Do I need new shocks?
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Instructor
Joined: May 2001
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From: Boston, MA
Do I need new shocks?
Need help, I'm getting conflicting info. I have a 95 Comp yellow coupe with 83k miles. I thinnk I need to replace my shocks, but I'm being told that the Bilstein shocks are ok if there is no oil leaking. When I'm cornering especially on the highway and I encounter any bumps or expansion joints on the road surface the car jumps over in the opposite direction, I know that happens with any vehicle a little, but in the my Vette you actually loose control momentarily until the tires grip again, and it seems as though the wheels bounce insted of staying planted to the road surface. Do you think it may be shocks or something else, how about the spring? :eek:
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Re: Do I need new shocks? (Rudy Crichlow)
:cheers: Like you, I have heard the "leaking oil theory"
But my new Billsteins are starting to experience some wheel hop after 30,000 miles and no oil leaks
I suspect there may be two culprits:
I am running 275/45's on all four corners and GM did switch to narrower front treads because of "searching" and 2) I believe shocks can wear without oil leaking. I think that once oil leaks, shocks are really gone
I am thinking of replacing my shocks, front at least, because of this condition
:seeya
But my new Billsteins are starting to experience some wheel hop after 30,000 miles and no oil leaks
I suspect there may be two culprits:
I am running 275/45's on all four corners and GM did switch to narrower front treads because of "searching" and 2) I believe shocks can wear without oil leaking. I think that once oil leaks, shocks are really gone
I am thinking of replacing my shocks, front at least, because of this condition
:seeya
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Re: Do I need new shocks? (jackdaroofer)
Bilsteins tend to start their way out at about 75k, so you could be due for a shock change.
Burning Brakes
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Re: Do I need new shocks? (Rudy Crichlow)
It is funny you mentioned your problem. I only have 40,000 on my 95 but I have the same problem when hitting a bump/expansion joint (not a large one) in the road at about 60 while on a off or on ramp. The first time it scared the crap out of me and I still find it quite unnerving.
It seems like the Vette likes smooth pavement. I tried the same corner in two different autos at the same speed and did not get that scary reaction from them.
[Modified by Ron H, 10:45 PM 6/27/2002]
It seems like the Vette likes smooth pavement. I tried the same corner in two different autos at the same speed and did not get that scary reaction from them.
[Modified by Ron H, 10:45 PM 6/27/2002]
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Joined: May 2001
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From: Boston, MA
Re: Do I need new shocks? (Ron H)
Ron H, What scares me even more than what you and I described, is when it happens and I'm driving with the roof panel removed........talk about hold on for dear life! :eek:
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2000
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From: Orangeburg, NY
Re: Do I need new shocks? (Rudy Crichlow)
It sounds like you need new shocks. I would also check the following:
tire pressure
ball joints
control arms
bushings
bearings
If you take it to a Front End shop they can easily check all of the above. However you can do it yourself as well. Jack the car up and put your hands on the 9 and 3 O'clock position. Push with one hand while you pull with the other, alternate and make a rocking motion. Feel for slight movement. Do the same in the 6 and 12 O'clock position. If there is any movement, chances are you need more than shocks. Remove the tire and make a visual inspection as well, checking the joints and bushings for wear. Hope this helps.
tire pressure
ball joints
control arms
bushings
bearings
If you take it to a Front End shop they can easily check all of the above. However you can do it yourself as well. Jack the car up and put your hands on the 9 and 3 O'clock position. Push with one hand while you pull with the other, alternate and make a rocking motion. Feel for slight movement. Do the same in the 6 and 12 O'clock position. If there is any movement, chances are you need more than shocks. Remove the tire and make a visual inspection as well, checking the joints and bushings for wear. Hope this helps.
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Re: Do I need new shocks? (89 Bob L)
i have a 93 with 45,000 miles and the same thing happens, i thought thats how vettes handle. i was disapointed thought the handling would be better, so if it's the shocks i will change them. i was thinking of the endelbrock, what do yoiu guys think.
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Re: Do I need new shocks? (Rudy Crichlow)
When I'm cornering especially on the highway and I encounter any bumps or expansion joints on the road surface the car jumps over in the opposite direction
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From: benicia ca
Re: Do I need new shocks? (Rudy Crichlow)
hows your alignment ? some tires also track funny , depending on your tread pattern., i changed my shocks and had an alignment done , that definetly corrected my problem, good luck! :D
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From: colorado springs co
Re: Do I need new shocks? (Rudy Crichlow)
My 85 coupe reacts the same way and I've got the original Bilsteins on with 90K. IMO it is that transverse leaf spring which is a leftover from horse and buggy days. Think about it. If you hit an expansion joint dead on with both hind wheels simultaneously as in straight line, things are just fine. Now if you hit a similar expansion joint on an on ramp or off ramp that is when the transverse leaf spring does what it does best; it transfers that kinetic energy to the opposite side of the car which causes the squirrelling motion. My attempt at physics 101. That transverse leaf spring has got to go.
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From: Houston, Tx
Re: Do I need new shocks? (Rudy Crichlow)
Ron H, What scares me even more than what you and I described, is when it happens and I'm driving with the roof panel removed........talk about hold on for dear life! :eek:
