when to replace shocks
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 45
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From: Ft. Collins Co.
when to replace shocks
I have 2002 convertible with 111,000 miles. Shocks don't leak and car drives fine. On bumpy, curvey roads it does bounce around a little but it has done that from day one--not scary but noticeable. I bought the car new so the shocks are original. I don't take the vette to the track but I don't baby it either. What do you guys think?
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 4,735
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From: Visalia CA
For a 13 year old car with 111.000 miles on it, I would think it would be a no brainer. Don't wait another day. Put some new shocks on your baby.
And if you are still running the original engine coolant and brake fluid, it might be a good time to replace those items also.
And if you are still running the original engine coolant and brake fluid, it might be a good time to replace those items also.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 24,484
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From: Scottsdale AZ
No brainer- replace them . . .you'll see a big difference.
Its the same as belts, hoses and fluids - - -there's a time to replace `em even if they're not broken . . .
Napa will have some good OEM shocks for you very reasonable.
Its the same as belts, hoses and fluids - - -there's a time to replace `em even if they're not broken . . .
Napa will have some good OEM shocks for you very reasonable.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 118
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From: Vancouver BC
I have 2002 convertible with 111,000 miles. Shocks don't leak and car drives fine. On bumpy, curvey roads it does bounce around a little but it has done that from day one--not scary but noticeable. I bought the car new so the shocks are original. I don't take the vette to the track but I don't baby it either. What do you guys think?
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I'd have to agree - probably time to replace the shocks after 111K miles. A set of C6 Z06 shocks would make a big difference.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2013
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From: Wisconsin
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2012
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From: Brighton MI
I replaced by base suspension shocks ('97 with 33k miles) this past summer with C6 Z06 shocks (also installed C6 Z51 sways with metal end links). What a difference! 
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I replace shocks every 5 years or 50K miles on my DD's On the Vette more often, usually after two sets of tires.
Shocks are an often overlooked suspension component.
They wear with every revolution of the tire. And the absence of leaks are not an indicator of a shock's lifespan.
Shocks are an often overlooked suspension component.
They wear with every revolution of the tire. And the absence of leaks are not an indicator of a shock's lifespan.
Racer
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 355
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From: Cherry Hill New Jersey
I bought a '87 C4 last year in July, had 130,000 miles on it and in very good shape for the price, first thing I look at is the shocks, they are the original! Pulled the shock off pushed it down, and it never came back up, then you know your riding on leaf springs.
If you drive it regularly, I'd say 75,000 change the shocks, 50,000 if your always on bumpy roads cause thats more wear and tear.
If you drive it regularly, I'd say 75,000 change the shocks, 50,000 if your always on bumpy roads cause thats more wear and tear.
Racer
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 352
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From: Bowman ND
Just replaced the shocks on my 98 vert with a set of oem c6 z06 shocks. No leaking either but 1 of them had no dampening left at all causing a slight clunk on the road cracks when cruising. Easy project and very nice ride now. I posted a do it yourself post in the tech and tune section with pics.
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From: Wisconsin
Corvettes are pretty light, don't usually carry heavy loads, have fairly stiff springs, aren't usually driven off road, come with decent quality shocks from the factory and are mostly driven on good roads. If C5s are driven normally the shocks should last longer than your average car. My wife had 120K miles on her car when she replaced her OE shocks and 3 out of 4 were still in good shape.
Safety Car
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From: Houston TX
Team Owner
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From: Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.
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Corvettes are pretty light, don't usually carry heavy loads, have fairly stiff springs, aren't usually driven off road, come with decent quality shocks from the factory and are mostly driven on good roads. If C5s are driven normally the shocks should last longer than your average car. My wife had 120K miles on her car when she replaced her OE shocks and 3 out of 4 were still in good shape.
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 159
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From: Anderson IN
I've been thinking of doing this on my 65,000 mile '99. When u say "what a difference", what do you mean? Better ride? Better handling? Both? Thanks
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2012
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From: Brighton MI
Biggest difference is in cornering, which is totally flat now - no body lean or roll whatsoever. Ride is slightly stiffer due to the valving in the C6 Z06 shocks vs. the original OEMs, but not so stiff that it upsets the car on these crappy Michigan roads. The key here is that I kept my base suspension springs, which are alot more compliant on bumpy surfaces. I have driven several C6 Z06's here in Michigan over several weeks time and, although they were monsters in terms of power and handling, they beat the hell out of you on crappy roads, which is about all we have here in Michigan.