Frenchy
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- Chris
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- Elizabeth, Colorado
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This is going to be one of those informative type posts to help individuals understand when they should replace or rebuild(if applicable) your Shocks and Struts.
Now I don't care if you still have the Factory Shocks and Struts or if you changed to something else, this will still apply to you. The rules will still be the same regardless.
Now to get on with the basics. It's obvious you should Replace or Rebuild your Shocks and Struts if they are Leaking or Broken. One thing that should also be taken into account is the Miles/Kilometers you drive.
Strait from KYB "If you want to keep your vehicle operating as well as it was designed to: Then KYB and most industry experts suggest replacement shocks and struts after 50,000 miles (80,000 km).".
Keep in mind that if you only drive on the street then the statement above from KYB applies to you! If you travel OffRoad then it most likely has changed and it will depend on the Shocks and Struts you have.
What about other Brands and OffRoad Travel? Well it will depend on the Brand and the amount of OffRoad Travel you do. I have two brands we can use for example here. Both Fox and Dobinsons.
Let's start with Fox. Regardless what many will state, you will need to rebuild the Fox Shocks and Struts at 50,000 miles if you stay on the street only. The chart below is from Fox mentioning such a long with other recommended services that you can do like cleaning the shock.
Now with Fox Shocks and Struts if you travel OffRoad about 50% of the time, then you will need to have them Rebuilt every 10,000 Miles. Why did it get cut so much you ask? Probably due to a combination of the Valving making it a super plush ride and the seals that Fox chose to use. Put simple it is considered Normal Wear and Tear and will need to be serviced at that interval.
Next is Dobinsons. This is another brand from Down Under in Australia. Unlike Fox that focuses more on Racing, Dobinsons focuses more on Overlanding/Touring(and Australia has quite a bit of that kind of stuff). But don't worry. The Dobinsons are not invincible either when it comes to needing a rebuild or replacement. For both the IMS and MRR Shocks and Struts Dobinsons recommends servicing them every 30,000 miles with 50% OffRoad use and every 10,000 miles for 100% OffRoad use.
Now for those wondering if they can take a Fox Shock and Strut and follow the Dobinsons Recommendation, I say you should not do that what so ever. Why you ask? Because it is a Fox and not a Dobinsons. The same idea goes for any other brand that allows the Shocks and Struts to be rebuilt. You follow what that brand states.
As for where to get the Shocks and Struts rebuilt? Well you can choose to have it sent back to the Manufacturer or you can try to find a local shop that is certified for the brand of Shocks and Struts you have selected. Either way it is your call on that.
Hopefully this will help quite a few individuals for understanding Replacing and Rebuilding Shocks and Struts.
Now I don't care if you still have the Factory Shocks and Struts or if you changed to something else, this will still apply to you. The rules will still be the same regardless.
Now to get on with the basics. It's obvious you should Replace or Rebuild your Shocks and Struts if they are Leaking or Broken. One thing that should also be taken into account is the Miles/Kilometers you drive.
Strait from KYB "If you want to keep your vehicle operating as well as it was designed to: Then KYB and most industry experts suggest replacement shocks and struts after 50,000 miles (80,000 km).".
Keep in mind that if you only drive on the street then the statement above from KYB applies to you! If you travel OffRoad then it most likely has changed and it will depend on the Shocks and Struts you have.
What about other Brands and OffRoad Travel? Well it will depend on the Brand and the amount of OffRoad Travel you do. I have two brands we can use for example here. Both Fox and Dobinsons.
Let's start with Fox. Regardless what many will state, you will need to rebuild the Fox Shocks and Struts at 50,000 miles if you stay on the street only. The chart below is from Fox mentioning such a long with other recommended services that you can do like cleaning the shock.
Now with Fox Shocks and Struts if you travel OffRoad about 50% of the time, then you will need to have them Rebuilt every 10,000 Miles. Why did it get cut so much you ask? Probably due to a combination of the Valving making it a super plush ride and the seals that Fox chose to use. Put simple it is considered Normal Wear and Tear and will need to be serviced at that interval.
Next is Dobinsons. This is another brand from Down Under in Australia. Unlike Fox that focuses more on Racing, Dobinsons focuses more on Overlanding/Touring(and Australia has quite a bit of that kind of stuff). But don't worry. The Dobinsons are not invincible either when it comes to needing a rebuild or replacement. For both the IMS and MRR Shocks and Struts Dobinsons recommends servicing them every 30,000 miles with 50% OffRoad use and every 10,000 miles for 100% OffRoad use.
Now for those wondering if they can take a Fox Shock and Strut and follow the Dobinsons Recommendation, I say you should not do that what so ever. Why you ask? Because it is a Fox and not a Dobinsons. The same idea goes for any other brand that allows the Shocks and Struts to be rebuilt. You follow what that brand states.
As for where to get the Shocks and Struts rebuilt? Well you can choose to have it sent back to the Manufacturer or you can try to find a local shop that is certified for the brand of Shocks and Struts you have selected. Either way it is your call on that.
Hopefully this will help quite a few individuals for understanding Replacing and Rebuilding Shocks and Struts.
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