Damaged Shocks: Spot the Signs and Get Your Car Back on Track

If your ride feels bouncy, noisy, or just not right, your shocks might be the culprit. Shocks (or shock absorbers) keep your car steady by damping the bumps from the road. When they wear out, the car can bounce, sway, or make clunking sounds. Below is a quick guide to help you figure out if your shocks are damaged and what to do about it.

Common Symptoms of Bad Shocks

First thing you’ll notice is a change in ride comfort. A dead shock lets the wheel move up and down too freely, so you feel every pothole. Other red flags include:

• Leaking fluid from the shock body – you’ll see oily spots on the wheels.
• Uneven tire wear – the inside or outside edge of the tire gets worn faster.
• Excessive body roll when cornering – the car leans more than usual.
• Clunking or knocking noises, especially over bumps.

If any of these pop up, it’s time to check the shocks.

How to Do a Simple Shock Test

You don’t need a garage to get a basic read on your shocks. Park on a flat surface, push down hard on the front or rear of the car, then let go. The car should bounce once and settle. If it bounces more than once or keeps moving, the shock isn’t damping properly.

Another quick check is visual inspection. Look at each wheel from the side; the shock should be solid and free of cracks. Any rust, dents, or fluid leaks mean replacement is likely.

For an Italian car, driving dynamics matter a lot. A sports sedan or a classic Alfa Romeo will feel the difference instantly. Bad shocks can ruin handling and even risk safety on twisty roads.

Repair vs. Replacement

In most cases, replacing the shock is the best route. Unlike a brake pad, you can’t really “repair” a worn-out damper. Some shops offer rebuild kits, but they’re usually only for high‑performance or vintage models where you want to keep the original look.

If you decide to replace them yourself, you’ll need a jack, jack stands, a socket set, and possibly a spring compressor for older models. The process is:

1. Lift the car and secure it on stands.
2. Remove the wheel.
3. Unbolt the top and bottom mounting points of the shock.
4. Swap in the new shock, torque the bolts to the manufacturer’s specs.
5. Re‑mount the wheel and lower the car.

Always double‑check the torque numbers – over‑tightening can damage the mounting brackets.

If you’re not comfortable with tools, a quick visit to a local garage will cost around £150‑£250 per axle for standard shocks. Premium performance shocks for an Italian sports car can run higher, but the upgrade often improves grip and comfort dramatically.

Don’t forget to replace any worn bushings or mounts at the same time. They wear together and swapping just the damper can leave you with a loose feel.

Bottom line: damaged shocks aren’t just an annoyance; they affect safety, tire life, and handling. Spot the symptoms early, run a simple bounce test, and replace them before they cause bigger problems. Your car will thank you with a smoother ride and better control on every road you tackle.