LR
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SuspensionLow severity

Bouncy ride and poor handling from worn shock absorbers

Annoying rather than dangerous.

Symptoms

Vehicle keeps bouncing after a bump, wallowing on corners, oil on the shock body, knocking from the mounts.

Likely cause

Shock absorbers lose damping with age, and the rubber mounting bushes perish.

Suggested fixes

Listed roughly in the order most owners try them.

  1. 1

    Replace shocks in axle pairs

    Fit matched shocks with new bushes. On coil sprung models check the mounting turrets for cracks while you are there.

    Difficulty:
    Easy DIY
    Cost:
    £ (Under about £50 in parts)
  2. 2

    Upgrade to heavy duty shocks

    For towing, heavy loads or off-road use, uprated shocks improve control.

    Difficulty:
    Easy DIY
    Cost:
    ££ (About £50 to £300)

This is general guidance gathered from owner experience and workshop practice, not a substitute for a workshop manual or a qualified mechanic. Costs are rough parts-only guides. Brakes, steering and suspension work affects safety, so if in doubt have it checked professionally.

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