Shock absorbers?

[Falcon_LS]

Driving the Lexus tonight, I noticed the ride has become rather 'floaty' so to speak. If there's a small imperfection or bump on the highway for instance, the car keeps bouncing for 2-3 seconds after you drive over it. Switching the suspension setting to Sport mode, the ride gets pretty harsh, but the bouncing is still there.

I'm assuming the shock absorbers need replacement? I've got adaptive variable suspension, so the shocks will be pricey...but I'm hoping they are the source of the problem and not something else. Thanks!

 

[d00df00d]

I'd bet on your assessment.

 

[Herz]

Push on the corners of the car and note how it reacts.

 

[Dominic]

I agree. With the lexus simply go with another 100% OEM stock set. Most shocks only last 80-120k miles before the ride deteriorates.

 

[Nick R]

Sounds like what happens when struts go bad, so I would say your assessment sounds accurate.

 

[Falcon_LS]

Well, the front shocks were the problem. The rear, surprisingly, is alright. I'm trying to decide whether I should replace all four, but I'm not too keen on replacing the rear ones (+ $850) since there's nothing wrong with them.

 

[PandaBear]

Originally Posted By: Falcon_LS
Well, the front shocks were the problem. The rear, surprisingly, is alright. I'm trying to decide whether I should replace all four, but I'm not too keen on replacing the rear ones (+ $850) since there's nothing wrong with them.


You can replace only the front, I've done that before and the first 10k may feel a bit different but once you get used to it, and it breaks in, they are not bad. In the worst case you can always adjust the tire pressure to make it feel better or replace the rear if you can't stand it.

You probably should get the OEM if they are adjustable struts (sport mode vs non sport mode), unless the aftermarket ones are adjustable too, or you'll lose that feature.

 

[JHZR2]

Originally Posted By: defektes
Push on the corners of the car and note how it reacts.


Is that really the best technique? Some cars brand new seems to go down then up, no bounce, others go about 1.5 times as new...

Where is the breakpoint between being good and bad? If one car doesnt bounce at all when pressed, as soon as it bounces a little bit, is it time, or is it a certain number of shakes or bounces?

 

[Falcon_LS]

Originally Posted By: PandaBear

You can replace only the front, I've done that before and the first 10k may feel a bit different but once you get used to it, and it breaks in, they are not bad. In the worst case you can always adjust the tire pressure to make it feel better or replace the rear if you can't stand it.

You probably should get the OEM if they are adjustable struts (sport mode vs non sport mode), unless the aftermarket ones are adjustable too, or you'll lose that feature.


Thanks for the info!

I'm definitely going OEM - it's a pain to replace these shocks and I'm not going to try and cut any corners...best to get it done right first time.

 

[PandaBear]

Originally Posted By: JHZR2
Originally Posted By: defektes
Push on the corners of the car and note how it reacts.


Is that really the best technique? Some cars brand new seems to go down then up, no bounce, others go about 1.5 times as new...

Where is the breakpoint between being good and bad? If one car doesnt bounce at all when pressed, as soon as it bounces a little bit, is it time, or is it a certain number of shakes or bounces?


Unless your strut has a sudden and significant failure, you won't be able to set a "break point" between good and bad. It is a gradual wear that slowly loosen its ability to do its job. What is acceptable to you may be horrible to me, or the other way around.

If you feel that your car is bouncing more than you want it to, just change it.

 

[mechtech2]

It is generally a good idea to get an upgrade from 'standard' or 'stock', when doing shocks or struts.
A more controlled ride that lasts longer is what we are after.