Shocks and struts are the hydraulic dampers that keep your tires planted on the road over every dip, bump, and pothole. They wear out gradually — so gradually that most drivers don't notice the ride quality is gone until they get into a friend's newer car and realize how the original suspension is supposed to feel. The problem isn't just comfort: worn dampers extend braking distance, accelerate tire wear in cupping patterns, and make the vehicle less stable in emergency maneuvers. Frank's Automotive inspects suspension at every alignment and major service.
What our shocks-and-struts service includes
- Visual inspection — checking for oil leaking around the damper body (almost always means a failed seal), bent rods, cracked top mounts, and torn boots
- Bounce test — push down hard on each corner of the vehicle; healthy dampers settle in one rebound, worn ones bounce two or three times
- Strut top-mount and bearing check — the rubber and bearing at the top of a strut wears separately from the damper itself
- Replacement — done in axle pairs (both fronts or both rears) so ride balance stays even
- Spring inspection — coil springs can fatigue and lose ride height
- Four-wheel alignment after strut work — strut replacement changes camber and caster geometry, so an alignment is required afterward to keep the new install from chewing up tires
We install OEM-equivalent dampers for stock ride quality, or upgraded performance units if you tow regularly or carry load.
Signs your suspension is finished
- Bouncing after bumps — vehicle keeps bouncing instead of settling after a single rebound
- Nose dive — front of the vehicle dips sharply when you brake hard
- Body roll — feels like it's leaning more than it used to in turns
- Cupping or scalloping in the tread (evenly spaced low spots around the tire)
- Clunking or knocking over bumps — often the strut top mount
- Visible fluid leak down the side of the strut
- Steering wander at highway speed — vehicle tracks the road less precisely
Most manufacturers don't list a strict replacement interval, but 50,000–100,000 miles is typical. Around Guadalupe County, rural roads and the occasional pothole season after heavy rain shorten that. If your vehicle is past 80,000 miles and you've never replaced shocks or struts, they're due for inspection.
Why Frank's
ASE Certified technicians, OEM-equivalent dampers matched to your vehicle, and we always include a four-wheel alignment after strut work so the new geometry holds. Covered by our 24-month / 24,000-mile warranty.
Strut inspections take about 15 minutes. We'll show you the wear pattern on the tires if there's a correlation. Request an appointment or call (830) 379-4840.