Can you test how much life is left in shocks/strut

[PhillyJoe]

So in my wildest dreams I would like a pair of xxxxxx struts/springs. Can't afford new, but I find a pair at the junkyard at a great price. They tell me they came off a 2006 model but can't tell me how many miles. They look in decent shape and manufacturer has a lifetime warranty (which may or may not apply to me.)
Is there a way to determine how much life is left on a shock or strut? We seem to be able to test just about everything, wondering if there is a method for struts. (excluding the bounce the fender and see if it stops test which wouldn't apply here.)

 

[HangerHarley]

Push down on fender or quarter panel. If its nice and stiff, shock is good. If its mushy its either supposed to be like that, or has life.

 

[willix]

Salvage yards usually sell the strut & spring assy, its difficult to check anything if a 200lb spring is on there.

Its also a [censored] shoot as to the condition and you may find yourself with worse.

You are still going to pay maybe 50% cost for new or aftermaket. What application? Some cars vary widely year to year and the car may have a couple of different RPO's for the same car.

If the part number is consistant it might be a consideration.

 

[tinmanSC]

Once it's out of the car, it's a little hard. Pushing down hard on strut will tell you if it's blown or excessively worn, but I'm not really sure how to tell if a strut is within service specification once it's out of car. Hrmmm. This clearly deserves further investigation.

 

[PhillyJoe]

I guess the question is: Given the same cost, do you buy two new OE/Monroe or two 3 year old Bilsteins? They will replace struts in a car with 100k miles so either will be an improvement.

 

[willix]

Originally Posted By: PhillyJoe
I guess the question is: Given the same cost, do you buy two new OE/Monroe or two 3 year old Bilsteins? They will replace struts in a car with 100k miles so either will be an improvement.
You still haven't informed us of the application. What is the vehicle?

 

[PhillyJoe]

2001 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP. Bilsteins were used for the 2005-2008 GXP.

 

[willix]

I think you need to do some interchange homework. That much of a year model spread, Drive line differences, changes are likely.