How do you tell if your shocks are worn?
05 September 2004, 11:59 AM
#1
How do you tell if your shocks are worn?
Nothing wrong with the car, but just a curiosity as many people don't realise the importance of shocks in terms of braking performance, traction and handling.
For example, I am led to believe that shocks start to degrade in performance at around the 50K miles mark....or is this shock manufacturers / dealers trying to get you to buy new shocks and make a few bob?
Obvious signs such as:
Leaking
Knocking
And blatently obvious bouncy/wallowy or excessively rigid ride.
In many cases the above signs may not be apparent, so, aside from jumping into an identical car with new shocks and trying to feel for any difference - how do you tell?
Also...why are most Orginal Manufacturers or OE spec replacement shocks stiffer (25%ish ) than the ones originally fitted to the vehicle at the factory??
Is it to make the driver "notice" a difference in ride/handling, to accomodate extra wear and tear in orther supension components, or is that the originals are cheapies...or vica versa???
Your thoughts and opinions on this are welcome
.....
For example, I am led to believe that shocks start to degrade in performance at around the 50K miles mark....or is this shock manufacturers / dealers trying to get you to buy new shocks and make a few bob?
Obvious signs such as:
Leaking
Knocking
And blatently obvious bouncy/wallowy or excessively rigid ride.
In many cases the above signs may not be apparent, so, aside from jumping into an identical car with new shocks and trying to feel for any difference - how do you tell?
Also...why are most Orginal Manufacturers or OE spec replacement shocks stiffer (25%ish ) than the ones originally fitted to the vehicle at the factory??
Is it to make the driver "notice" a difference in ride/handling, to accomodate extra wear and tear in orther supension components, or is that the originals are cheapies...or vica versa???
Your thoughts and opinions on this are welcome
.....
Last edited by ALi-B; 05 September 2004 at 12:01 PM.
06 September 2004, 07:13 AM
#2
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Other symtoms you forgot got are increased braking distance(if you know your car you should notice this one), stepped wear on your tyres(not as easy to spot if you rag your ride ), and most manufacturers say 30k not 50 btw. You can always use the tyre kickers check, bounce the corners, more than 2 bounces = buggered? not scientific, but thats how most garages check.
), and most manufacturers say 30k not 50 btw. You can always use the tyre kickers check, bounce the corners, more than 2 bounces = buggered? not scientific, but thats how most garages check.
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