LowRyter

I have an '08 base model. Since I purchased it used, I have no idea how old the shock might be but the car has 62k miles on it.

Car seems to handle fine and the damping seems well controlled. I did hit a big bump/dip yesterday in a construction zone and got big rebound. This was a one time deal but it was more extreme than I expected.

I am curious, is degraded rebound control the first sign of worn shocks?

Probably no need to put it off but will likely get Bilstein HD. But I'd really like to know how the OEM shocks seem to wear.

Mike's LS3

Springs absorb the energy from bumps and potholes. Shocks dampen the springs natural tendency to oscillate.

Does the suspension tend to bounce more?

Do you notice more body roll around turns?

Do you get a wobbly feel going around turns?

If you answered yes to any of the above questions, then you need new shocks.

At 62k miles, it is probably time to change the shocks. I replaced my oem Z51 shocks at 48k with Bilstein sports and it made a significant improvement. Since you have the base suspension, the Bilstein HD would be a good replacement shock for you.

wayback

I would change them. I have never gotten that many miles out of any shock on my 07 base.
194,000 miles and on my 6th set of shocks.

TCW

Tom

LowRyter

as I said, the damping seems good, I had one instance of excessive rebound.

My question, has to do with the failure mode of the OEM shocks. Are they more prone to rebound failure when they need replacement.

LowRyter

uh huh.

Mike's LS3

OEM or aftermarket, shock failure is rebound damping failure.

LMB-Z

Your shocks are 2008 models with 62k miles on them....I will almost guarantee it. Shocks should last at least 100,000 miles +++ unless you go down a lot of extremely bumpy roads at extremely fast speeds. I wouldn't worry about it.

C6 Snowboarder

I know it is not American but my 1980 Mercedes has over 220k miles on it with original front shocks.. still works great and handles like it did 37 years ago.

ever notice how much work a **** Corvette owner does on his car compared to other cars. the C6 is one of the best built american car ever and people tend to baby the suckers.

LowRyter

My Accords have never needed shocks (140k+ miles).

My question had to do with excessive rebound and whether that single occurrence was an indicator of degradation.

windyC6

Best built American cars ??.....is this a joke ?? I've been a Corvette lover for many, many years and will always own one if I can. But to suggest that they are one of the best built American cars is a bit of a stretch......

C6 Snowboarder

ok - in your opinion which sporty car built in America is better than a C6? were talking reliability here correct?

Dont forget I said one of -- not the best - ONE Of the best built in America.

Tonylmiller

They are probably fine from what you wrote, but if you want to spend some money and upgrade, go ahead! We all like to spend money upgrading our Corvettes.

wayback

I would pull the fronts off and check them. I was shocked to see how weak mine were at 30,000 miles. Easily compressed by hand and weak rebound. Anyone thinking they last 100,000 miles has never checked them.

But my car is lowered so that might have an impact on shock life.

Mike's LS3

What people don't realize is that shocks normally degrade slowly and the driver gets used to the way the car feels, until new shocks are installed.

LowRyter

so regarding weak rebound?

jdvann

If that's how you want to determine shock life then you must replicate the condition that caused it the first time. Or do as others have said and pull a shock and check it. Any unusual characteristics could be an indication the shocks are failing. Or it may have just been one hell of a bump...

1bdvet

I have 05 with 63,000 miles, and had it aligned at the dealership, and if they were bad, they would of sold me set of shocks.
So I would say yours are fine.

LowRyter

anyone know if first sign of shock wear is excessive rebound?

Tonylmiller

Can you just push down firmly at each corner and see how it responds? But don't damage your car pushing on it!