When it's time to replace the struts

Replacing the struts is a necessary and regular procedure. A strut is a shock absorber combined with a spring and mounting elements, which are used to fix it to the car’s chassis.

Like any parts, over time, they wear out and need replacement. The condition of the struts can even be determined independently. To do this, the driver can perform the following actions: start driving at a speed of 20-30 km/h, and after a while, sharply press the brakes. If the struts are faulty, the rear part of the car will lift up or the front will dip down. Additionally, specialists at the Dubai service center recommend paying attention to how the car "responds" to bumps. If the body sways significantly during maneuvers on such surfaces, and the feedback from the car worsens, this is a sign that the struts need replacing.

Another characteristic symptom is a knocking sound in the suspension. This doesn’t always indicate a serious problem, but in any case, it’s an abnormality that should be addressed. A bent shaft and oil leakage are also signs that the struts need to be replaced.
The most accurate way to check their condition is through instrumental diagnostics on a special test bench. That’s why it’s recommended to periodically show the car to service center specialists.

How the strut replacement is done

The most common cause of failure is wear on the shafts, driving habits, accidents, and poor road quality. The shock absorbers should be replaced in pairs (one axle at a time). Generally, the process depends on the design features of the car’s suspension, but experts at the Dubai service center highlight the following steps:

1. First, the mechanic removes the wheels and disconnects the brake hoses. It’s quite difficult to do this yourself as there are many nuances that could affect the quality of vehicle handling later.
2. Next, the upper and lower mountings are removed.
3. After this, the shock absorber itself can be removed. To do so, it needs to be compressed with a special puller. It’s important to make sure there’s no misalignment during the process. After removal, the mechanic inspects the spring and checks for any damage.
4. The strut is replaced.
5. The final step is checking and performing a wheel alignment. This is a mandatory procedure that must be done. If these parameters aren’t adjusted, issues with directional stability will arise, the car will pull to one side, and the overall handling will worsen, which will accelerate uneven tire wear.

Strut replacement at “PRO.СТО”

The mechanics at the PRO.СТО service in Dubai always remind about the golden rule for drivers: visit the service center even when the slightest suspicion of problems or changes in the car’s suspension arises. It’s better to come in for a check-up when there’s no immediate need than to ignore minor defects and later replace half of the suspension parts. The diagnostic work will be minimal in cost but will help identify the issue and fix it in time, avoiding major financial expenses.