Best way to tell if shock is at the end of its life?
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From: Bangkok / Bay Area, Thailand
Best way to tell if shock is at the end of its life?
Just a question that has been bothering me for a while now. I wanna install some new springs (ones now are too stiff), but I'm not entirely sure what the condition of the shocks are. I don't exactly have money for a brand new set of shocks, but I also don't want to take the suspension apart twice if the shock does give out within the next 6 months. The car still rides pretty well on the highway, but the ride is more "wavy" than all out bouncy at times when the road isn't totally even. Input appreciated! 
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From: Southbay, CA, USA
Re: Best way to tell if shock is at the end of its life? (STi -RA)
Push down on that corner of the car. If the car goes up, down, and then stops, the shocks are fine. If it does more than that, your shocks are worn. If it bounds and rebounds 3x, your shocks are completely blown.
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Joined: Jan 2000
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From: DFW, TX
Re: Best way to tell if shock is at the end of its life? (STi -RA)
if you are driving down the street and you hit a bump and your head hits the moonroof you know you need new shocks! 
or if you are driving down the street and your car wobbles and bounces down the road and people laugh at you constantly.
or if you are driving down the street and your car wobbles and bounces down the road and people laugh at you constantly.
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From: Fort Worth, TX, USA
Re: Best way to tell if shock is at the end of its life? (V8KILLA)
or like my stock ones I replaced. I could push them in easly with my bare hands...so much for 2800 pounds resting on them. Oh and my car raised back up about 3/4 - 1 inch with the new ones! 
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From: SO CAL, USA
Re: Best way to tell if shock is at the end of its life? (Westrock2000)
does it squeak? cuz i believe mine are on its way out and it squeaks, as well as leans a whole lot more than it used to and the ride is a lot bumpier than usual.
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From: Bangkok / Bay Area, Thailand
Re: Best way to tell if shock is at the end of its life? (V8KILLA)
If it looks like your hittin switches everytime you hit the brakes, their gone.
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From: Umm..., NJ
Re: Best way to tell if shock is at the end of its life? (STi -RA)
My back passenger side is startoing to go, the suspension will feel mushy when they start to go, and bumps feel really hard. Mine is leaking which is a dead give away of it starting to go. The strut will be full of oil.
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From: Socal, USA
Re: Best way to tell if shock is at the end of its life? (Big Teggie)
I don't think sqeaking sounds neccessarily means your shocks are going. But I could be wrong. My rear shocks make squeaking sounds occasionally.
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From: So Cali
Re: Best way to tell if shock is at the end of its life? (STi -RA)
if its bouncy, has more body roll than you remember.. and handles sloppily they are probably in need of replacement... do the bounce test around all the corners and see how the car reacts.. if its hops a lot.. then you know their shot..
and yeah if its like your hittin switches when your driving hahah...
and yeah if its like your hittin switches when your driving hahah...
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