> On Mar 16, 1:00 pm, Mike Romain 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.

Ugh...he said Monroe...

CarQuest offers KYB struts/shocks as 'their' brand. They are not perhaps as ggod as buying them from a regular KYB supplier, but they are gas, have better valving for compression/rebound, and for a Corolla should be >$50 per. That's pretty good for KYBs with Lifetime.

And check the struts! I replaced the struts with 'inserts' on a Celica, 3 years later with nice shocks, the flange holding the sring up rotted and dropped the spring on the tire! Good thing I was doing all of 5 MPH. If it looks flaky, replace the entire strut.