wrote:
> bubbabu...@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
>
> When we used to test shocks, we would bounce each corner of the vehicle
> hard, let go and count the bounces before a total stop. Good shocks
> will bounce maybe 1- 1 1/2 times. Worn out ones bounce 3 times or
> more. Two bounces and change was just about ready to change out.
>
> Mike
> 86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
> 88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
> Canadian Off Road Trips Photos: Non members can still view!
> Jan/06http://www.imagestation.com/album/pictures.html?id=2115147590
> (More Off Road album links at bottom of the view page)
The problem with the bounce test is that one shock/strut could be gone
and still pass the test.
Look at the strut itself is there a wet look to it, perhaps caked up
dirt? That COULD mean it is blown.
Also look at the tires, does it look like the tread is uneven across
the tire or cupped in any way?
Biggest one is ride. What happens when you go over a bump, does the
car bounce up and down a few times before evening out?
Does any of the wheels make a loud noise when it hits a pothole or
bump?
When you go around a curve and hit a bump does it fish tail?
On my Corolla the rear struts got so bad they froze up on me this
winter. It felt like ridding around on solid suspension. Once it
warmed up they smoothed out. But the only sign I had they were going
bad was the way tires looked on the rear, passed the bounce test and
visual test. That and 210,000mi on the car.
I know Monroe recommends replacement every 50,000mi, and they have a
life time warranty.