leaking unit before it chews up the tires.

If your ride feels bouncy or the front dives under braking, call (301) 695-5990 or visit Spectra Auto Services in Frederick to have the suspension inspected.