Shock Replacement Question
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 2,984
Likes: 380
From: Edmond Oklahoma
Shock Replacement Question
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.
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.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 4,435
Likes: 874
From: Bay Area CA
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.
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.
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.
Last edited by Mike's LS3; Nov 26, 2017 at 02:37 PM.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 2,984
Likes: 380
From: Edmond Oklahoma
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.
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.
My question, has to do with the failure mode of the OEM shocks. Are they more prone to rebound failure when they need replacement.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 4,435
Likes: 874
From: Bay Area CA
OEM or aftermarket, shock failure is rebound damping failure.
Last edited by Mike's LS3; Nov 26, 2017 at 07:47 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 6,642
Likes: 450
From: Texarkana Texas
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.
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Race Director
Joined: Aug 2002
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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.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2011
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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.
Race Director
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Dont forget I said one of -- not the best - ONE Of the best built in America.
Last edited by C6 Snowboarder; Nov 27, 2017 at 03:01 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 12,930
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From: Huntsville AL
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.
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.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
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C6 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
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.
But my car is lowered so that might have an impact on shock life.
Last edited by wayback; Nov 27, 2017 at 04:57 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 4,435
Likes: 874
From: Bay Area CA
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.
But my car is lowered so that might have an impact on shock life.
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.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2013
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From: Stella, North Carolina
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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.
So I would say yours are fine.