YACT: How can I tell when I need new Struts/Shocks/Springs

[tnitsuj]

All of my cars are right around 135k and either 5 or 7 years old and I was wondering what the signs were that these needed to be replaced.

 

[Kroze]

hehe. When the car bounces more than once?

 

[Howard]

Originally posted by: Kroze
hehe. When the car bounces more than once?

Push down on your hood/trunk really fast. Then see how it reacts.

 

[Quixfire]

Visible signs of fluid leaking from the struts or shocks or the rebound check are both good indicators of a bad part. Springs need to be checked on a level surface and at each corner of the vehicle. Most vehicles should have no more than 1/4" difference in ride height.

 

[RagingBITCH]

When your vehicle mysteriously becomes a lowrider without any effort on your part

 

[TheAudit]

Originally posted by: Quixfire
Visible signs of fluid leaking from the struts or shocks or the rebound check are both good indicators of a bad part. Springs need to be checked on a level surface and at each corner of the vehicle. Most vehicles should have more than 1/4" difference in ride height.

Well said and spot on.

 

[tnitsuj]

Originally posted by: Quixfire
Visible signs of fluid leaking from the struts or shocks or the rebound check are both good indicators of a bad part. Springs need to be checked on a level surface and at each corner of the vehicle. Most vehicles should have more than 1/4" difference in ride height.

Thanks Quixfire.

 

[Quixfire]

Originally posted by: tnitsuj

Originally posted by: Quixfire
Visible signs of fluid leaking from the struts or shocks or the rebound check are both good indicators of a bad part. Springs need to be checked on a level surface and at each corner of the vehicle. Most vehicles should have more than 1/4" difference in ride height.

Thanks Quixfire.

You are welcome.

TheAudit, Thank you.

 

[TechnoKid]

By 80k miles on a well driven vehicle, (not just freeway), the shocks are usually already worn.

Quixfire's method of checking a bad strut (fluid leak) are spot on, however, you can't really visually tell if a shock/strut is "worn," if it's already leaking fluid, then that could mean the seals inside the strut/shock are well worn; broken if you will. Sagging springs are common I suppose, but I have no first hand experience with this, leaf or coil.

Also, you may want to think about getting new suspension bushings (if they are worn), strut mounts and control arms checked, as these also wear along with the shocks/struts. Have the balljoints checked to make sure they are still good (boots aren't torn and no play), sometimes the tie-rod ends go bad by this time as well. With new shocks, and bushings, your car should feel good as new.

 

[Eli]

When it doesen't strut like it used to? 😀

 

[Lifer]

Originally posted by: Quixfire
Visible signs of fluid leaking from the struts or shocks or the rebound check are both good indicators of a bad part. Springs need to be checked on a level surface and at each corner of the vehicle. Most vehicles should have no more than 1/4" difference in ride height.

what if u have gas struts?