Shocks and struts are the hydraulic dampers that keep your tires in firm contact with the road over every bump, pothole, and dip. They're not just about ride comfort — worn dampers extend your braking distance, accelerate tire wear in cupping patterns, and make the vehicle less stable in emergency maneuvers. Frank's Automotive in New Braunfels inspects suspension at every alignment and brake job, because shocks and struts wear gradually enough that drivers often don't notice until they get into a new car and realize how different a healthy suspension feels.
What's involved
A shocks-and-struts service at our shop:
- Bounce test — push down hard on each corner of the vehicle; healthy dampers return to level in one rebound, worn ones bounce two or three times
- Visual inspection — looking for fluid leaking around the body (almost always means the seal is gone and the unit is finished), bent rods, cracked mounts, and torn boots
- Strut top-mount and bushing check — the rubber and bearing at the top of a strut wears separately and is a common source of clunking
- Replacement — typically done in axle pairs (both fronts or both rears) so ride balance stays even
- Spring inspection — coil springs can fatigue; we check ride height against spec
- Alignment — strut replacement changes the camber/caster geometry, so a four-wheel alignment is required afterward
We can install OE-equivalent dampers (factory-feel ride) or upgraded performance units if you want firmer handling for towing or load-carrying.
When to bring it in
Common symptoms of worn shocks or struts:
- Bouncing — vehicle continues to bounce after a bump or after braking hard
- Nose dive — front of the vehicle dips sharply when you brake
- Body roll — leans noticeably in turns
- Cupping or scalloping on the tire tread (a wear pattern of evenly spaced low spots around the tire)
- Clunking or knocking over bumps — often a worn strut top-mount, sometimes the strut itself
- Visible fluid leak down the side of the shock or strut
- Steering wander at highway speed
Most manufacturers don't list a strict replacement interval, but 50,000–100,000 miles is the typical service life. Around New Braunfels and the Hill Country, gravel roads, washboarded county routes, and Texas potholes shorten that. If your vehicle has 80,000+ miles and you've never replaced the dampers, they're due for inspection.
Why Frank's for shocks and struts
Our service techs are ASE Certified, we use OEM-equivalent dampers matched to your vehicle, and we always do a four-wheel alignment after strut work so the new geometry holds. The work is covered by our 24-month / 24,000-mile warranty.
Let us look at it before it becomes a roadside problem — most strut inspections take 15 minutes, and we'll show you the wear pattern on the tires if there's a connection. Request an appointment or call (830) 627-3939.