What do shocks and struts do?
Shocks and struts play an integral role in your vehicle’s suspension system. They are designed primarily to give you a much smoother ride by absorbing and damping feedback from the road. Keep in mind, automotive shocks and struts do more than just provide a comfortable ride.
One of their most important functions is to influence the control and handling characteristics of your vehicle. They work to keep your tires on the road and to keep you safe and comfortable. Without them, a vehicle would continually bounce up and down, making handling and steering of the vehicle extremely difficult, as well as dangerous.
Vehicle ride control, safety, and a driver’s ability to steer and brake depend on having firm contact between the vehicle’s tires and the road. Shocks and struts aid in ensuring this contact remains secure under any driving condition.
Gabriel cannot determine whether any particular customer is qualified to check or replace ride control, shocks or struts. Customers must make their own assessments of their experience, skills and knowledge and take responsibility for all results and if in doubt, seek the assistance of a qualified trained mechanic.
These videos are not intended to be step-by-step instructions, but are intended for general information purposes only.
Every vehicle is delivered with an OEM owner’s manual. If you cannot locate yours, several publications exist that will provide you with the specifications for the parts on the vehicle you are about to repair. Read the OEM manual specific to the make and model of your vehicle and the instructions that accompany your Gabriel product before undertaking any repair or replacement project. Always seek the advice or assistance of a qualified, trained professional when needed.
Before starting and vehicle repair or replacement project, you must have the proper training, tools, equipment and experience necessary to safely and correctly complete the project. This is especially important for anyone attempting to replace a worn strut or shock absorber, because failure to remove the worn part or install the replacement parts correctly on your vehicle may result in personal injury or damage to property.
