Anybody else's shocks shot?

Coffeehound · April 8, 2014

My 2010 silverado started making a clunking sound when I hit a bump. It appears to be coming from the rear. I can hear it when I jump up and down on the back bumper. I looked underneath and can't see anything thats come loose but I can hear a gurgling sound coming from one of the shock absorbers. They aren't leaking but one is definately making noises. The truck only has 43000 miles on it but I'm thinking the extreme cold this winter may have caused it to fail.

Anybody else have shock problems this early? What do you guys recommend for replacements? Right now it rides pretty rough and I'd like to smooth it out.

Bob D · April 8, 2014

....Anybody else have shock problems this early?

Not here. Easy enough to disconnect shock bottom bolts and see how (if) they are functioning.

Coffeehound · April 8, 2014

Not here. Easy enough to disconnect shock bottom bolts and see how (if) they are functioning.

I'll check it out but 43K sounds like a little early to have bad shocks don't you think?

TooTall1 · April 9, 2014

Bilstein 5100 series for replacements. Best shock for the money hands down.

SarahsGMC · April 9, 2014

My aftermarket pro comps are only good for 30,000 the vendor told me that so it's not uncommon. And +1 on the bilsteins

sent from my truck in a field

NEFisher11 · April 9, 2014

Your shocks could be junk. There are so many variables that can affect them. Did you tow alot? carry heavy loads? are you roads where you live realy ruff? I have heard you should change them around 50k so your not that far off in my book especially if you do any of the things I mentioned. My truck has 43k on it also and I will proabably be changing my shocks sometime later this summer.

white1500 · April 9, 2014

Parts life is all relative, so 43k can either be too many or not enough miles depending on use and terrain.

And if the OP wants a smoother ride for light duty use, 4100's would be best imo. That's what I'm aiming for sooner or later.

kstruckcountry · April 9, 2014

Is it a Z71? Either way I'd go to Bilstein for replacements, they make awesome shocks.

Coffeehound · April 9, 2014

Is it a Z71? Either way I'd go to Bilstein for replacements, they make awesome shocks.

It is a Z71 and I rarely haul anything except my dog, a dirt bike, or snowmobile. The only thing I pull is a loaded four place snowmobile trailer so I suppose that puts a little weight on the rear but not excessive. Our roads in ND are pretty rough right now with all the frost heaves coming out. I also drive about 3000 miles a year on washboard gravel roads. So I suppose the combination of all these things caused the failure but I made it 57K with my 07 and never had a problem. Maybe they cheapened up the shocks a little on the 10's to save a few dollars. I was looking at the Gabriel ultra shocks but if the Bilsteins are that much better maybe they are worth the extra $??? Are they that much better? Ride smoother? Last longer? What is it?

NEFisher11 · April 9, 2014

It is a Z71 and I rarely haul anything except my dog, a dirt bike, or snowmobile. The only thing I pull is a loaded four place snowmobile trailer so I suppose that puts a little weight on the rear but not excessive. Our roads in ND are pretty rough right now with all the frost heaves coming out. I also drive about 3000 miles a year on washboard gravel roads. So I suppose the combination of all these things caused the failure but I made it 57K with my 07 and never had a problem. Maybe they cheapened up the shocks a little on the 10's to save a few dollars. I was looking at the Gabriel ultra shocks but if the Bilsteins are that much better maybe they are worth the extra $??? Are they that much better? Ride smoother? Last longer? What is it?

With what you just described I am not surpirsed you shocks are toast. Just think of the abuse they are seeing with your snowmobile in the back of your truck driving down roads with frost heaves. That has to weigh atleast 800lbs if not more. Also I bet the 4 place trailer has some good tongue weight on it.

I would also recommend the Bilsteins.

kstruckcountry · April 9, 2014

I know what you mean about the gravel. Roads here get really rough, fortunately I don't have to drive the really bad ones much any more.

The nice thing about Bilstiens (at least the 5100s) is they provide more stability at speed. I've noticed the truck handles whoops better too. On washboards you may not see much difference. It will still be rough lol. I did notice that in super rough places like where the truck bounces sideways when you try to accelerate, they seemed to help. I have heard good things about about the ones you mentioned too though

greg74 · April 9, 2014

Had to get new shocks for my truck, though since I bought it used I have no idea how many miles they had on them, I'm assuming a lot. Bought some Monroe shocks, can't remember exactly what they were called(couldn't find the receipt), its what the shop recommended. Were kinda expensive(about 100 bucks a shock) but are supposed to be pretty heavy duty and with as few miles as I put on my truck, I should never have to replace them again just as with the tires. One of my old front shocks was so worn out that it was actually leaking fluid. I could have just replaced both front shocks but decided to get 4 new ones as I assumed the rears weren't much better.

Coffeehound · April 10, 2014

Ok I ordered the Bilsteins (spelling?) 4600 which I believe are the standard height replacements. Stopped in at CarQuest today and they sell KYB's but they were more than the Bilsteins. $94 plus tax for the rears and more for the fronts. I bought four Bilsteins for $337 with free shipping from Shock Warehouse. I didn't think that was too bad. I can't wait to switch them out. I can do the rears myself but not sure about the fronts. Are the fronts a big job? Do i need special tools?

Thanks to all of you for your advice!!

Coffeehound · April 10, 2014

Ok I ordered the Bilsteins (spelling?) 4600 which I believe are the standard height replacements. Stopped in at CarQuest today and they sell KYB's but they were more than the Bilsteins. $94 plus tax for the rears and more for the fronts. I bought four Bilsteins for $337 with free shipping from Shock Warehouse. I didn't think that was too bad. I can't wait to switch them out. I can do the rears myself but not sure about the fronts. Are the fronts a big job? Do i need special tools?

Thanks to all of you for your advice!!

Oh yea, I forgot to mention I noticed today that one of my front shocks was leaking. Still seems like they should last longer than that.