When to replace shocks

[KitaCam]

How many miles/months since the bushings were replaced?

As for that high cost....often, most often, shops replace the entire rod, bushing and all, rather than just the $10 rubber part...sad but true...

I'd wonder if that's the repair, and I'd question whether the replaced parts were OEM or aftermarket...the latter may not be as well-made as OEM...

Check those bushings again...

 

[supton]

Well, to be fair, after 100k, it's not exactly any newer than the bushing; and it's probably the same amount of work to replace the strut/shock at that point instead of just the bushing. If you have to pay to have the shock/strut replaced, that is.

 

[ram_man]

I had planned on replacing my fronts in my civic. Strut mounts were worn. Took them off and at 120,000 they still were like new. I replaced my wife's struts at 205,000 and first did the fronts noticed no difference at all and on the rear they were softer than the old ones. At 150,000 if they aren't leaking pass the bounce test I wouldn't jump to replace them. However of you push on it and they are really stiff the front should bounce a little then they are bad as well. Which sounds like what your experiencing but don't buy Monroe gabriel . I wouldn't buy Kyb either.

 

[SteveSRT8]

Originally Posted By: KitaCam
I'd wonder if that's the repair, and I'd question whether the replaced parts were OEM or aftermarket...the latter may not be as well-made as OEM...
Check those bushings again...


All sadly true. ANY part that was worked on is suspect here in my fleet, even if I did the work!

 

[SteveSRT8]

Originally Posted By: ram_man
I had planned on replacing my fronts in my civic. Strut mounts were worn. Took them off and at 120,000 they still were like new. I replaced my wife's struts at 205,000 and first did the fronts noticed no difference at all and on the rear they were softer than the old ones. At 150,000 if they aren't leaking pass the bounce test I wouldn't jump to replace them. However of you push on it and they are really stiff the front should bounce a little then they are bad as well. Which sounds like what your experiencing but don't buy Monroe gabriel . I wouldn't buy Kyb either.


You can't generalize like that. If you push on the front end of my car it won't move a bit. That's springs, not shocks.

And Gabriel Ultras are one of the best deals out there. High quality at nice pricing.

I have had problems with KYB and their warranty. They sure stink on a big truck.

 

[tommygunn]

If it rides like [censored], constantly giving you a headache, bangs every time you go over railroad tracks, then it's time for new shocks.

If they are available for your car, I suggest quick struts, like Gabriel Ready Mount or KYB Strut Plus.

Do you have uneven tire wear or cupping? These are signs that you need new shocks.

 

[ram_man]

Originally Posted By: SteveSRT8
Originally Posted By: ram_man
I had planned on replacing my fronts in my civic. Strut mounts were worn. Took them off and at 120,000 they still were like new. I replaced my wife's struts at 205,000 and first did the fronts noticed no difference at all and on the rear they were softer than the old ones. At 150,000 if they aren't leaking pass the bounce test I wouldn't jump to replace them. However of you push on it and they are really stiff the front should bounce a little then they are bad as well. Which sounds like what your experiencing but don't buy Monroe gabriel . I wouldn't buy Kyb either.


You can't generalize like that. If you push on the front end of my car it won't move a bit. That's springs, not shocks.

And Gabriel Ultras are one of the best deals out there. High quality at nice pricing.


Shocks usually get very bouncy or hard. On shocks that have become hard pushing on most average cars will in fact yield a different feel usually a touch softer. Its a general statment geared towards the majority of cars not all. As far gabriel being good I disagree they are just as bad as monroe imo. Ive had nothing but bad luck with them both. My wifes saturn is a picky car for struts. It lets you know who is like oem and who isnt and in its case they both are junk. Very rarely do struts make a huge ride difference though.

I have had problems with KYB and their warranty. They sure stink on a big truck.

 

[SteveSRT8]

^^^No problems here, you're entitled to your opinion.

But it should be noted I don't buy one or even two shocks at a time. I buy 8 or 12 or more. My KYB experience was terrible, as they would not honor their so-called lifetime warranty!

Ultras are GREAT on our fleet trucks!

 

[sciphi]

I recently replaced the struts/shocks/springs on my Cruze at 63k miles since for its entire life it had been driven over some truly horrible 2-lane roads with a good-size load in the trunk at 50-60 mph. My commute changed from awful 2-lanes to recently-redone interstate without the load in the trunk, so it was time.

The car is faster around corners, is more settled over large bumps, and the small bumps are back to being heard but not felt. It's also not getting blown around by passing semis like it was. Money well spent to make the car more pleasant.