Broken Shock?

[kevin7782]

I have 1992 corolla and recently the driver side rear shock bangs really hard every time I hit a bump. It seems to be worse when its cold out. So I wonder if there is some kind of fluid in there that is freezing. Maybe it was from hitting a pothole but it doesnt seem to be as bad when its warmer out. Does anyone know how to fix this? Thanks

[SCT]

Change all your struts and strut mounts, or at least two in the rear, to keep all control even.

If there is fluid in a shock or strut, it wouldn't freeze. Likely you have a gas strut that is worn out. So instead of absorbing shock, it allows it to travel all the way and maxes itself result in a bang. Temperature differences can affect pressurized gas in a can.

[2fast0gsxr07]

My car does the same thing. I thought the same idea, it was either broken or fluid was freezing. Its been a year and the car is smooth as hell in warmer weather and bangs in cold weather. I've just left it and its been annoying but fine.

[toyomoho]

Have someone drive the car over potholes while you listen to the drivers side rear upper deck area in the back seat. This is the area of the rear strut mounts. If the noise is from this area it could be a strut mount.

If not check the drivers side sway bar bushing and sway bar end link.

[Ghostyman]

Try just pushing down on that corner of the car vigorously. If you can reproduce the noise that way, you should be able to figure out exactly where it's coming from.

[ericdude]

Originally Posted by SCT

Change all your struts and strut mounts, or at least two in the rear, to keep all control even.

If there is fluid in a shock or strut, it wouldn't freeze. Likely you have a gas strut that is worn out. So instead of absorbing shock, it allows it to travel all the way and maxes itself result in a bang. Temperature differences can affect pressurized gas in a can.

+1

Mine does this in front. Someday I'll buy the clamshell spring compressors and replace
the shocks so my towers stop getting the hell beaten out of them.

[freakinbox]

push down on the cars corners, the blown shock will make that corner bounce more, Start at the front and make sure the car has been sitting for awhile before you do it, my bad shock builds pressure back up so it gets harder as you drive it.

or it could also be the plate on top on the front McPherson struts. When the bearing in mine went it made a loud banging noise. Pull them out and check the top by wiggling it. There should be no play in them. Mine has very little but it was enough to make the car very hard to control.