Questions about shocks and struts.

[iboughtatahoe23]

A bit about my ride:
So I have had my 2014 Tahoe LT 4x4 since February of 2023, it had 165k miles on it. It now has 177k miles. I have done numerous things on the vehicle such as, cleaning the throttle body, changing pulleys, serpentine belt. I have changed the plugs and wires, changed the alternator, changed away bar bushings etc. probably missing a few things.

My questions:
So I know these platforms aren’t the most “comfy” ride if that’s the word you want to use. I feel like no matter what, my ride is always bumpy. Like I feel everything down to the gaps in the road. I feel like it’s a bit excessive, every bump shouldn’t be jarring. Now to my knowledge my rear shocks were leaking. That’s what a shop had told me last winter. I didn’t notice any thing leaking so I kept riding it. Idk if they are bad or not. I just feel like my ride should be somewhat smooth in an suv like this. I would want oem shocks, nothing crazy. I just want to restore the ride to how it was if that makes sense and tbh idek how it was before. I’m the third owner. It very well may just be me. Maybe the factory suspensions do suck on these

 

[Joseph Garcia]

Check all of your shocks very closely. If you see any leakage, then the shocks need to be replaced. We don't get many posts about the ride being too rough, unless there is an issue with the suspension components. The OEM shocks on these trucks normally last about 100k miles, so if your are originals, there are way past due for replacement. I also agree that you should replace with OEM shocks.

 

[iboughtatahoe23]

Check all of your shocks very closely. If you see any leakage, then the shocks need to be replaced. We don't get many posts about the ride being too roiugh, unless there is an issue with the suspension components. The OEM shocks on these trucks normally last about 100k miles, so if your are originals, there are way past due for replacement. I also agree that you should replace with OEM shocks.

Ya my ride is bumpy. I feel every bump. I suppose I’ll check them shocks again when the weather calms down

 

[iboughtatahoe23]

Check all of your shocks very closely. If you see any leakage, then the shocks need to be replaced. We don't get many posts about the ride being too roiugh, unless there is an issue with the suspension components. The OEM shocks on these trucks normally last about 100k miles, so if your are originals, there are way past due for replacement. I also agree that you should replace with OEM shocks.

What you think? In this video I am showing the rear passenger side shock. I know I said at first, I didn’t think it was leaking, but it’s 18° here and any fluid should be frozen so I’m thinking that’s like hydraulic fluid or oil from the shock

Let me know if I can get some better angles and pics for ya

 

[iboughtatahoe23]

Fluid leaking or water. Can’t tell. I don’t thinks it’s water or ice. It’s 18°f out

 

[iboughtatahoe23]

If I have to what do you guys reccomend for the most affordable replacement. Don’t need any fancy stuff. OEM is fine

 

[Marky Dissod]

Depends on your definition of affordable.

My old shocks were leaking. Driving on badly maintained roads could send my wheels into asynchronous spasms.

For those who like a comywumphie ride, I recommend Bilstein 4600 if you plan on keeping it.
They are not stiff enough for my personal taste.
That said, even the schidtyest roads and trails fail to flummox these shocks.

 

[Joseph Garcia]

If I have to what do you guys reccomend for the most affordable replacement. Don’t need any fancy stuff. OEM is fine

Go to GMPartsDirect.com or RockAuto.com and enter your truck's VIN. You will find the correct OEM shocks for your truck, and at a price far cheaper than the local dealership.

 

[Joseph Garcia]

View attachment 445301
Fluid leaking or water. Can’t tell. I don’t thinks it’s water or ice. It’s 18°f out

Hard to tell, but IMO, the underlying dark stain was caused by leaked fluid, and any ice on top of it is there, because it was a better surface to stick to upon freezing.

 

[iboughtatahoe23]

Go to GMPartsDirect.com or RockAuto.com and enter your truck's VIN. You will find the correct OEM shocks for your truck, and at a price far cheaper than the local dealership.

Was gonna go with bilstein 4600… $86 a piece.

 

[iboughtatahoe23]

@Joseph Garcia unity brand any good? They are cheap but like I said don’t need anything special and this fits my budget as I need to be saving money.

https://www.partsgeek.com/catalog/2014/chevrolet/tahoe/suspension/shock_absorber.html

 

[Joseph Garcia]

@Joseph Garcia unity brand any good? They are cheap but like I said don’t need anything special and this fits my budget as I need to be saving money.

https://www.partsgeek.com/catalog/2014/chevrolet/tahoe/suspension/shock_absorber.html

Remember the old adage: "You get what you pay for, AT BEST." I'm a firm fan of replacing most parts with OEM parts, unless I'm making a specific mod that requires the use of aftermarket equipment.

 

[Fless]

The only thing I see from your pic is that something has dripped on the metal or plastic cover shell at the top of the shock. I don't see evidence that the shock itself it leaking.

Do a bounce test on the suspension. Jump (or push) down on the rear bumper and see if it's hard to do or if the rebound is bouncy.

 

[iboughtatahoe23]

The only thing I see from your pic is that something has dripped on the metal or plastic cover shell at the top of the shock. I don't see evidence that the shock itself it leaking.

Do a bounce test on the suspension. Jump (or push) down on the rear bumper and see if it's hard to do or if the rebound is bouncy.

It’s hard to do. But still it’s a very bumpy ride.

 

[iboughtatahoe23]

Bounce test

 

[petethepug]

Unity brand would be like giving your buddy a sick puppy for Xmas.

Most of those great buy shocks aren’t even made to ISO 9001 standards meaning it’s cool if they use subpar or recycled hydraulic fluid or o rings that are made for toys vs industrial parts.

Bilstein. It’s Xmas time look for a deal on them.

 

[Fless]

Bounce test

I don't see the shock even move, if that's what I'm looking at.

 

[iboughtatahoe23]

Unity brand would be like giving your buddy a sick puppy for Xmas.

Most of those great buy shocks aren’t even made to ISO 9001 standards meaning it’s cool if they use subpar or recycled hydraulic fluid or o rings that are made for toys vs industrial parts.

Bilstein. It’s Xmas time look for a deal on them.

I ended up going ac delco for new ones.

Here is the old one it won’t even decompress at all. Had to pull it apart too extend it again

 

[iboughtatahoe23]

If the rear ones are bad should I just go ahead and do the front ones to?

 

[Joseph Garcia]

If the rear ones are bad should I just go ahead and do the front ones to?

Yes, absolutely. Then, you will have a good full set of shocks and be all set for the next 100k miles.