Shock Replacement Question
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 2,984
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From: Edmond Oklahoma
sounds like shocks should be replaced after one of 2 conditions: 1, every oil change or 2, if one ever hits a small or large pot hole. Change them out to be sure. Most cars can handle a pot hole but Corvettes are much more high maintenance. Like, dont drive them in the rain, store them anytime there is winter conditions, upgrade everything you can buy or replace, and the damn shocks, one hit and they are done. oh yea dont forget to upgrade exhaust system and springs and brakes - these damn things come so unprepared for the road. 
Safety Car
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From: Oshawa, Ontario
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2016
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From: SC
I think my rear shocks are worn out. I hit another pothole and it went really deep. Didn't get the kind of dampening expected although it didn't bottom out- it just wasn't well controlled.
So I have had excessive rebound and uncontrolled dampening on a "one each occasion". It seems to make the rear a little squirly.
I am looking at JOC or Bilsteins (front and rear). Perhaps a JOC kit with anti roll bars? I'll see if anyone has experience with the JOC kit. No big rush but will look into replacement.
So I have had excessive rebound and uncontrolled dampening on a "one each occasion". It seems to make the rear a little squirly.
I am looking at JOC or Bilsteins (front and rear). Perhaps a JOC kit with anti roll bars? I'll see if anyone has experience with the JOC kit. No big rush but will look into replacement.
Post #2 actually did a good job of answering your question.
I would probably replace them as a matter of principal. Nearly every car I've owned had to have replacement shocks by that age. The only exception was my 350Z which was still doing fine on the OE shocks after 13 years and 130,000 miles.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 2,984
Likes: 380
From: Edmond Oklahoma
You don't seem to understand how shocks work and the advice you have already received. Most shocks have relatively low compression damping. It's the springs job to absorb the compression hit and store the impact energy. Then the shock dissipates that energy (in heat) on the rebound. So yes, when a shock wears out it is most evident in excessive rebound. This is usually noticeable by the vehicle continuing to bounce after the initial rebound. The fact that it got squirrely after one big hit probably means the wheel(s) broke traction or got airborne.
Post #2 actually did a good job of answering your question.
I would probably replace them as a matter of principal. Nearly every car I've owned had to have replacement shocks by that age. The only exception was my 350Z which was still doing fine on the OE shocks after 13 years and 130,000 miles.
Post #2 actually did a good job of answering your question.
I would probably replace them as a matter of principal. Nearly every car I've owned had to have replacement shocks by that age. The only exception was my 350Z which was still doing fine on the OE shocks after 13 years and 130,000 miles.
well DrG, my question had to do with excessive rebound. You stated that excessive rebound is evidence for worn shocks. It appears you've confirmed my suspicion (even though since you replied I also had an instance of poor dampening).
Post #2 didn't address my question concerning rebound as an early sign of failure. It does a good job of explaining general conditions of worn shocks that most of us here are aware.
Now I am considering Bilstein HDs or JOC kit. I am leaning towards HDs since I don't want a harsher ride considering my roads have potholes.
Last edited by LowRyter; Nov 30, 2017 at 05:42 PM.
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That would be "higher", sorry, I had to do that
It is like boiling water. You probably have a
