Have you ever wondered how the shocks on semi trucks work?
Semi trucks are incredibly large and heavy vehicles, so it’s hard to believe that they use the same shocks as other vehicles.
Perhaps you are wondering how long the shocks on a semi truck will last and how much it will cost to replace them.
If you want to find out everything there is to know about the shocks on semi trucks, read on to find out more:
Here’s a quick answer to how long Shocks Last on a Semi Truck:
Shocks on a semi truck on average last up to 100,000 miles. They can have a shorter or longer lifespan, depending on how the semi truck is driven. Driving the semi truck off-road, overloading it with heavy cargo, and not ensuring proper maintenance will reduce the lifespan of the shocks.
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What are Shocks on a Semi Truck?
Shock absorbers are an essential part of any vehicle. The shocks dampen the motion of the springs between the road and the suspension.
This prevents any serious damage from being done to the suspension and other integral parts of the semi truck. Having good shocks will help to prolong the lifespan of the semi truck as a whole.
Having good shocks will also make the ride of the semi truck much smoother and more comfortable for the driver. This can help to prevent drivers from becoming tired too quickly.
How Many Shocks do Semi Trucks have?
Generally, semi truck tractors will have shock absorbers on each axle. In the majority of cases, they have four sets of shocks on a semi truck tractor.
Many semi truck trailers also have shock absorbers. This helps to prevent any damage from being done to the cargo. It also helps to keep the entire semi truck stable while traveling.
If there is heavy cargo in the trailer, any sudden bumps in the road could cause the semi truck to lose stability due to the weight being moved around.
Semi trucks not only need stronger shocks than average vehicles, but they also need more in order to remain stable at higher speeds.
How Long do Shocks generally Last on a Semi Truck
The lifespan of shock absorbers on a semi truck depends on how they are used. If the semi truck drives more often and drives on poor roads regularly, the shocks will have a shorter lifespan.
However, if the semi truck drives on smoother roads such as highways and avoids bumpy and poor roads, the shocks can last significantly longer. Heavy cargo can also affect the lifespan of the shocks.
Most shocks will last up to 100,000 miles on a semi truck without any issues. This depends on how well they are taken care of and the build quality of the shocks.
How Long do OEM Shocks Last on a Semi Truck?
OEM shock absorbers are the exact replica of what you can find on your vehicle. In most cases, these are the best options for most vehicles since they are built specifically for your vehicle.
In the majority of cases, you can be assured that OEM shocks will be built to a high degree of standard with high-quality materials. This will give you the peace of mind that your shocks can be trusted.
Generally, OEM shocks can last at least 100,000 miles. As always though, it depends on how you drive your semi truck and where you drive your semi truck.
How Long do Hydraulic Shocks Last on a Semi Truck?
Hydraulic shocks are the most common ones found in cars. They use the kinetic energy from the motion of the suspension on the road to generate heat or thermic energy.
The thermic energy heats up the fluid inside the shock absorber allowing it to flow through valves and outlets. This causes the hydraulic resistance and dampening effect.
These are often used in semi trucks because they are more affordable, and easier to maintain. They can easily last 100,000 miles if they are taken care of properly.
How Long do Gas Charged Shocks Last on a Semi Truck?
Gas-charged shocks are mostly used in high-performance cars and sports cars. They are ideal for high-speed scenarios, so they might not be as common to find on semi trucks.
Gas-charged shocks use nitrogen and are separated from the oil by a piston. This concept prevents foaming when the shocks become overworked, hence them being considered high-performance parts.
Gas-charged shocks can also last up to 100,000 miles if the vehicle has been taken care of properly and driven smoothly.
How Long do Shocks Last Off-Road on a Semi Truck?
Driving a semi truck off-road can be really bad for the shocks. This can be especially true if the semi truck is also loaded with heavy cargo.
Dirt roads can be extremely bumpy, and this would cause the shocks on a semi truck to work extremely hard. The harder they work, the shorter their lifespan will be.
Generally, the shocks on a semi truck that is driven off-road regularly might not even last 50,000 miles.
What Causes Shocks to go Bad in Semi Trucks?
There are several factors that can influence the lifespan of the shocks on your semi truck. Understanding these factors is key to helping your shocks last as long as possible and saving your money.
The main influence on the lifespan of your semi truck’s shocks will be how it is driven.
If there is a lot of strain on the shocks you can expect them to last a much shorter time than they should.
