ShockFailing

SYMPTOMS OF WORN SHOCKS revisited 2025
by Monroe, KONI, Rutherford and (last but not least with 400,000kms on three Morgans), GoMoG

I read on a forum today, someone advising everyone that they were still using shocks with 85,000 miles on them and that they must still be good as they are not leaking fluid yet! Any suspension person must be rolling in their graves at that news. Mothing could be farther from the truth.

Of course, the very old types of dampening, Armstrong lever arms, can be refurbished and maintained to their original somewhat vintage feel. But standard dampers (at the left) we all use in front and 90% of us at the rear as well, should run away from such people. Some gas charged shocks (ofteen the more expensive choice) will never leak. That does not mean they are still worth having on your car.

The signs of failing shocks creep up on you so incrementally that the only sign of their feeling is a growing feeling of discontent with how your vehicle comports itself. Manufacturers of proper Morgan shocks performance shocks recommend 20,000-25,000 miles. You can be happy for longer depending on your atOf course, the very old types of dampening, Armstrong lever arms, can be refurbished and maintained to their original somewhat vintage feel. But standard dampers (at the left) we all use in front and 90% of us at the rear as well, should run away from such people. Some gas charged shocks (ofteen the more expensive choice) will never leak. That does not mean thet are still worth having on your car frever.tentiveness. This assumes you have the right shocks in the first place. I have tried 5 different manufacturers and immediately removed three types (new) after a 20 minutes. I kept the rejects of course and I am happy I did as I can test the state of of the good ones aginst thyem over time. If your old favorities have become flabby in comparison when you pull them open or force them close, then you know the those have gone bad. Your vehicle may need new shocks if and of these occur:

The GoMoG (Duh!) Resistance Test? The shocks are easier to open and close than they were when new.

Mileage: Begin to suspect your shocks at 25,000 miles and toss them at 50,000 miles no matter what. Also remember that shocks wear as long as the car is on the ground..mileage or not. When not in use, give you Morgan suspension a break and place the car on stands

Vehicle handling If you experience a generally bumpy or shaky vehicle ride; poor steering response, stiffness or noise when steering; "nose dive" or instability when braking; or swaying/leaning when turning or changing lanes.

Fluid leaks If you are using shocks that contain fluid, (most do, even "gas" shocks) and there are noticeable fluid leaks;

Physical Consistency if the shocks, struts or mounts look dented or damaged; or if your tires show unusual wear patterns.

OTHER SIGNS OF WORN SHOCKS AND STRUTS

Poor steering response, stiffness or noise when steering	Fluid leaks from shock or strut body	Dented or damaged shock or strut bodies
Broken, damaged, corroded or worn mounts or bushings	Excessive "nose dive" or instability when braking	Vehicle sways or leans on turns or when lane changing
Cupped, uneven tire wear	Excessive vehicle bounce after hitting a road bump	Harsh, bumpy or shaky vehicle ride