Worn shocks don't always leak — internal valve wear causes degraded damping without visible signs. For Mountlake Terrace drivers on the I-5 corridor and 236th commute routes, Tom's B&M Auto tests shock absorber function with a bounce test, visual inspection, and road test to assess body control and rebound. We replace shocks in axle pairs using Monroe, KYB, or Bilstein units, not economy brands.
Road test to assess body motion, rebound, and noise. Corner bounce test — more than one full bounce indicates worn shock or strut. Lift inspection for oil weeping, physical damage, and upper mount condition.
Shocks replaced in axle pairs. Upper mount and bump stop condition inspected — worn mounts return noise after new shock installation. Monroe, KYB, or Bilstein units installed depending on vehicle and performance preference.
Post-repair road test to confirm body control improvement. Sway bar end links inspected at every shock replacement. Four-wheel alignment recommended if vehicle was exhibiting wandering or uneven tire wear.
Shocks wear gradually enough that most drivers don't notice the degradation until they drive a vehicle with good shocks and feel the difference. The test: push down hard on each corner of the car and release. One full bounce is acceptable. Two or more means the shock isn't damping correctly.
We don't install economy brand shocks. Monroe Sensatrac, KYB Excel-G, and Bilstein B4 are the brands with decades of documented performance in real-world conditions. The price difference between an economy shock and a quality unit is $20-$40 per corner. The performance and longevity difference is substantial.
Shocks replaced front pair or rear pair — never just one side.
Quality brands with proven performance. No economy units.
Worn mounts return noise after new shocks. We replace them when worn.
Shock absorber replacement includes road test and bounce test, visual inspection for oil weeping and mount condition, axle pair replacement with Monroe/KYB/Bilstein units, upper mount and bump stop inspection, sway bar end link inspection, and post-repair road test.
From Tom's B&M Auto - serving Mountlake Terrace and the greater Seattle metro.
Tom's B&M Auto · 17820 Hwy 99, Suite E, Lynnwood · Serving greater Seattle
Also serving: Edmonds, Mountlake Terrace, Shoreline, Mukilteo, Kenmore, Alderwood Manor