Do Shocks go Bad from Sitting?
Shocks can not necessarily go bad from sitting for long periods of time.
While they are not being used, there is no strain being put on the shocks, and therefore it will not affect their overall lifespan.
However, shocks can go bad while the vehicle is sitting.
For example, there could be a leak that would cause it to go bad, and you might feel the effect more after the vehicle has been sitting for a long time. However, the problem was not caused because the vehicle was sitting.
Do Shocks go Bad from Age?
In most cases, shocks have a very long life span. Many shocks can last up to 10 years or even more before they go bad.
Over time, shocks can become rusted or lose their dampening ability as any other parts also can.
However, in the majority of cases, shocks can last an extremely long time if they have been taken care of properly, and the vehicle has been driven smoothly.
Signs of Bad Shocks on Semi Trucks
For the average driver, it can be difficult to identify if their shocks are bad.
However, there are some tell-tale signs that you need to look out for if you want to find out of the shocks on your semi truck are bad.
The first sign you want to be looking out for is unusual sounds when going over bumps. You may hear a creaking or squeaking noise, specifically when the semi truck goes over a bump in the road or a speed bump.
You may also find that the semi truck is leaning more towards one side than another.
For example, if the semi truck leans more toward the left when you look at it from the front, it could be a clear sign that your front left shocks are done.
You might also find that your semi truck’s body leans during corners. This should not be the case if you have strong shocks. You might also find that the steering of the semi truck will feel unusual.
If your semi truck’s tires are wearing out unevenly, it can also be a sign of bad shocks, and you may need to get them checked out.
Can you Drive with Bad Shocks on your Semi Truck?
While you can technically drive a semi truck with bad shocks, it is certainly not recommended.
If the shocks are in a very bad state, it will begin to affect the handling of the semi truck, and you will lose stability.
It could also end up costing you more if your cargo becomes damaged due to the dampening effect not working properly.
You will also experience unusual tire wear, and you may need to replace your tires more often.
It is recommended to test your shocks as soon as you experience any of the signs of bad shocks. If they need to be replaced, it is best to do it as soon as possible.
How to Test Shocks on a Semi Truck?
If you would like to get confirmation of the state of the shocks on your semi truck, there are some inspections you can do to double-check them. There are some subtle signs you can look out for.
While it is not absolutely necessary, you can remove the shocks from the vehicle to get a better look at them.
The first sign is that there is fluid leaking from the shocks. The unit will lose compression, and its ability to dampen bumps in the road if there is a leak.
You should also check the shocks for any signs of physical damage. Physical damage can show up in the form of dents, rust or even chips on the shocks.
How Often should Shocks be replaced on Semi Trucks?
Just like other parts on your semi truck, all shocks are different. It mostly depends on how they are used, and on the driving style of the driver.
On average, the shocks on a semi truck need to be replaced every 100,000 miles. However, in some cases, they can last longer or shorter distances.
If a semi truck is driven off-road, on bad roads, or is constantly hauling heavy cargo, the lifespan of the shocks will be shorter.
Should All Shocks be Replaced at the Same Time on your Semi Truck?
Just like with tires, it is recommended to replace all of your shocks at the same time. This will help your semi truck to have more even, predictable and stable handling.
It will also be easier than to keep track of which shocks are older and which are newer.
Semi Truck Shock Replacement Cost
The cost s of shocks for a semi truck varies depending on the brand and the model of your semi truck. However, in most cases, they range between $170 and $300 per shock.
Always bear in mind that you will need to replace all four at the same time, and you will need to use the same brand for each shock.
What can you do to Prolong the Life of Your Semi Truck’s Shocks?
Prolonging the lifespan of the shocks on your semi truck is important because it will keep your ride comfortable, safe and it will ensure that your cargo is protected.
You can keep your shocks running smoothly for longer if you avoid overloading your semi truck. Heavy loads can put a lot of strain on shocks.
You can also try to work out routes that avoid roads that are in bad condition. You must also avoid driving your semi-truck off-road to prevent straining the shocks.
What are the Best Shocks for your Semi Truck?
In the majority of cases, the factory shocks are the best ones for your semi truck.
They have been specifically designed by the manufacturer for your truck and will be the best equipped to work with it.
Aftermarket shocks are not always good, and most people recommend avoiding them altogether.
However, if you are considering aftermarket shocks, Fox has the best quality parts.