The Complete Guide to Shocks, Shock Replacement, and Shock Rebuilding for Peak Vehicle Performance

What Are Shocks and Why Are They So Important?

Shocks, also known as shock absorbers, are one of the most essential components of your vehicle’s suspension system. Their primary job? To control the movement of your springs and suspension, absorbing the impact of uneven roads and helping your tires maintain proper contact with the pavement.

In areas like Moreno Valley, where roads can vary from smooth highways to rugged back roads, reliable shocks are crucial. Without properly functioning shocks, you’re not just risking a bumpy ride; you’re putting your braking, handling, and overall safety at risk.

Why Shocks Matter

• Improve vehicle stability
• Minimize wear on tires and suspension
• Enhance braking performance
• Provide a smoother, more controlled driving experience
  

Types of Shocks: Which Are Right for Your Vehicle?

At 395 Auto & Performance, we frequently handle a diverse range of shocks, catering to everything from standard daily driver configurations to high-performance builds designed for off-roading in desert terrains. Understanding your choices is essential for selecting the appropriate shock replacement or rebuild when the need arises.

Common Types of Shocks

Find the right shock absorbers for your vehicle

How to Know When Your Shocks Need Replacement

A frequent question we receive at 395 Auto & Performance is, “How can I tell when it's time to replace my shocks?” The issue is that shocks wear out gradually, so many drivers get used to the slow decline without noticing just how much their suspension has been affected.

Here are some telltale signs that your shocks are overdue for replacement:

• Excessive Bouncing: If your vehicle bounces multiple times after hitting a bump, your shocks aren’t controlling the motion like they should.
• Nose Diving: Does your car pitch forward when you brake? This is a clear indicator of worn-out shocks.
• Swaying or Body Roll: Feeling like your car is leaning or swaying during turns? Time for a shock replacement.
• Uneven Tire Wear: Bad shocks allow the tires to bounce more, causing irregular wear patterns.
• Visible Fluid Leaks: If you notice oil leaking from the shock body, it’s game over for that shock absorber.
  

The Shock Replacement Process: What to Expect

When you bring your vehicle to 395 Auto & Performance for a shock replacement, we follow a thorough process to ensure your new shocks perform flawlessly.

Inspection and Diagnosis

We’ll begin with a thorough inspection of the full suspension to evaluate the state of your shocks, struts, and other related parts. Drawing on our extensive local experience, we’ll also take into account environmental factors—such as whether you frequently drive on rough roads —that could have contributed to increased wear.

Selecting the Right Shocks

Not all shocks are the same. We’ll suggest the perfect shock replacement tailored to your vehicle's make and model, your driving habits, and how you utilize your vehicle—whether you're navigating through Murrieta traffic or taking weekend trips to Temecula.

Professional Installation

We’ll remove the old shock absorbers, install the new ones with precision, and torque everything to manufacturer specifications.

Post-Installation Alignment

After replacing your shocks, it's crucial to have an alignment check. New shocks can alter your suspension geometry, so we make sure your vehicle drives straight and your tires wear evenly.

Why Trust 395 Auto & Performance?

We’re more than just your local auto shop—we’re your neighbors who truly get the unique driving challenges of the Inland Empire. Whether you're commuting through Lake Elsinore, transporting gear to Hurkey Creek, or exploring the trails at Johnson Valley, our skilled team is here to provide you with top-notch shock replacement and shock rebuilding services.

395 Auto & Performance Is Your Go-To for SHOCK REBUILDING & Suspension Solutions

While replacing worn-out shocks is usually the preferred option, many savvy drivers in the Inland Empire are opting for shock rebuilding. This method is particularly favored by off-road enthusiasts and performance vehicle owners, as it can rejuvenate your vehicle’s ride quality and handling while being more cost-effective. 

Let’s explore what shock rebuilding entails, how it stacks up against replacement, and whether it’s the best choice for your sweet ride.

Learn more about suspension system safety

What Is Shock Rebuilding?

At its core, shock rebuilding involves completely taking apart your shock absorbers, checking and replacing any worn internal parts, refreshing the fluids, and bringing the shock back to a like-new state. 

This is a common choice for high-end or performance shocks, such as remote reservoir shocks, bypass shocks, and coilovers, which are intended to be serviced rather than thrown away. 

Why Rebuild Shocks Instead of Replace Them?

• Cost Savings: Rebuilding premium shocks is often far more affordable than full replacement, especially for specialized or custom suspension setups.
• Performance Restoration: A quality shock rebuild brings your ride quality and damping control back to factory or upgraded spec.
• Customization: During a rebuild, we can tune the shocks to your driving needs, whether that's street, track, or off-roading.
• Sustainability: Instead of tossing out your worn shocks, rebuilding them helps reduce waste and extend the life of high-quality components.
  

When Is Shock Rebuilding the Right Option?

At 395 Auto & Performance, we typically recommend shock rebuilding when:

✅ You own rebuildable shocks like King, Fox, Bilstein, or ICON.

✅ You’re noticing performance decline but the shock bodies are still structurally sound.

✅ You’ve put significant miles on your suspension—especially if you’re running hard on Cleghorn Road.

✅ You want custom tuning to match upgraded springs or altered ride height.

Our Shock Rebuilding Process

When you trust 395 Auto & Performance with your shock rebuild, you’re getting meticulous, professional service from suspension experts who understand how vital your shocks are to every mile you drive.

Step 1: Full Disassembly

We carefully take apart each shock absorber, documenting wear and identifying components that need replacement.

Step 2: Deep Cleaning

Every part is cleaned to remove old oil, debris, and contaminants. Dirt and grit from off-roading  are common culprits of internal wear.

Step 3: Inspection & Replacement

We inspect seals, bushings, piston wear bands, and shafts. Worn parts are replaced with fresh, high-quality components.

Step 4: Reassembly & Refill

After reassembly, we refill the shocks with fresh oil and, if applicable, recharge nitrogen levels to spec for optimal damping.

Step 5: Testing

Before reinstalling, we bench test the shocks to ensure smooth operation and consistent performance.

Shock Rebuild vs. Shock Replacement: Which Is Better?

Still unsure whether to rebuild or replace your shocks? Here’s a quick comparison:

FAQs About Shocks, Shock Replacement, and Shock Rebuilding

Why 395 Auto & Performance Is the Leader in Shock Services

When it comes to shocks, shock replacement, and shock rebuilding, 395 Auto & Performance is recognized for our experience, expertise, and local knowledge. We know the specific challenges that Riverside County roads, trails, and climate present for your vehicle.

✅ Certified technicians who specialize in suspension systems

✅ Access to premium shock absorber brands and rebuild kits

✅ Local knowledge of desert, mountain, and highway driving conditions

✅ Honest, upfront pricing and advice

Whether you’re starting to see signs of shock wear or gearing up for a complete suspension overhaul, we’re here to ensure your ride remains smooth, safe, and prepared for anything the road—or trail—might present.