Struts are not just for your car’s suspension. They also serve to keep the wheel in alignment with the steering column and help support vehicle weight. You know when you go over a speed bump or pothole too hard and feel that jarring feeling? That is because your struts may need to be replaced. It can take about 2 miles for new struts to settle into their desired position after installation, but if it has been longer than 2 miles then there may be an issue that needs attention.
“All different struts and shocks have a specific settling time. Don’t worry if it takes some longer to settle in, but do keep an eye on it once the car has been driving around for a while before going on your first road trip with this new suspension setup.”
As far as settling time goes, the newly installed shock will be fully adjusted and ready for some smooth roads or dirt tracks in just 2 miles. Springs might require up to 7-10 days before reaching an equilibrium position depending on their brand new state.
How Long Does it Take for Front Struts to Settle?
You may be wondering how long it takes for the front struts to settle after installation. Well, that can depend on a lot of things including their size and location in relation to your tires, so before you start looking into troubleshooting anything let’s make sure we know what type (size)strut is installed at first.
You’ll need an extra pair of hands when working with this part as they’re larger than most other parts on newer cars which should give a 1/8″ max gap between mounting surfaces TOPS but sometimes go up higher like 1/4″.
How Long Does it Take for New Springs to Settle?
Once you install your new springs, they’ll be ready to go in a few days (1 or 3 days).
Do New Shocks Take Time to Settle?
Can new shocks be a little unsteady at first? Yes, this is normal. Completely uncompressed shock absorbers can take up to two weeks before they’re fully compressed and ready for your ride again.
What If Your Struts Take Longer to Settle?
Some people think that the car is just fine after they’ve replaced the struts, but this isn’t always the case. In fact, it’s not unusual for them to take up to two weeks to really become stable. If you’re experiencing issues with your vehicle even after you’ve had the struts replaced, then it might be worth waiting that little bit longer before making a final determination on the health of your car. After all, an improperly functioning strut can lead to all sorts of other problems down the line.
- Check your strut for loose nuts and bolts. If not, tighten them properly before it’s too late.
- Make sure your struts come with the correct fit for a vehicle. Sometimes people buy the wrong strut and then they have to pay more money for a replacement. Make sure your struts match up perfectly with what you need so that it doesn’t end up costing extra in unnecessary expenses.
- The struts are actually meant to be filled with hydraulic oil, but they’re encased in springs that help cushion the car’s movement.
- Remember to use the mounting kit when installing your struts, otherwise, they may take longer to settle and fit properly.
- In order to ensure the new shocks and struts are installed properly, you should apply some “lubricant” while installing them. This will make it easier for them to fit into place as well because of its ability to reduce drag time on installation which also makes this task “settle” along quicker.
Final Words
New struts are always good to give you a smooth and comfortable ride. But installing new struts and getting this performance back may take some time. Now you know why it takes so long. So don’t worry if you install new shocks and struts.
