Opinion: When do shocks need replacement?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 251
Likes: 0
From: SAN JOSE CALIFORNIA
Opinion: When do shocks need replacement?
What is everyone's opinion on when to replace shocks?
Is it:
1) Bounce test
2) After XXX miles
3) After XXX years
4) Noisy
5) Because I have extra money to spend....
Is it:
1) Bounce test
2) After XXX miles
3) After XXX years
4) Noisy
5) Because I have extra money to spend....
Last edited by nogoodsam; Jan 11, 2009 at 11:08 AM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,765
Likes: 5
I would replace shocks on a vehicle after the usual ride quality is gone over bumps in the road. Or over 50,000 miles. Replace them if oil is leaking from pistion - chrome rod seal.
Or You can allways just replace them Because You have extra money to spend !
Or You can allways just replace them Because You have extra money to spend !
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 3,616
Likes: 5
From: Sandhills of North Carolina
I would say a lot of it would have to do with the quality of the shocks themselves. Obviously a more expensive shock would probably have a longer life span. I would say an average price shock would make it 40K.
Oil on the outside of the casing is always a sure sign one is done to. Usually if one has oil on it the others aren't far behind.
Oil on the outside of the casing is always a sure sign one is done to. Usually if one has oil on it the others aren't far behind.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 596
Likes: 355
From: Mt Prospect IL
2025 C4 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Miles and time are poor judges of shocks, much like light bulbs, you don't need to replace them for those reasons. Leaking shocks, bounce test are the best reason but be careful, I have had bounce test show good when the shocks were starting to go. I just replace them if I have too much money, it helps reduce my wife's shopping time (read money).
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 138
Likes: 0
From: Reno Nevada
The shocks that came on my 85 Vette were junk. I replaced them at 10,000 miles with cheap KYB's and the difference was amazing. Those beautiful aluminum A arms, fancy spring, and a shock that was about the same that came on a 1970 Nova...amazing.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 251
Likes: 0
From: SAN JOSE CALIFORNIA
Reminds me....I assume different year C4s had different standard shocks (in addition to options) ??
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Pro
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 702
Likes: 0
I say take them off the car and compress (at various rapid speeds) them yourself, that is if you know what a good one is supposed to feel like. the bounce test was very misleading for me. I thought all my shocks were bad, but what I really had was 2 good shocks and 2 bad, but I had already purchased all 4
Last edited by ekess744; Jan 23, 2009 at 06:23 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 62,159
Likes: 1,733
From: Athens AL
C7 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist 2021
C4 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
Bilstein shocks will be well worn and should be replaced after 75K. Depending on how roads are in your area or how vigorously you drive it, it could be at 50K.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 3,284
Likes: 51
From: Jacksonville, FL
St. Jude Donor '08 thru '26
I generally use the porpoise test as a early head's up. We have some great roads in the NYC/metro area for this test. The heavy truck traffic at toll booth approachs causes the pavement to have regular waves that can be used to do the test. If that doesn't suit my needs, it's easy to find those same waves at spots on the most traveled truck routes. I just go over them at a good rate of speed & wait to see how fast the car stops porpoising. 
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 13,348
Likes: 233
From: SCMR Rat Pack'r Charter Member..Great Bend KS
Replace them when they no longer control the body and/or wheels to your satisfaction when you are driving the car vigorously. 
Larry
_________
"can't re-virgin"
Larry
_________
"can't re-virgin"
