Shocks & Struts Replacement
Need shocks or struts replaced in Thousand Oaks? Your shocks and struts do more than provide a comfortable ride – they're critical safety components that keep your tires firmly planted on the road. At Gallardo's Automotive Service, we diagnose suspension problems accurately and install quality shocks and struts to restore safe handling and a smooth ride.
Warning Signs of Worn Shocks and Struts
Shocks and struts wear gradually, so you may not notice the decline. Watch for these warning signs:
Ride Quality Issues
- Excessive bouncing – vehicle continues bouncing after hitting a bump
- Rough or harsh ride – you feel every bump in the road
- Bottoming out – suspension compresses fully over bumps or dips
- Vehicle sways or leans in turns
- Nose dive when braking – front end dips excessively
- Squat during acceleration – rear end drops under power
Handling Problems
- Poor steering response – vague or wandering steering
- Vehicle pulls or drifts in crosswinds
- Difficulty maintaining control on uneven surfaces
- Longer stopping distances – tires lose contact with road
- Instability at highway speeds
Physical Signs
- Visible oil leaking from shock or strut body
- Dented or damaged shock body
- Worn rubber mounts or bushings
- Uneven tire wear – cupping or scalloping pattern
- Clunking or knocking over bumps
Shocks vs. Struts: What's the Difference?
Shocks (Shock Absorbers)
Shocks are standalone components that dampen suspension movement. They don't support vehicle weight or affect alignment.
Struts
Struts are structural components that combine a shock absorber with the spring mount. They support vehicle weight and are part of the steering system. Strut replacement requires wheel alignment afterward.
What Your Vehicle Has
Most vehicles have one of these configurations:
- Struts front, shocks rear – most common on sedans
- Struts all four corners – common on compact cars
- Shocks all four corners – common on trucks and SUVs
Our Shock and Strut Service
Inspection Process
- Visual inspection – check for leaks, damage, and wear
- Bounce test – evaluate damping effectiveness
- Road test – verify symptoms under driving conditions
- Mount and bushing inspection – check supporting components
- Tire wear analysis – worn shocks cause specific wear patterns
Replacement Service Includes
- Quality shock or strut assembly
- New mounts and hardware as needed
- Wheel alignment (required after strut replacement)
- Road test to verify proper operation
Options Available
- OEM replacement – factory-equivalent ride quality
- Upgraded shocks/struts – improved handling and durability
- Performance shocks – firmer response for spirited driving
- Heavy-duty shocks – for towing and hauling
- Adjustable shocks – customize your ride
What to Expect: Timeframes
| Service | Typical Time |
|---|---|
| Suspension Inspection | 30-45 minutes |
| Shock Replacement (pair) | 1-2 hours |
| Strut Replacement (pair) | 2-3 hours |
| All Four Corners | 3-5 hours |
| Wheel Alignment (after struts) | 45-60 minutes |
When to Replace Shocks and Struts
| Condition | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Normal driving | Every 50,000-75,000 miles |
| Rough roads or heavy use | Every 40,000-50,000 miles |
| Towing or hauling regularly | Every 40,000-50,000 miles |
| Visible leaking or damage | Replace immediately |
The Gallardo's Shock and Strut Advantage
- Quality parts – OEM and premium aftermarket options
- Matched replacement – we always replace shocks/struts in pairs
- Complete service – mounts, hardware, and alignment included
- Experienced technicians – proper installation for safe handling
- Ride options – we can change your ride character if desired
- Warranty coverage – we stand behind our suspension work
- Financing available through our special financing program
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I replace shocks/struts in pairs?
Yes, always. Replacing only one side creates an imbalance that affects handling and can accelerate wear on the new unit. We recommend replacing both front or both rear together.
How do I know if I need shocks or struts?
We can tell you exactly what your vehicle uses during inspection. The symptoms of worn shocks and struts are similar regardless of type.
Will new shocks/struts improve my ride?
Worn shocks and struts degrade gradually, so you may not realize how bad they've become. New units typically provide a noticeably smoother, more controlled ride and improved handling.
Do I need an alignment after shock replacement?
Alignment isn't typically needed after shock-only replacement, but is required after strut replacement since struts affect wheel alignment.
Can worn shocks/struts cause tire wear?
Yes. Worn shocks allow tires to bounce and skip, causing a cupped or scalloped wear pattern. This accelerates tire wear and can ruin tires prematurely.
Related Services
Serving the Conejo Valley & Ventura County
Gallardo's Automotive Service provides expert shock and strut service to drivers in:
- Thousand Oaks
- Westlake Village
- Newbury Park
- Moorpark
- Agoura Hills
- Oak Park
- Camarillo
- Simi Valley
Restore your ride quality and handling. Call us at (805) 494-9358 or schedule an appointment online for expert shock and strut service.
At Gallardo's Automotive Service, your complete automotive care center in Thousand Oaks, CA, we'll get your suspension working like new. Give us a call and let us help keep you safely and economically on the road.
