Like all safety-critical vehicle components, KYB shocks and struts do wear out over the course of normal operation. The rate of wear and tear of one’s KYB shocks greatly depends on variables such as road and environmental conditions, one’s driving style and also, the load of the vehicle.

In general, one’s shocks and struts have a slow wear and tear rate. Hence, many motorists take it for granted. Many don’t realize the need to browse on the Bilstein shocks catalog once every year to have their shocks and struts replaced. Having a worn down shocks have its negative effects –one may suffer from reduced steering precision, stopping performance and vehicle stability. Aside from these, worn down shocks and struts could have a bad effect on:

• Rate and pattern of tire wear
• Passenger comfort
• Brake life
• Dynamic wheel alignment
• Durability of other chassis parts

Other symptoms of worn shocks and struts are the following:

• Fluid leaks from shock or strut body.
• Poor steering response, stiffness or noise when steering.
• Cupped, uneven tire wear.
• Harsh, bumpy or shaky vehicle ride.
• Dented or damaged shock or strut bodies.
• Excessive “nose dive” or instability when braking.
• Broken, damaged, corroded or worn mounts or bushings.
• Vehicle sways or leans on turns or when lane changing.
• Excessive vehicle bounce after hitting a road bump.