Shock Absorbers: Notes

Damage to one shock absorber or one suspension strut does not justify the simultaneous replacement of the opposite shock absorber or suspension strut. This also applies to complaints about noise, such as thumping. Here diagnosis of the responsible shock absorber should be done by driving one side of the vehicle on a corresponding road surface, or by swapping the suspension struts left/right. Then only replace the diagnosed shock absorber.

Since it can be assumed that a new shock absorber installed in a high-mileage vehicle would not harmonize with the used shock absorber and thus impair ride comfort and/or vehicle dynamics, we recommend replacing these parts in pairs only after the vehicle has reached a mileage of at least 50,000 miles (80,000 km).