What is a clear sign of worn shocks during inspection?

Worn shocks can significantly affect a vehicle's handling and ride quality. One clear sign of worn shocks is when the vehicle continues to rock after being pushed down and released. This indicates that the damping ability of the shock absorbers has diminished, leading to excessive oscillation. A properly functioning shock should compress and then quickly return to its neutral position without unnecessary movement. If the vehicle remains unstable or continues to bounce after an initial push, it means the shocks are not effectively controlling the upward and downward movement of the suspension.

While signs like shiny and new-looking shocks or a vehicle that appears stable might suggest that shocks could be in good condition, they do not directly indicate wear as effectively as the continued rocking does. Similarly, a vehicle that shows no noticeable bounce may still have shocks that are worn but not completely ineffective, making it less reliable as an indicator of the shock's condition. The persistent rocking motion after release is a clear and observable sign that the shocks are no longer functioning as intended.