Do I need new shocks to replace bushings?
 

My mechanic says the lower rubber bushings are damaged on my rear shocks. L have a low miles 79 and I still have the original Bilstein shocks.

He says the bushings are defective but the shocks look fine. Unfortunately according to him the bushings are not available separately and I need to replace the whole shocks.

Is he right? Are the bushings available separately?

Don't know, but how does he know the shocks are OK?

They are almost 30 years old, replace them.


Edit: Just because the shocks 'look' good doesn't mean they are. You can't bounce on the bumper and tell if they are still good either.

Bilstein refurbishes their shocks. 1/2 the price of new. My guess is they would replace rubber when doing it. Call them.

But I agree, the original shocks are probably shot. Defective is and interesting choice of words. "Old" would be a better choice ;)

http://www.bilstein.com/services.php