150K on struts... time to replace?

[kegunder]

I'm wondering about whether I should replace my struts/ mounts/ and sway bar bushings & links this season, or should I wait until next year. The car is a 2000 Avalon XLS with 155K miles. The ride seems fine and is still quiet.

I read this thread about strut life, and I guess we're lucky with our strut life (and road quality.)

Sturt/Spring Life Expectancy

I don't want to replace parts that still have life in them. But I'd also prefer to replace everything at once, and plan to have no issues for another 150K.

My main question is this. Even though the ride seems great now, will it surprise me how much better it is after replacing the suspension? I mean, if I wait will I be disappointed that I didn't do the job sooner to be enjoying the better ride (and safety?)

I know that you can't guess how my car rides now, but any thoughts and shared experiences would be appreciated.

[roady94]

Originally Posted by kegunder

I don't want to replace parts that still have life in them.

. . . if I wait will I be disappointed that I didn't do the job sooner to be enjoying the better ride (and safety?)

- If I follow your meaning, you are going to be doubly disappointed if you make the change now.

First, you will be disappointed that you didn't do the job sooner because the ride will definitely be improved.

Then, you will be even more disappointed because you changed them when there was still some 'life' left in them.

Or should I factor in your third consideration: waiting until every part of the suspension needs replacing, and do it all at once. I think this will lead to disappointment as well.

[kegunder]

Well said, or typed. I think the first two possible disappointments are mutually exclusive. At least to me, getting 9 years from these components is good. I'm leaning toward doing the overhaul.