| | List |
| Subject: | Re: Q: new shocks/struts - when? |
| Poster: | Ph@Boy |
| Date: | Fri, 16 Mar 2007 14:17:34 -0500 |
| Related Postings: | 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 |
bubbabubbs@yahoo.com wrote:
> How do I know when my car needs a new set of shocks/struts?
> The car is a 2001 Corolla CE, 121,000 miles. The suspension feels
> pretty soft - much softer than that on my 1992 Civic LX (222,000
> miles.)
> But I can't remember whether it's always been this way, or if it's
> gotten softer over time.
>
> Cheers
>
There are two controls. Strut dampening controls 1)the spring energy in
rebound, and 2)compression dampening using metering valves to slow it to
an engineered specification (such as driving into a pot hole). Your car
having that many miles on it probably has not only worn out struts but
more importantly, worn out springs. Example: If you were to only install
brand new springs on it, the strut metering valving being worn, would
probably not be able to handle the "stronger" spring energy and would
"fail" a bounce test. A bounce test is not the only indicator of wear.
You need to check the height of the vehicle on level ground, usually
measured from the bottom of the rocker panels, to the factory
specification. That is the most common check of spring wear. IMHO, you
may need not only new struts but new springs as well. I hope this was
helpful. Good luck.
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