When Should I change my Shocks????

[klaw126]

Hey guys, I'm currently trying to figure out if I need to change my shock (struts). The ride on my 03 has gotten harder over the past few months, especially over rough surfaces. I do have after market rims (17's) but this was never a problem when I first added the rims 2 years ago. The car currently has about 100,000 miles, and still riding on the original suspension. Any suggestions?

[1996camry]

here is how you check if you need to change your struts... park your car on flat surface...with both hands push down (on the hood) that center of your struts as much pressure then let it go with your hands off the ...i should eject upward force (1-2) then stop...if the force eject upward, more than 3 or more...you need a new struts...when you do that, look for any abnormal sound (squeeze sound) and visual inspect ....see if anything is not normal...

hope that helps u.... normal the front of struts go bad quicker than the rear...if you get out the deep drive way..and underneath of your car keep hit the cement everytime u go out deep drive way or any deep drive way... your struts (air) inside of your struts is not there anymore...need new struts...my 96 toyota camry..did that way..and i replaced front struts...the problem go away (when i get out deep drive way) no more hit on deep drive way... hope i did answer your ?.

[Gellenole]

^ the last part only applies if you have not lowered your car.

[clarkgrizwald]

i was gonna make fun of that post til i realized english probably isnt your first language.

[klaw126]

Thanks for the help, ill try out the test this weekend. If I do happen to need new shocks, do u recommend me sticking with the oem or going for another brand. Any recommendations?

[jimmy-j]

you can also jack the car up and look at the shock itself. if it's leaking oil or there's any indication that it has leaked oil then you need new shocks.

also if you drive and your car is floating and bouncing like a caddilac deville then you need new shocks.

also not sure what kinds of replacement shocks are out there since i'm still new to camry's.... when i had my integra, i had koni sport (yellow) shocks which are adjustable for firm or soft ride.

[1996camry]

Dude, I posted that message at 5 A.M...What do you expected? I am in the rust to get off the computer and get some rests for the night...

If you want to criticized the English language is not my first language, then I can said you're wrong. Only one word I can describe you ARE...THIS FORUM IS NOT MEANT FOR YOU. WE ARE HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT CARS AND TRY TO SAVE FEW BUCKS, RATHER WE'RE HERE TO CRITICIZED OTHERS.

Since you know a lot on car, why don't you answer/provide tips on struts.

Thanks!

[1996camry]

Here is how you check if you need to change your struts... park your car on flat surface and have both hands push down (on the hood). make sure both your hands push down the area that struts position on your car. make sure good amount of pressures push down, then take both hands off the hood. now, you should see the struts eject (forces) upward (1-2 times) then stop...if the force eject upward, more than 3 or more...you consider a new struts...also, visual inspect for abnormal sound (squeeze sound) and wear.


I hope this will helps... Normally, the front struts go bad quicker than the rear...If you reverse your car out of your drive way and if the underneath (front the car) of your car keep hit the cement for every time u got out (slop/deep hill) drive way. this tell your struts are bad.. need new struts..the struts have air internal.. My 96 toyota camry..did that way for every time I reverse out (slop/deep hill), the front underneath kept hit the cement.. . I replaced front struts...the problems went away.