Leaking shocks - replace and/or mod? Suggestions

[MidwestJeeper]

Hey all,

I’m in the middle of a near 1500 mile interstate move. While at a gas station, I inspect my tires, coolant etc. and noticed the oil weep on my rear shocks.

I looked up a post or 3….this is the infamous early failure on shocks, is that correct?

I have 5000 miles on the Jeep ?

Questions to you all:

The Jeep is fully loaded with my cargo. I have another 250 miles or so to go till I reach my destination. Is it safe to do so with leaky shocks?

2nd, I’ll have to get these shocks replaced under warranty. While I’m at the dealer, what are my opportunities to replace or upgrade my springs, lower& upper control arms to gain some lift
I assume the wheels may need to come off for this repair job?

I’m thinking OE JLUR orJLURD take offs

wish me a safe trip please!

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[Ratbert]

Is it possible that it's simply from being overloaded?

 

[MidwestJeeper]

Is it possible that it's simply from being overloaded?

I’m unsure - I don’t think the total weight of the luggage in there would be greater than say, 3 full grown adults plus some cargo in the rear space.

what’s your initial thoughts - are the shocks toast?

I didn’t hit any big bumps or potholes and have been holding a steady 70 mph

 

[Valpo Jeep]

Wipe em down and see if it’s just something that splashed on them or actually is leaking. You are probably perfectly fine to finish your trip and get the shocks changed out later. Since you have just 1 that might be leaking and only 5,000 miles on them then the dealer will probably only replace the 1 shock even though it’s best to change in pairs.

 

[MidwestJeeper]

Wipe em down and see if it’s just something that splashed on them or actually is leaking. You are probably perfectly fine to finish your trip and get the shocks changed out later. Since you have just 1 that might be leaking and only 5,000 miles on them then the dealer will probably only replace the 1 shock even though it’s best to change in pairs.

Thanks for the vote of confidence on finishing the trip.

If you zoom into the second picture, there is a leak at the top zone of the red painted shock arm.
I took the pictures after I’d swiped my finger on the weep and yes… it did feel greasy.

 

[roaniecowpony]

If the jeep isn't bouncing all around, it's safe to finish your trip and then some. From the looks of those leaks, not all that much fluid has been lost. But, yes, they are going to keep leaking and eventually it will get bouncy.

My first guess is the dealer will decline warranty on them as "wear" items. But, you may have a good dealer and they replace them.

There are many good aftermarket shocks out there. So, I'll let others chime in which they like. I've had King shocks on my truck for years. They are the Cadillac of off-road shocks. $$$$. But there are many other good brands. On the springs, I would not put springs from a heavier model on your jeep. They will have a stiffer spring rate and the ride will suffer.

 

[bjm00se]

You can definitely finish the trip on that shock.

The dealer ought to replace it, given the low mileage. (Yes they are a "wear" item. But still.)

Chances of getting the dealer to go for any kind of cost break for installation of aftermarket or non-standard parts at the same time is hovering near zero though.

Neither the springs nor control arms need be removed to replace a shock, so there's not really any overlap in labor on doing that.

 

[wcjeep]

Had a different manufacturer vehicle that would eat shocks. Always considered a wear item. No warranty .

 

[MidwestJeeper]

If the jeep isn't bouncing all around, it's safe to finish your trip and then some. From the looks of those leaks, not all that much fluid has been lost. But, yes, they are going to keep leaking and eventually it will get bouncy.

My first guess is the dealer will decline warranty on them as "wear" items. But, you may have a good dealer and they replace them.

There are many good aftermarket shocks out there. So, I'll let others chime in which they like. I've had King shocks on my truck for years. They are the Cadillac of off-road shocks. $$$$. But there are many other good brands. On the springs, I would not put springs from a heavier model on your jeep. They will have a stiffer spring rate and the ride will suffer.

Yes, I’ll have to approach the dealer to get the shocks replaced.

5000 miles in 10 months, all pavement miles is too soon to “wear” out “HD” shocks in my opinion. Lol.

Will consider King shocks, but planning on staying OE for now.

 

[MidwestJeeper]

You can definitely finish the trip on that shock.

The dealer ought to replace it, given the low mileage. (Yes they are a "wear" item. But still.)

Chances of getting the dealer to go for any kind of cost break for installation of aftermarket or non-standard parts at the same time is hovering near zero though.

Neither the springs nor control arms need be removed to replace a shock, so there's not really any overlap in labor on doing that.

I’ve driven like a grandma this trip owing to fragile items like a monitor and a few glassware items in the back of the Jeep.

thanks for your input on the parts swap question.

 

[MidwestJeeper]

Had a different manufacturer vehicle that would eat shocks. Always considered a wear item. No warranty .

Was it eaten up this soon ? 5000 miles?

i see other owners here have their shocks leak at half my mileage, 1500-2000 miles.

so much for HD shocks…….

 

[Jeep Dude]

Was it eaten up this soon ? 5000 miles?

i see other owners here have their shocks leak at half my mileage, 1500-2000 miles.

so much for HD shocks…….

How old is it?

Bumper to bumper coverage should be up to 12 months, zero questions asked period.

At least that is how it is in my hood.

 

[wcjeep]

Was it eaten up this soon ? 5000 miles?

i see other owners here have their shocks leak at half my mileage, 1500-2000 miles.

so much for HD shocks…….

It was a Ford product. Every 6 thousand miles it needed new rear shocks. Different vehicle needed entire new brake system (pads, rotors, calipers) every 6 thousand miles. Shocks are easy. Doesn't hurt to ask the dealer if warranty replacement is an option.

 

[roaniecowpony]

It was a Ford product. Every 6 thousand miles it needed new rear shocks. Different vehicle needed entire new brake system (pads, rotors, calipers) every 6 thousand miles. Shocks are easy. Doesn't hurt to ask the dealer if warranty replacement is an option.

In reading some more on Jeep warranties, they should be covered to either 12,000 or 36,000 miles. Probably should read your warranty for your specific vehicle.

 

[MidwestJeeper]

How old is it?

Bumper to bumper coverage should be up to 12 months, zero questions asked period.

At least that is how it is in my hood.

It’s not even 10 months old.

1000 off the 5000 on the odometer are from this Interstate move.

I’m going to approach the nearest dealership with good reviews as soon as I’m able

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