How Long Do Shocks/Struts Last? (auto, buying, sell, California)
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Also, it depends on what shop is doing the inspecting. I've found that almost every time I have purchased tires at a discount tire place (not "Discount Tire" the company, which I think is a great company) the service techs unfailingly inform me of failed struts that need to be replaced- and when inspected by others (dealer) they say the struts are fine. Lots of shops try to upsell.
Some shocks/struts "fail firm", meaning rather than being really soft and allowing bounce, they will stiffen way up and cause a quick jumpy ride. This happened on my old 1994 Lumina. I have seen it happen on the rear of many of the late 90s Malibus and comparible mid-size GM cars with the same struts/shocks.
btw- the PO of my old 1990 Lexus LS400 had just put on KYB GR-2 struts/shocks on it before I bought it. I found the ride to be very stiff and not the way a big Lexus was supposed to ride. I changed them out with factory OEM Toyota brand units and it rode like a dream again.
I think I still have those KYBs here somewhere... they only have about 100 miles on them. I may have taken them to the dump. They are OK if you like a firm ride, but I didnt buy a big Lexus LS400 for a sports car ride.
I've heard the same thing about KYB's. My local shop heartily recommends them however and they seem to be relatively affordable. I think the firmer shocks are supposed to help with braking and in reducing body roll.
The stock suspension leaned slightly to moderately in favor of caddy float, although it was comfy rather than objectionable.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tennesseestorm
Some shocks/struts "fail firm", meaning rather than being really soft and allowing bounce, they will stiffen way up and cause a quick jumpy ride. This happened on my old 1994 Lumina. I have seen it happen on the rear of many of the late 90s Malibus and comparible mid-size GM cars with the same struts/shocks.
btw- the PO of my old 1990 Lexus LS400 had just put on KYB GR-2 struts/shocks on it before I bought it. I found the ride to be very stiff and not the way a big Lexus was supposed to ride. I changed them out with factory OEM Toyota brand units and it rode like a dream again.
I think I still have those KYBs here somewhere... they only have about 100 miles on them. I may have taken them to the dump. They are OK if you like a firm ride, but I didnt buy a big Lexus LS400 for a sports car ride.
I took my 03 Chevy S10 truck in yesterday for a 60000 mile service. I was told and shown that my front shocks were leaking especially the drivers side. The mechanic made no mention of sturts or the read end. Is this about average lifespan for the shocks? I barely use this truck and when I do its only on the fwy. Seems like I got a longer life out of shocks before this truck. Also the mechanic made no mention of struts needing replacement.
I took my 03 Chevy S10 truck in yesterday for a 60000 mile service. I was told and shown that my front shocks were leaking especially the drivers side. The mechanic made no mention of sturts or the read end. Is this about average lifespan for the shocks? I barely use this truck and when I do its only on the fwy. Seems like I got a longer life out of shocks before this truck. Also the mechanic made no mention of struts needing replacement.
I barely drove the truck the last 2 years and now it just hit 62000. Today while having my tires checked and rotated, I asked the shop to check the shocks. I was told all 4 shocks were leaking and needed replacement. Its in the shop right now getting them. The truck didn't feel like it needed them ride wise so who knows. At 62000 for a 9 year old truck that has been great mechanically. I got my use out of the original shocks. I'm driving to the East Coast next month so I didn't mind replacing them.
My 165,000 mile Honda Civic still has its original structs.. only once did a mechanic mention the possibility of replacing them... for $700!
I've not noticed anything unusual or uncomfortable when going over bumps with this car.. so I'm assuming the structs are satisfactory until proven otherwise..
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They are OK if you like a firm ride, but I didnt buy a big Lexus LS400 for a sports car ride.
