Shock absorbers · Autobedrijf Willemsbrug Rotterdam

Shock absorber replacement in Rotterdam

Does your car keep bouncing after a speed bump? Then the shock absorbers (shocks) may be worn. This can make your stopping distance longer. We replace them per axle, whatever make you drive. You hear the price in advance.

4.8 / 5 from 235 reviews | All makes | Price agreed in advance

The short answer

Autobedrijf Willemsbrug checks and replaces shock absorbers, also known as shocks, and springs on all makes in our own workshop at Boterdiep 11 in Rotterdam-IJsselmonde. We replace worn shock absorbers per axle, left and right together, because they are important for road holding and stopping distance. You hear the cost of the replacement in advance. We only carry out extra work if you agree to it.

According to the ANWB, replacing two front shock absorbers can easily cost € 500 to € 1,000. Our repairs come with a warranty. With the quote you hear which warranty you get. Book an appointment on +31 10 479 00 00 and have your registration number ready. You bring the car Monday to Friday between 8.00 and 8.30 am, or on Saturday at 9.00 am.

Jump to: signs · parts · per axle and costs · frequently asked questions · directions

Do you recognise these signs in your shock absorbers?

You notice worn shock absorbers in the road holding and the comfort. Because they wear slowly, you often get used to it. Look out for these signs.

  • The car keeps bouncing or wallowing after a speed bump
  • The nose dips under braking or the car sways in corners
  • The car feels unsettled in a crosswind or on a poor road surface
  • Uneven or patchy tyre wear
  • Thumping or creaking over speed bumps
  • Oil on the lower part of the shock absorber

Worn shock absorbers are not only uncomfortable. They can make the stopping distance longer and give less grip in corners and when you swerve.

Why good shock absorbers matter

Shock absorbers keep your tyres in contact with the road. They damp the up and down movement of the car, so it stays stable when you brake, steer and go over speed bumps.

Shock absorbers wear slowly. That is why you often notice the difference late. Yet the stopping distance, the road holding and the tyres all suffer. According to the ANWB, shock absorbers last at least 8 years or 150,000 km with normal use.

We check the shock absorbers and the rest of the suspension and only replace what is worn. We replace shock absorbers per axle, left and right together.

What we do on your shock absorbers

  • Check the shock absorbers and suspension for wear and leaks
  • Replace the front or rear shock absorbers, per axle
  • Check the springs and struts and replace them if needed
  • Inspect the top mounts, bump stops and dust boots
  • Test the road holding with a test drive after the work
  • Advise you on wheel alignment afterwards, if needed

Extra work is only done with your approval.

You can combine the repair with a service for your car, a major service (in Dutch) or an oil change (in Dutch). With a major service the APK (MOT) is free, except for Tesla and Polestar.

Shock absorbers, springs and suspension

Good suspension is more than the shock absorbers alone. This table shows what each part does and how you notice that it is wearing.

Suspension parts and signs of wear
Part What it does Signs of wear
Shock absorber (shock) Damps the up and down movement, so the tyres stay on the road Bouncing after a speed bump, swaying in corners, oil on the damper
Spring Carries the weight of the car and absorbs bumps The car leans or sits lower, thumping over speed bumps
Strut Shock absorber and spring in one unit, at the front on many cars The same signs as for the shock absorber and the spring
Top mount and bump stop The top mount holds the strut in place and lets it turn when you steer. The bump stop absorbs the impact when the suspension compresses a long way Creaking or thumping when steering or over speed bumps
Dust boot Protects the piston rod of the shock absorber Torn boot, dirt and rust on the rod
Anti-roll bar and drop links Keep the car stable in corners Knocking or rattling over speed bumps

Shock absorbers (shocks)

The shock absorber damps the up and down movement. When it is worn, the car keeps bouncing, the stopping distance gets longer and the tyres wear unevenly. Replacing it needs special tools, such as a spring compressor. This is a job for the garage. We replace shock absorbers per axle.

Springs and struts

The springs carry the car and absorb bumps. A broken spring makes the car lean or sit lower and can thump over speed bumps. On many cars the shock absorber and the spring sit together in a strut. We can replace the strut as a complete unit.

We work on all makes and models, from Volkswagen, Opel, Ford, Peugeot and Renault to Toyota, BMW, Audi and Mercedes-Benz. We use parts that are suitable for your car.

Why replace shock absorbers per axle?

A new and an old shock absorber on the same axle damp differently. Then the car reacts differently on one side than on the other, especially when braking and swerving. That is why we replace shock absorbers per axle, left and right together. The ANWB advises this too.

According to the ANWB, replacing two front shock absorbers can easily cost € 500 to € 1,000. That is an indication and not a quote from us. You hear the price for your car in advance. Our repairs come with a warranty. With the quote you hear which warranty you get. Call +31 10 479 00 00 for a check or a quote.

More about shock absorbers

Here you can read how to do a first test yourself and where a knocking noise can come from.

