# Shock Absorber Inspection in Upland > Bouncy ride or cupped tires? Our Upland shock absorber inspection checks leaks, mounts and damping on a road test, with photos and a written verdict. Source: https://route66autorepairshop.com/diagnostics-and-inspections/shock-absorber-inspection Updated: 2026-09-17 Business: Route 66 Auto Repair, 1775 W Foothill Blvd, Upland, CA 91786, (909) 608-7699 Hours: Monday to Friday 8 AM–5 PM, Saturday 8 AM–2 PM, Sunday closed **TLDR:** We **road-test the damping**, check each shock for **leaks and broken mounts**, and give you a written verdict with photos. A shock absorber inspection at Route 66 Auto Repair in Upland tells you whether your shocks still control how the car moves after a bump. Worn shocks let the body bounce, the nose dive and the tires skip, which lengthens stopping distance. We road-test the ride, check each shock for leaks and damaged mounts, and put the findings in writing with photos. ## Signs your shocks need a look - The car keeps bouncing after a dip on Foothill Blvd - The nose dives hard when you brake - Scalloped, cupped wear on the tire tread - The vehicle sways or floats in crosswinds on the 15 - Oil wetting the shock body ## How do we judge a shock absorber? A shock is a sealed oil damper. It does not hold the car up; the spring does that. Its job is to slow the spring's movement. Because the damping happens inside, the most useful test is how the car behaves. On the road test we drive over known dips and watch how many times the body rebounds, how much it dives under braking and how it settles in a turn. On the lift we look for oil on the shock body. A light film can be normal, but wet oil running down the tube means the seal has failed. We check the upper and lower mounts for cracked rubber and broken studs, look for dents in the shock body, and check the dust boot and bump stop. Tire cupping is recorded too, because worn shocks often show up there first. ## What the shock report records - Road test notes on rebound, dive and body roll - Oil leakage on each shock, with photos - Upper and lower mount condition - Dents, broken boots or missing bump stops - Tire cupping or scalloping ## How our shock inspection works 1. **Road test:** We drive a set route with dips to feel damping. 2. **Lift check:** Each shock is inspected for leaks, dents and mount damage. 3. **Tire review:** Tread wear is checked for patterns caused by poor damping. 4. **Report:** You get the verdict, photos and an estimate if replacement is needed. ## What's included in a shock absorber inspection - Road test for rebound, dive and sway - Leak check on each shock - Mount and bushing check - Boot and bump stop check - Tire wear review - Written findings with photos ## Need-now or need-later? **Need now:** - A shock leaking oil freely - A broken mount or stud - Damping so weak the tires lose contact over dips **Need later:** - Slightly soft damping with no leaks - A dusty film on the shock body with a dry seal ## How pricing and timing work The fee for the inspection is stated at the counter first. Shock replacement is usually quoted per axle so both sides match. Your written estimate lists parts and labor for each axle separately, so you can decide whether to do front, rear or both. AAA members save 10% on parts and labor, up to $75, with the card at time of service. ## What to read next A failed shock leads to [shock absorber replacement](https://route66autorepairshop.com/suspension-and-steering-services/shock-absorber-replacement). If your vehicle uses struts instead, see the [strut condition inspection](https://route66autorepairshop.com/diagnostics-and-inspections/strut-condition-inspection). Cupped tires may need replacing too, which the [tire services](https://route66autorepairshop.com/tire-services) page covers, since we sell, mount and balance new tires. For the whole suspension, book the [suspension inspection](https://route66autorepairshop.com/diagnostics-and-inspections/suspension-inspection). ## Frequently asked questions ### Does the push-down bounce test work? It can catch a shock that has completely failed, but modern shocks can feel firm to a push and still be weak at driving speed. That is why we road-test. ### Do shocks need to be replaced in pairs? Yes, on the same axle. Mixing a new shock with a worn one makes the car handle unevenly. The estimate lists shocks by axle. ### What is the difference between a shock and a strut? A shock only dampens movement. A strut also holds up the spring and is part of the steering and suspension structure. Replacing a strut usually affects alignment, while replacing a shock usually does not. --- Call (909) 608-7699 or visit https://route66autorepairshop.com/contact for a written estimate.