question about car shocks and struts

[Semidevil]

so I had my tires replaced and the tire guy said that he noticed that I need to replace my shocks and struts(leaking problem).

He told me it is not a safety issue, but my car will jump a bit more, and it will have faster wear/tear on the tires. he emphasized that it was not a safety issue.

If my car jumps more then usual, is it really not a safety issue? I mean, I"m assuming my tires will not adhere to the ground as it should be correct? Will rainy or icy weather cause me to lose control? what are chances of me making a sharp turn, or going over a speed bump and my car losing out of control?

I mean, if it really is not a safety issue whatsoever, then I guess I can delay on getting them replaced.

also, how much extra wear does it put on the tires? lets say my tires have 40k life, will it decrease the life substantially?

 

[imported_Devine]

You might have a little more luck posting here

 

[imported_LoKe]

If he said it's not a safety issue, don't worry about it. Wait until you can afford to have them replaced. IF you have any mechanic friends, see if they can take a look for you. I'm not saying this for cost, but rather due to trust.

 

[Cdubneeddeal]

No..it is a safety issue especially on uneven pavement. You'll really feel it on pavement that isn't totally flat. In other words, every little bump will make it so your suspension is being rebounded by the spring, instead of the shock/strut doing it's job. Shocks/struts are fairly cheap. Just fork out the dough and get it done.

 

[BUTCH1]

Shocks are fairly cheap, struts are not. Most cars have one or the other not both.
Take it in for a second opinion before spending any $$$. What make car, how old is
it, and what's the mileage?.

 

[PandaBear]

Both are fairly cheap part wise, the labor to replace it is expensive.

If you were to do it yourself, be prepare to have a part car that you can drive to local kragen and sears when you discover additional parts (or tools) need to be replaced. I did it twice on 2 cars and it is not someone without any mechanical skill should do at home. You should also rent a spring compressor.

If the tire is cupped due to shocks/struts worn out, it is time to replace it, or else your tire will be cupped again.

 

[jagec]

Originally posted by: Cdubneeddeal
No..it is a safety issue especially on uneven pavement. You'll really feel it on pavement that isn't totally flat. In other words, every little bump will make it so your suspension is being rebounded by the spring, instead of the shock/strut doing it's job. Shocks/struts are fairly cheap. Just fork out the dough and get it done.

It really isn't a huge safety issue...it's still providing some damping force, just not as much as it should. If he completely removed the shock, that would be different.

His ride is a bit more bouncy, but that's all. I'd replace it soon, but that's because I like good handling. You can get away with putting it off for some time.

 

[Semidevil]

Originally posted by: BUTCH1
Shocks are fairly cheap, struts are not. Most cars have one or the other not both.
Take it in for a second opinion before spending any $$$. What make car, how old is
it, and what's the mileage?.

6 months ago when I had the brakes replaced, my shop told me about the problem. a few days ago, when I got my tires replaced(different shops), they also said the same thing, so I think I can assume that there is a problem between the shocks/struts. right?

anyways, hibdon gave me a quote of $700(parts and labor included), so I think I"ll need to wait to save $$ for that.

its an 02 altima, with around 90k miles on it

 

[Cdubneeddeal]

Originally posted by: Semidevil

Originally posted by: BUTCH1
Shocks are fairly cheap, struts are not. Most cars have one or the other not both.
Take it in for a second opinion before spending any $$$. What make car, how old is
it, and what's the mileage?.

6 months ago when I had the brakes replaced, my shop told me about the problem. a few days ago, when I got my tires replaced(different shops), they also said the same thing, so I think I can assume that there is a problem between the shocks/struts. right?

anyways, hibdon gave me a quote of $700(parts and labor included), so I think I"ll need to wait to save $$ for that.

its an 02 altima, with around 90k miles on it

You could probably do it yourself for much cheaper, that is if you have the tools and know how. You could rent the spring compressor from any auto parts store for cheap as well.

 

[AMCRambler]

Originally posted by: Cdubneeddeal

Originally posted by: Semidevil

Originally posted by: BUTCH1
Shocks are fairly cheap, struts are not. Most cars have one or the other not both.
Take it in for a second opinion before spending any $$$. What make car, how old is
it, and what's the mileage?.

6 months ago when I had the brakes replaced, my shop told me about the problem. a few days ago, when I got my tires replaced(different shops), they also said the same thing, so I think I can assume that there is a problem between the shocks/struts. right?

anyways, hibdon gave me a quote of $700(parts and labor included), so I think I"ll need to wait to save $$ for that.

its an 02 altima, with around 90k miles on it

You could probably do it yourself for much cheaper, that is if you have the tools and know how. You could rent the spring compressor from any auto parts store for cheap as well.

Autozne has struts for $57 apiece.
Replacing them yourself is not too bad as long as you have the tools. You'll need a good set of sockets, a large socket and a breaker bar for the lower strut mounting bolts(they're usually corroded on pretty good) and the spring compressor tool which you can borrow from Autozone(just gotta give them a deposit). You just have to be real careful when you are compressing that spring. It may not seem that bad but if it lets go that is a lot of force that gets released and it can kill you.
As long as you are careful and keep the spring pointed away from you at all times while it's compressed you'll be fine even if it does let go. Depending on how bad the bolts are it'll take you anywhere from 4-12 hours I'm guessing. I say 12 because the last car I did struts on the friggin strut bolts were welded solid to the nuts. Ended up having to cut them off with a dremel and then go track down new bolts. The newer your car though, the less corrosion you'll have.

 

[BUTCH1]

I agree with AMC, do it yourself and save the $$$. Since your car is an '02 hopefully
the bolts won't be badly corroded. A Haynes or Chiltons manual is also highly recommended.
As, AMC said a GOOD socket set is needed, 1/2" drive, 3/8 is fine for smaller stuff but
will not suffice here. Good luck and LUK how it goes.

 

[Cdubneeddeal]

Further the above posts, you'll need to get an alignment right after the install, if you decide to do it yourself.

 

[DougK62]

Bad shocks/struts is definitely a safety issue.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Originally posted by: BUTCH1
Shocks are fairly cheap, struts are not. Most cars have one or the other not both.
Take it in for a second opinion before spending any $$$. What make car, how old is
it, and what's the mileage?.

Actually, many cars have struts in front and shocks in the rear. This is a very common layout in fact.