Should I replace shocks?

[ckmaggie]

Car has 95k and shocks have been replaced at some point but I have no record of when. Is there a way to test if they need to be replaced? Heard of standing on bumper test but I am thinking of something a little more precise.

My other option is to just replace and start out fresh.

Thanks

[Zeke]

I have heard of the bumper test, too. But, the thing is, 911s don't "bounce twice" like a Suburban even when the shocks are not up to par. I won't suggest that you go looking for pot holes, but things like drainage at intersections should not send a shock wave through the car.

That is not a real "precise" evaluation either. I have found that on my various Porsches and cars in general that when I motor around a fairly sharp highway curve at speed, the car hugs the road. No dancing when the shocks are working as they should.

And, you could always drive a newer car, or one that is known to have fresh shocks for comparison. All that having been said, you could also buy the new shocks of your choice, and if the ones that come out of the car prove to be good, sell them in the classifieds.

One man's ceiling is another man's floor.

[anthony]

I find that it's pretty easy to tell when you have bad shocks by how the car reacts to bumps. On small sharp bumps the car feels really harsh, and on larger bumps (or dips) in the road the car will oscillate with the dip and bounce a little.

For front shocks you can check the nuts and bent washers on top of the struts to see if they look original or if they look like they have been replaced.

[ckmaggie]

Another way of asking the question is "what is the expected life of Blistein shocks". I know they were replace at some point so they don't have 95k on them.

Is there anything visually that is a sign of wear? I am not opposed to taking the struts out to look at them.

Thanks

[KFC911]

Originally posted by ckmaggie
Car has 95k and shocks have been replaced at some point but I have no record of when....

Replaced with what? I've totally refreshed/upgraded my suspension (doing several items at once). I started out with a stand alone change by replacing the original Boges (w/ <50K on them) with Bilsteins, and that was by far the most beneficial of any change I've made imo. It's all cumulative...I now love the way she handles, but the shock replacement was a night & day difference.

[Superman]

Bilsteins lose their damping action slower than all other shocks IMHO.

Hey, my car has at least 260k miles on original Bilstein shocks. I've been through Baja and Paris-Dakar several times. Does anyone think my shocks need replacing?

(Okay, I lied about the Baja and Dakar thing)

[lukeh]

I had my Bilsteins sent in and revalved. This is cheaper than buying new and they can be set up to your specific needs. I seem to remember the cost was $55 per.

[Icemaster]

I've personally never found a good way to check a shock when its installed other than driving the car, even then I still dont always trust it. It's relatively simple to pull one of the rears completey off, that's always been my MO and has served well.

[azasadny]

I replaced my rear Bilsteins this past summer and didn't even know they were bad until I took them out. I put in new ones and can't believe the difference! Replace them!!! It's not expensive or difficult to do.