How to Replace Shocks and Struts on Your Bike

Knowing when to replace shocks and struts on your bike can be crucial in preventing injury from them. Regardless of how much you ride your bike, it is inevitable that at one point or another you will need to replace the shock absorbers. They are there for a reason, to absorb the shock from your tires when you apply pressure on them. The struts, on the other hand, are there to prevent the shock from coming to your back tire. If they are damaged or not working properly then you risk causing an injury when riding.

The first step to determining when to replace shocks and struts on your bike is to know the type of shocks and struts that you have. There are three types of shocks that you can replace. The first is the all-mount bearing; this type is usually mounted by bolts and is the easiest to work with. The next is the single-arm shock absorber and the last is the ball and chain shock absorber. Each type has its own specific ways to install them and different ways to maintain them. It is important that you understand the difference between these types so that you do not cause an injury while installing or maintaining your bike.

Knowing when to replace shocks and struts depends on the type of bike you have. When you have an entry-level motorcycle that has a single shock absorber and no struts, replacing them when needed is simple. If you have an all-mount motorcycle with dual shocks and struts, it is recommended that you replace them after every thousand miles or so.

On the other hand, if you have an off-road motorcycle with dual shocks and struts, knowing when to replace shocks and struts becomes more difficult. The first thing to consider when learning how to replace them is the type of riding you will be doing. For on-road rides, it is recommended that you replace the shocks and struts at least once per riding season. In off-road areas, it is recommended that you replace them at least twice per year. This can be done by simply purchasing a replacement shock absorber and attaching it to your frame.

The next thing you need to consider when learning how to replace shocks and struts is the type of tires that you have. Most off-road tires have a rubber compound that is not very resilient. When this compound wears down, it causes a large wobble in the bike when you apply pressure to it. In this case, it is recommended that you replace the tires. Although you will incur quite a few dollars when buying new tires, the investment will be worth it because you will enjoy smoother rides and increased stability when riding.

The last thing to consider when learning how to replace shocks and struts is to get replacement parts at an auto parts store near you. This will save you time and ensure that you get quality service. Keep in mind that there are many types of shocks and struts available in the market. Before you purchase one, make sure you understand its function. If possible, buy these products from reputed companies to ensure that you get quality parts.