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I own a 2015 Z51 with 69k miles, which continues to drive great, but I’m told by a local mechanic that both the driver side front and rear shock absorbers are in bad shape and need to be replaced. As these are original I’m surprised they lasted this long and pleasantly surprised that the left side remains in good shape
I’m wondering what should I expect to pay to replace the right side shocks?
At 69k miles replace all four. I suspect your mechanic diagnosed the two bad shocks because they were leaking or abnormal tire wear as there is no valid shock absorber test while they are still on the car.
Would you think it wise to only replace the tires or brakes on one side at that mileage?
Expect to pay about $85/ shock for each shock (depending on what brand you buy), and about $25 to $50/ for each shock in labor (depending on labor rates in your area) unless you do it yourself.
Do you have optional Mag Ride suspension? If so, shocks cost more. Mag shocks are black with a wire coming out the top which is visible under the hood. Mag suspension is code FE4 on the service tag.
Do you have magnetic ride shocks or standard shocks big difference in price. Rock auto pricing is standard shock 75.00 magnetic ride 317.00. So I would agree to change all shocks at 75.00 but 317.00 I would think twice. That's a lot of money to spend on something that isn't bad. I would ask how he knows they are bad there is some leakage that GM says is acceptable. If it is a little wet at the top 1/4 of the shock that is fine if it is dripping down that is not. There is a picture GM uses I just can't find it. I am guessing with the age of the car and miles they probably are bad just double check with him.
Here's the GM paper about how to evaluate leaking shocks.
Our 2017 Z51 has Mag Ride shocks and all 4 were replaced under warranty at about 20k miles. Two were really bad, the other two were marginal.
(EDIT): These criteria apply to both standard shocks and mag ride shocks.
Last edited by Gearhead Jim; Aug 24, 2021 at 01:32 PM.
RonC7 and others are correct in questioning if your car has Mag ride option. About 70% of Z51s have the mag ride option. If you have the option I would ask myself how much longer will I keep the car with that kind of mileage and roll the dice on replacing just the two. The mag shocks are about $400 each plus installation. If regular shocks, you cost is much lower. One other option is replacing all of the mag ride shocks with regular shocks and adding the little lock out plug that will “fool” the system into thinking a mag ride shock is actually installed.
I swapped a leaking mag shock about 6 months ago on my '15. Hardest part was getting the new one in as the mounting ears are a little awkward in that tight space.
Apart from that, takes 20min. $315 or something off RockAuto.
I swapped a leaking mag shock about 6 months ago on my '15. Hardest part was getting the new one in as the mounting ears are a little awkward in that tight space.
Apart from that, takes 20min. $315 or something off RockAuto.
Rock is the way to go if going to go the diy route
How did the mechanic determine the shocks were bad? Going by the amount of leakage is very subjective. How does the car handle? Do you notice more unrestrained motion on the left side of the car Vs the right side (more wheel bounce on bumps)? Unlike a lot of grocery getters it is almost impossible to do a bounce test on the Corvette suspension to determine if the shocks are weak.
Shock Absorber Question
