A study of commercial vehicle fleet maintenance practices indicates that nearly nine of 10 service providers inspect truck and trailer shock absorbers as part of their preventative maintenance checks.
The study, conducted on behalf of Tenneco by MacKay & Company, Lombard, Ill., also indicates that medium- and heavy-duty fleet professionals select replacement shocks based on the units’ ride characteristics, construction, durability and country of origin, among other criteria. Most respondents identified Monroe shock absorbers as both the highest quality and most preferred brand of ride control components.
Developed based on detailed surveys of commercial vehicle fleet service providers, truck dealers, spring and suspension specialists and similar businesses, the study found that 86 percent of respondents include shock absorbers on their preventative maintenance inspection checklists.
Respondents replace worn shocks on approximately 22 percent of the Class 8 tractors and commercial trailers and 17 percent of the class 6 and 7 vehicles serviced each year.
“Replacing worn shock absorbers is a proven way to help provide the stable, comfortable ride preferred by commercial vehicle operators, and to protect tractor and trailer tires from premature wear,” said T.J. Fontana, director, commercial vehicle sales, North America Aftermarket, for Tenneco. “We are pleased that an overwhelming percentage of fleet service professionals are checking the condition of shocks as part of their standard vehicle maintenance practices.”
Among the key performance characteristics considered in the purchase of replacement shocks, according to the study, are the units’ ability to improve stability and control, provide consistent damping force, resist oil leaks and offer adjustability to specific ride preferences.
Survey respondents select shock brand based on the following criteria, in order of importance: overall product quality, availability, functionality, durability, price, experience with the brand, and whether the product is manufactured in the U.S.
Nearly three times as many respondents selected Monroe as their most preferred shock brand as compared to the next highest ranked brand. Monroe also
ranked highest in quality, with a score of 4.35 on a scale of 1 (lowest quality) to 5 (highest quality). Monroe commercial vehicle shock absorbers – including Monroe Gas-Magnum, GasMagnum 60, Gas-Magnum 65 and Monroe Magnum™ 70 units – are manufactured at Tenneco’s North America Aftermarket ride control production complex in Paragould, Ark.
