Time for Struts and Shocks?

[snj1013]

My 2019 Ram 1500 RWD is starting to feel a bit harsher than is used to. It has 113K miles on it currrently. Other than looking for leaks, are there any other signs that would indicates struts and shocks are needed. My Ram is really just a commuter truck and doesn't tow or haul much other than passengers.

 

[John Kloehr]

My experience is worn shocks and struts result in a softer, not harsher ride. Also possible bouncing too long after a bump and wandering in the lane (not holding directional stability).

Tires getting past a certain wear point do cause a harsher ride, the outer rubber is softer; once this wears away, the inner rubber is harder. This is long before the tire needs to be replaced, just the way tires are made to provide a soft ride at first, then a longer service life, and to reduce tread "squirm."

 

[OCD Solutions]

John's comments match my experience. I passed over replacing my factory shocks at the 100k mile marker when I did plugs, belts and a bunch of other maintenance and waited until I was goven a reason. Coincidentaly, that reason came around the 113k mile mark.

What finally made me replace them was when I started getting unsuppressed tire hop on certain stretches of road. My tires road force balanced fine and everything else checked out so shocks were the next likely culprit.

Three of my shocks were still functioning but the front passenger side was DOA, (no rebound whatso-ever). All 4 appeared pristine and there were no outward signs of failure. The only way I know to be sure of function is to remove them from the vehicle and see how they react to being compressed. Even still, this test just proves good or bad, it doesn't identify marginal or decreased performance. 113k miles is a great run though and you will not be dissapointed with a fresh set on the truck.

I took the opportunity to upgrade from the OEM Hitachi to the Bilsteins that come on the Rebels and I couldn't be happier with the results.

 

[snj1013]

John's comments match my experience. I passed over replacing my factory shocks at the 100k mile marker when I did plugs, belts and a bunch of other maintenance and waited until I was goven a reason. Coincidentaly, that reason came around the 113k mile mark.

What finally made me replace them was when I started getting unsuppressed tire hop on certain stretches of road. My tires road force balanced fine and everything else checked out so shocks were the next likely culprit.

Three of my shocks were still functioning but the front passenger side was DOA, (no rebound whatso-ever). All 4 appeared pristine and there were no outward signs of failure. The only way I know to be sure of function is to remove them from the vehicle and see how they react to being compressed. Even still, this test just proves good or bad, it doesn't identify marginal or decreased performance. 113k miles is a great run though and you will not be dissapointed with a fresh set on the truck.

I took the opportunity to upgrade from the OEM Hitachi to the Bilsteins that come on the Rebels and I couldn't be happier with the results.

Do you have part numbers of the Bilsteins that you purchased?

 

[snj1013]

My experience is worn shocks and struts result in a softer, not harsher ride. Also possible bouncing too long after a bump and wandering in the lane (not holding directional stability).

Tires getting past a certain wear point do cause a harsher ride, the outer rubber is softer; once this wears away, the inner rubber is harder. This is long before the tire needs to be replaced, just the way tires are made to provide a soft ride at first, then a longer service life, and to reduce tread "squirm."

The tires were replaced maybe 6 months ago, and I didn't notice the harshness that I am experiencing until lately.

 

[OCD Solutions]

Do you have part numbers of the Bilsteins that you purchased?

Do you have the Air Suspension? I do so my part numbers may differ.

 

[snj1013]

Do you have the Air Suspension? I do so my part numbers may differ.

No air suspension for me.