Shock absorber or damper

There is no difference between a shock absorber and a damper. They are two words for the same part. Damper is the technical term, shock absorber or shock is the word most people use.

How to test your shock absorbers yourself

You can test your shock absorbers yourself with the bounce test. Push one corner of the car down firmly and let go. If the car bounces several times before it settles, the shock absorber is probably worn. The test gives a first impression, but it is not very accurate. Also check for oil on the lower part of the shock absorber. If in doubt, have them checked.

Knocking over speed bumps

If the car knocks over speed bumps, it can be the shock absorbers. Usually the noise comes from the anti-roll bar or its drop links. Creaking or thumping when you steer can come from the top mount. A clicking noise when you turn the wheel more often points to a worn CV joint. We find out where the noise comes from.

All makes and models

We replace shock absorbers on all makes and models, from Volkswagen, Opel, Ford, Peugeot and Renault to Toyota, BMW, Audi and Mercedes-Benz. You are also welcome with a van or motorhome up to 3,500 kg. Our mechanics hold the GMTO certificate (the Dutch qualification for working on high-voltage systems) for work on hybrid and electric cars. We use parts that are suitable for your car.

Frequently asked questions about shock absorbers

Below you will find answers to questions our customers often ask.

When should I replace my shock absorbers?

Replace your shock absorbers when they no longer damp properly. According to the ANWB, shock absorbers last at least 8 years or 150,000 km with normal use. Watch out for the signs: the car keeps bouncing after a speed bump, sways in corners or the nose dips under braking. Oil on the shock absorber or uneven tyre wear are also reasons to have them checked.

How much does shock absorber replacement cost?

That depends on your car and on whether it is the front or the rear. According to the ANWB, replacing two front shock absorbers can easily cost € 500 to € 1,000. That is an indication and not a quote from us. You hear the price in advance and we only start after you approve it. Our repairs come with a warranty. With the quote you hear which warranty you get.

Why are shock absorbers replaced per axle?

A new and an old shock absorber on the same axle damp differently. Then the car reacts differently on the left and right when braking and steering. That is why we replace them per axle, left and right together. The ANWB advises this too.

Are worn shock absorbers dangerous?

Yes. They make the car less safe. The tyres keep less contact with the road. With badly worn shock absorbers the stopping distance can be up to twenty percent longer, especially on a bumpy or wet road. The car also reacts less well in corners and when you swerve. On top of that, the tyres wear faster.

Are shock absorbers checked during the APK?

Yes. During the APK the inspector looks at the condition and operation of the shock absorbers, for example whether they leak or are broken. This is a visual check. If you want to be sure they still damp well, have them checked. We are an RDW-approved APK station. Read more about the APK for your car, the APK for your van (up to 3,500 kg) and the APK for your motorhome.

Is wheel alignment a good idea after new shock absorbers?

Yes. It often is, especially if the front struts have been replaced. Fitting them can change the wheel angles slightly. Well-aligned wheels make your tyres wear evenly. After the work we tell you whether alignment is needed. Read more about wheel alignment.

How long does it take to replace shock absorbers?

We can usually replace two shock absorbers within half a day. At the rear it is often quicker than at the front, where the shock absorber usually sits in a strut. If bolts are seized with rust, or if the wheels need aligning afterwards, it takes more time. You hear how long it takes when you book the appointment. You bring the car Monday to Friday between 8.00 and 8.30 am, or on Saturday at 9.00 am.

Do I need to replace the springs as well?

No. Not necessarily. A spring usually lasts a long time, but it can break or sag. On many cars the shock absorber and the spring sit together in a strut. Then it can make sense to replace the whole strut at the same time. We explain what we see and what we advise.

Shock absorber replacement in Rotterdam-IJsselmonde

You will find us at Boterdiep 11 (3077 AW) in Rotterdam-IJsselmonde, close to Stadion Feijenoord (De Kuip) and exit 24 Rotterdam-Feijenoord on the A16. The A15 is five minutes’ drive away. You can park for free outside our garage if there is space. The Stadion Feijenoord tram stop (line 3) is nearby.

We are also easy to reach from Barendrecht, Ridderkerk, Capelle aan den IJssel, Krimpen aan den IJssel, Hendrik-Ido-Ambacht and Zwijndrecht. We work by appointment. For a quick question or check you can walk in without an appointment.

Plan your route to Boterdiep 11 or see our contact page.

Nederlands? Deze pagina is er ook in het Nederlands.

Opening hours
Monday to Friday: 8.00 to 17.30
Saturday: 9.00 to 15.00
Sunday: closed
We are closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.

Want your shock absorbers checked or replaced?

Call us with your registration number. For a quick question or check you can walk in without an appointment. You will hear the cost in advance and we only start once you agree.

Our score is 4.8 / 5 from 235 reviews. Read what our customers say (in Dutch).

See also our pages on tyre service, brake replacement, the APK and servicing.