Whenever someone is faced with replacing shocks for the first time, they always ask how long shocks last on a Jeep Wrangler.
The average shocks will last on a Jeep Wrangler for 50k to 100k miles depending on how you drive, where you drive, and the quality of the shocks.
The Purpose of Shocks
The shock absorber takes the brunt of the jolt that a vehicle has when it encounters a bump. With proper working shock absorbers in place, the body of the vehicle will not bounce up and down so roughly when you drive over a bumpy road.
They help the tires to maintain contact with the surface you are driving over by absorbing the shock and reducing the bounce. This allows safe steering and handling of the vehicle.
Most people know that shock absorbers make their vehicle ride more smoothly and comfortably. What they do not realize is those shock absorbers also play a very important part in helping you to maintain control of the vehicle while you drive.
What Contributes To The Wear of Shock Absorbers?
Sometimes the way you drive and the locations you drive in are causes of your shocks wearing out faster than they should.
Slamming On The Brakes
When you slam on your brakes you cause the anti-lock braking system to be engaged when it is not needed. Repeated slamming of the brakes reduces the life expectancy of the shocks and other suspension components of the vehicle.
Overloading The Vehicle
There is a specific weight limit that the manufacturer sets for every vehicle. That weight limit tells you the exact amount of people and cargo that the vehicle can safely transport. If you exceed that weight limit on a regular basis then you put undue stress on the vehicle.
Overloading the vehicle also increases the possibility that if you are in an accident it will be a rollover accident.
Extreme Abuse
The suspension of a vehicle is designed to withstand the bumps and jolts of normal roadways. If you are driving over extremely rough roads and surfaces, or you go fast and fly over speed bumps, then you put stress on the suspension system.
The result of this abusive treatment is for the vehicle to need shocks changed more frequently than they should.
Extending the life of Shocks
One of the things that you can do to extend the life of your shocks is preventative suspension maintenance. Every part of the vehicle needs to be maintained and checked on a regular basis to make sure all components are functioning properly. Your suspension is a critical part of your vehicle so do not deny it the maintenance it needs.
If you are an off-road enthusiast, and if you own a Jeep you likely are, then you should do maintenance to the vehicle after an adventure ride. This after-care will help prolong the life of many of your Jeep parts.
Wash Off The Mud and Yuck
When you get back from playing in the mud and driving over sandy, rocky and dirty terrain take the time to spray all of that mud and grime off of the vehicle.
Make certain you rinse the undercarriage thoroughly and remove all of the clumps of mud.
This is probably the easiest to do at a carwash because of their high-pressure hoses. Make sure that the carwash you choose does not prohibit the rinsing of muddy vehicles before you pull in and start to wash mud into the drain.
Check Your Tire Pressure
When you get finished playing in the sand and rocks you have to check the pressure of the tires and make certain that it is correct for driving over paved roads. When you drive over sand it is a common practice to air down the tires and prevent your vehicle from getting stuck in the sand.
When you get off of the sand you should air the tires back up to the proper pressure.
When driving over rough terrain like rocks small punctures can occur that can allow air to escape. When driving through mud the thick gooey stuff can cause your valve stem to be pushed and release air. Always check the pressure when you are finished playing.
Check the Fluids
You should check all of your fluids, brake fluid, transmission fluid, water levels, and oil when you are finished with an off-road day. Small punctures in lines can cause leaks and those leaks can cause components of the vehicle to not work properly.
Suspension System
Look closely at your shocks. You are primarily looking for deep dents or possible leaks. Look carefully at the mounts and the bushings for any signs of problems.
Look over the control arms, track bar and springs to see if they show any signs of wear. You especially want to see if any of the components appear to be rubbing against each other.
While you are under the vehicle take your hand and try to wiggle different components to see how much play they have in them. You want to look for loose nuts and bolts, or signs of rust and deterioration.
Do not forget to grease your joints and bearings because that grease increases the life of your parts. Going through water and mud and driving in sand can deplete and diminish the grease in your suspension parts. Check them every time you come home from off-road driving.
What Shocks are Best for a Jeep Wrangler?
You have a lot of possibilities when you start shopping for shocks. There are several shock manufacturers that make high-quality components.
The first consideration you should have is what shocks came on the Jeep as standard equipment. The manufacturer puts a lot of thought into which parts will work best on which automobiles so sticking to what the manufacturer chose is always a good idea.
Talk to a certified Jeep suspension expert and ask them for shock recommendations. You will get recommendations for products that are better suited to the vehicle you drive and the type of driving you to do.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Do Stock Jeep Wrangler Shocks Last?
The average length of time that you can go without replacing shocks on your Jeep Wrangler is between 50k and 100k miles. This will depend on where you drive and how you drive the vehicle.
How Do I Know If I Need New Shocks On My Jeep?
Stand in front of the vehicle and place your hands on the bumper. Push down and see if when the vehicle comes back if it bounces more than twice. If it does you probably need to replace your shocks or struts.
How Do You Know If Your Shocks Are Bad on a Jeep Wrangler?
Shaking and swaying while you are driving are sure signs that the shocks are wearing out. You may notice the vehicle starting to lean to one side when you make a turn.
Final Thoughts
Your shocks are very important aspects of your suspension. They help you maintain control and they make you more comfortable. Make sure you have good shocks, that are not worn out will increase the life of your favorite Jeep.
Jeep Wrangler Related Articles:
1. Jeep Wrangler Steering Wheel Jerks When Turning
2. Loud Popping Sound When in 4-Wheel Drive
3. Jeep Wrangler High Mileage Problems
