How Worn Ride Control Components Affect Vehicle Handling, Safety and System Calibration

June 5, 2025

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In this edition of Around the Wheel, Erik Screeden, technical and multimedia content director at Endeavor Business Media, shares the importance of shocks and struts replacement with insights supported by Monroe, a leader in ride control safety inspection solutions. Many drivers mistakenly believe shocks and struts only affect ride comfort, but as technicians know, these components are essential for vehicle handling and suspension performance, impacting braking effectiveness, tire wear, ADAS calibration and suspension functionality.

Screeden breaks down how symptoms like nose-diving, a floaty ride and post-bump bouncing signal signs of worn shocks and struts, even when no fluid leaks are visible. The video highlights how gradual degradation makes these issues difficult for drivers to notice, underscoring the technician’s role as a trusted advisor.

He also explores Monroe’s product lines, including Monroe Quick-Strut assemblies, which simplify installation and restore OE-level ride dynamics. The OESpectrum and Monroe Restore shocks are highlighted as top-tier options for maintaining factory ride height and ensuring safety system alignment.

Watch the full video to learn how to better educate customers and deliver safer, high-quality repairs. For more information, visit https://www.monroe.com.

About the Author

Erik Screeden | Technical and Multimedia Content Director

Erik Screeden is the Technical and Multimedia Content Director for the Vehicle Repair Group. He has been in the automotive industry for over 24 years. During that time, Screeden was a technician. He started out at a Ford dealership and continued to several independent repair facilities as well as spent time in the specialty aftermarket where he had the opportunity to work at a GM-specific performance shop. After his time as a technician came to an end, Screeden transitioned into a role providing scan diagnostic and J2534 tool support. He was then able to parlay his experience as a technician and a support specialist and use that in several technical sales roles.