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Old 10-19-2017, 07:53 AM   #1
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Do I need new front Shocks?

I purchased a used 2011 Chevy 2500HD with 156,000 miles for use as a FW tow vehicle.

I have a minor vibration in the right front suspension. I don't think it is the tire because the frequency doesn't change with speed. It is always on about a 2 second cycle - it builds for about a second to be a minor vibration and then fades to almost nothing the next second. Same 2 second cycle whether I am towing at 55 or driving cross country at 75. It is not noticeable below about 45.

I am wondering if it is a worn shock absorber or if there is some resonance in the front end from worn bushings. This is my first pickup truck, how long should front shocks last? Should I change them after 150,000 miles?
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Old 10-19-2017, 08:37 AM   #2
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Do you have any maint. records? Depends on how the truck was used. That's a lot of miles and if nothing was done you need to have it checked out. You could have worn bushings, ball joints, steering components, wheel bearings, etc.

I would take it to a good alignment shop and have them check out the whole front suspension.
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Old 10-19-2017, 08:44 AM   #3
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That is not a strut or bushings. You'd hear rattles or squeaks.

Is it 4WD? It could be a half shaft wearing. It could also be a wheel bearing. At 150k it probably needs something.

As suggested, best to take it to a good front end shop.
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Old 10-19-2017, 10:17 AM   #4
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We had a similar(?) right front tire vibration in our truck (Ford w/~340,000mi; ~240,000mi on the shocks) that happened consistently on one section of road. I wasn't sure of the cause, but with 240,000mi on the shocks, it was time to replace them even if other work might be needed.

All 4 shocks replaced with new Rancho adjustable and the vibration is gone.
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Old 10-19-2017, 11:26 AM   #5
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Do you have any maint. records? Depends on how the truck was used. That's a lot of miles and if nothing was done you need to have it checked out. You could have worn bushings, ball joints, steering components, wheel bearings, etc.



I would take it to a good alignment shop and have them check out the whole front suspension.


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Old 10-19-2017, 11:38 AM   #6
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TIs it 4WD? It could be a half shaft wearing. It could also be a wheel bearing.
2WD.

I hadn't considered wheel bearings, thanks for the thought.
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Old 10-19-2017, 11:57 AM   #7
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If the shocks are black, they are most likely factory and need to be replaced.
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Old 10-19-2017, 01:05 PM   #8
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A quick check on Amazon - Bilstein shocks are only ten bucks more than OEM. I have no problem with OEM but any comments on Bilstein?
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Old 10-19-2017, 01:18 PM   #9
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A quick check on Amazon - Bilstein shocks are only ten bucks more than OEM. I have no problem with OEM but any comments on Bilstein?
I'd do that in a heartbeat. Bilstein's are high quality shocks.
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Old 10-19-2017, 01:22 PM   #10
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I'd do that in a heartbeat. Bilstein's are high quality shocks.
X2. I have them on my Ram along with a Bilstein steering stabilizer and couldn't be happier. Good solid ride. Great warranty from what I understand.
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Old 10-19-2017, 01:23 PM   #11
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I put Bilsteins on my old class B in roughly 2000 and was VERY pleased with them, but that goes back almost 20 years ago. I don't know about today.

Personally, I'd go with virtually ANY brand shock over OEM shocks.
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Old 10-19-2017, 01:26 PM   #12
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X2. I have them on my Ram along with a Bilstein steering stabilizer and couldn't be happier. Good solid ride. Great warranty from what I understand.
I believe they have a lifetime warranty.
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Old 10-19-2017, 01:30 PM   #13
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I believe they have a lifetime warranty.
I think so too. Haven't had any problems with them to look in to it further.
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Old 10-19-2017, 01:34 PM   #14
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A quick check on Amazon - Bilstein shocks are only ten bucks more than OEM. I have no problem with OEM but any comments on Bilstein?
Dave, if you can replace the shocks yourself you'll safe some money.

If that doesn't cure your problem then a visit to an alignment and suspension shop should be your priority.

For you and your family's safety. Can't tell you how many vehicle's I've seen sitting on the side of the road with a front hub broke and the front of the vehicle laying on the ground.

It may cost you some money but your TV needs to be in as good of a condition as possible. Something breaks up front while driving, your along for the ride till it stops.
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Old 10-20-2017, 01:23 AM   #15
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A quick check on Amazon - Bilstein shocks are only ten bucks more than OEM. I have no problem with OEM but any comments on Bilstein?


With that many miles I’d replace all for shocks. May or may not be your issue but they are most likely worn out. I replaced all four of mine with Bilstein at around 100k miles. The stock ones were easily compressed by hand and wouldn’t extend back out so they were due for replacement.

No complaints with the Bilsteins...
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Old 10-20-2017, 05:55 AM   #16
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I replaced my OEM shocks with Bilsteins 2 months after I bought my truck. It had 2200 miles on it at the time. It was one of the best upgrades / investments I made. Ride quality great improved especially when not towing. My F250 is my daily driver. Ride was quite harsh with original shocks...
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Old 10-20-2017, 08:52 AM   #17
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You don't say if it is in the steering wheel or the seat....
if steering wheel front end if seat then rear...

Front


if the vibration is odd in that it changes and moves.. Jack up the front end and grab the tire and try and move it up and down, if it moves/is loose then it is most likely a bearing... one of them I bet will be loose... or a king pin... you need to watch what moves... if it is a wheel bearing replace both.. you are beyond the life span of those if they have never been replaced...


Next check to see if the tie rod ends are solid same test... but left and right.. there should be no play in the steering parts.. if there is you will have to replace inner/outer tie rod ends as required.. if original (highly unlikely) they are likely shot too...


if you are not familiar with working on vehicles then take it to a respected fix it shop and have them determine what is wrong or is in need of repair... replacing parts without knowing what is wrong gets expensive fast...


Lastly get your tires RF balanced when you complete replacing parts and if any you replaced front end parts you MUST have the front end realigned.. Then and only then will you have a trust worthy vehicle...


if you have no Carfax and don't know the maintenance of the truck flush ALL the fluids including the brake system....

Rear... Ujoints are the culprit 90% of the time...

Good Luck...
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