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TheLostDutchman's avatar
TheLostDutchman
Explorer
Apr 03, 2015

Shock Absorber Question - Your opinion...

I've owned my 2003 Hitchhiker since it was new - bought it in Oct 2002. While getting my rig ready for a long road trip, it dawned on me... my shocks are the factory originals, now 12 years old. They have approximately 45000 miles on them, some on not so great roads like the back country areas in Arizona and the Top Of The World Highway between Alaska and Canada.

I was wondering if, like tires, there is a recommended time to replace them, irrespective of outward appearance. There are no leaks, but I've never taken them off to see how they dampen. I know they cannot last forever, so I was wondering if there was a rule of thumb some of you might follow in a case like this, and what your recommendations are. I figure having them taken off to check and inspect would cost almost as much as installing new shocks to begin with. Thanks in advance for your input.

Bill

16 Replies

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  • Raymon's avatar
    Raymon
    Explorer
    Apr 03, 2015
    How do you know if the OEM shocks are oil-filled or gas-filled? I am just curious. I don't think there is any way to visually detect f gas shocks leak.
  • NC_Hauler's avatar
    NC_Hauler
    Explorer
    Apr 03, 2015
    I replaced my 3500# weight rated spring packs for 4,000# spring packs (still 7,000# rated axles, but wanted to upgrade spring packs)...also removed all 4 older shocks and replaced with Monroe severe duty shocks and had Equalflex system....made a big difference with the 5er.....

    As stated, remove a shock and see how it's working...I took one off and it was shot....thus the reason I replaced all 4.
  • Grandpere's avatar
    Grandpere
    Explorer
    Apr 03, 2015
    When shock absorbers go bad, the bushings start to show wear because they begin to take a beating. So if there are no leaks and the bushings look full and round, your shocks are still fine. And, unlike the 60s and 70s, today's shocks will last longer than 45,000 miles.
  • Iraqvet05's avatar
    Iraqvet05
    Explorer
    Apr 03, 2015
    I would pull them (at least unbolt one end) and see if there is any dampening resistance. 3 of the 4 shocks on my 2003 TV were blown and I replaced them last year...the truck only had 79k miles on it. The shocks looked fine but age did them in.
  • Ruralgas's avatar
    Ruralgas
    Explorer
    Apr 03, 2015
    Hello:
    Mine were about the same age and with probably only 20,000 miles; all highway.
    Stuff seemed to move/bounce around in the trailer (5th wheel) much more than before.
    Last fall I took the shocks off and OMG; I could extend and compress them easier than playing an accordion!! They weren't leaking, but were shot.
    Put on 4 Monroe's, but haven't had the trailer out since. Will be making a trip shortly.
    You'll have to pull them off and check them, but my money is that they will need replacing.
    Good luck.
  • ScottG's avatar
    ScottG
    Nomad
    Apr 03, 2015
    I don't think there's really a mileage interval.
    I would check to make sure none of them are leaking oil. You could pull a couple of them to see if they've gone limp as well.

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