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Freightliner Flc120 Shock Absorbers

Freightliner Flc120 Shock absorbers

Starting at $65.95, AutoBuffy stocks 11 shock absorbers from Monroe and PRT for the Freightliner Flc120. A shock absorber controls suspension movement by dampening the energy from road impacts. When it fails, the vehicle bounces, sways, and takes longer to stop — accelerating tire wear and reducing handling precision.

Signs your Freightliner Flc120 needs new shock absorbers

  • Excessive bouncing after hitting a bump — the body continues oscillating instead of settling within one or two cycles
  • Nose-diving under braking or squatting hard during acceleration, indicating lost dampening control
  • Fluid streaking or oily residue visible on the shock body, a sign the internal seal has failed
  • Cupped or scalloped tire wear pattern caused by the wheel repeatedly losing contact with the road
  • Steering feels vague or the vehicle drifts on highway curves even with hands steady on the wheel
  • Audible clunking or knocking from the suspension corner when driving over potholes or speed bumps

Which shock absorber should you buy for your Freightliner Flc120?

The main decisions are gas vs. hydraulic construction, performance level, and whether you need a complete strut assembly or a bare shock. Match the grade to your driving conditions — a heavier-duty option makes sense if the Freightliner Flc120 regularly carries loads or tows.

Twin-tube hydraulic
Best for
Budget-conscious daily drivers on smooth roads
What you get
Softer, comfortable ride; lower cost; adequate dampening for light use
Twin-tube gas-charged
Best for
Everyday driving on mixed road conditions
What you get
Reduced fade compared to pure hydraulic; slight firmness improvement; widely available
Monotube gas
Best for
Performance driving, towing, or off-road use
What you get
Consistent dampening under heat, better handling response, longer service life
Heavy-duty / load-assist
Best for
Trucks and SUVs carrying cargo or towing
What you get
Stiffer valving and higher load ratings to prevent squat under weight

Shock absorbers brands we stock for your Freightliner Flc120

Monroe
10 options · from $66.95
PRT
1 option · from $65.95

Replacing shock absorbers on a Freightliner Flc120

Moderate⏱ 1–2 hours per axleFloor jack and jack standsBreaker bar and socket setCombination wrench setPenetrating oil (for corroded fasteners)Torque wrench

Raise and support the Freightliner Flc120 safely, remove the wheel, and unbolt the shock at both the lower mount and upper mount or stem nut. Transfer any brackets to the new unit if required, install in reverse order, and snug all fasteners with the suspension at ride height before final tightening to prevent bushing preload issues. Working in pairs on a single axle keeps the job organized and ensures balanced results.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to replace shock absorbers on a Freightliner Flc120?
Parts alone start at $65.95 per shock at AutoBuffy. Most vehicles require two or four shocks replaced as a set for balanced handling. Adding professional labor typically doubles or triples the parts cost depending on your region, so DIY installation offers the largest savings on the Freightliner Flc120.
Should I replace shock absorbers in pairs on a Freightliner Flc120?
Yes — always replace shocks in axle pairs, meaning both fronts or both rears at the same time. Installing one new and one worn shock on the same axle creates uneven dampening, which causes the vehicle to pull or handle unpredictably during cornering and emergency maneuvers on the Freightliner Flc120.
How long do shock absorbers last on a Freightliner Flc120?
Shock absorbers generally last between 50,000 and 100,000 miles, but real-world lifespan varies widely. Frequent driving on rough roads, off-road use, heavy towing, or carrying maximum loads will shorten service life significantly. Inspecting shocks for leaks and bounce behavior every 25,000 miles is a reasonable maintenance habit for the Freightliner Flc120.
Can worn shock absorbers affect braking distance on a Freightliner Flc120?
Yes, and this is one of the most safety-critical consequences of worn shocks. Degraded dampening allows the wheel to lift slightly during hard braking, reducing tire contact patch and extending stopping distance. Studies have shown that severely worn shocks can add meaningful feet to emergency stops on vehicles like the Freightliner Flc120.
Do I need an alignment after replacing shock absorbers on a Freightliner Flc120?
A standard shock absorber swap on a separate shock-and-spring setup generally does not disturb alignment angles. However, if the work involves disturbing control arms, strut mounts, or camber bolts, an alignment check is recommended. When in doubt, confirm with your installer whether the specific suspension design of the Freightliner Flc120 warrants a post-install alignment.
What is the difference between a shock absorber and a strut on a Freightliner Flc120?
A shock absorber is a dampening-only component that works alongside a separate spring and control arm. A strut combines the shock function with a structural mounting point that the spring seats on directly. The Freightliner Flc120 may use shocks, struts, or a combination depending on the axle — confirm which your specific configuration requires before ordering.

Shop shock absorbers by year for the Freightliner Flc120

199119881987198619851984198319821981

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Shock absorbers for other Freightliner models

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