When should shocks be replaced?

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Sep 23, 2007 | 05:22 PM

jgrooms

Thread Starter

Driver

Joined: Jul 2001

Posts: 163

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From: Florida

When should shocks be replaced?

When do the shocks generally need to be replaced? I have a 2001 with 57k miles (standard suspension, not air or sport). The service dept. says they may need to be replaced. Their exact words (written on the invoice) were: "Possible weak shocks - appear 'Heavy' over speed bumps." Is this something I should be concerned about?

Thanks ~ John

Sep 23, 2007 | 06:35 PM

IronCobra

Lexus Champion

Joined: Apr 2002

Posts: 3,407

Likes: 1

From: Texas

When the dealer checks them and sees that they are worn out or leaking OR whenever they are in such poor condition that you can feel a noticable difference in the ride of the car.

The reason I say the second option is because they cost about $3500 just to replace the front shocks.

Sep 23, 2007 | 08:09 PM

bigcory

Lead Lap

Joined: May 2006

Posts: 518

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From: Ca

3500 for air suspension. It seems each strut is around $1200. 1100 for install seems steep but dealers are expensive.

Sep 23, 2007 | 08:14 PM

bigcory

Lead Lap

Joined: May 2006

Posts: 518

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From: Ca

Here are the costs that someone else posted in the "Converting Air to Conventional Suspension".

48510-50130,STRUT Front SPORT PACKAGE: $76.71
48510-50120,STRUT Front NON-SPORT: $76.71

Cost of Sport and regular springs:
48131-50130 OEM Lexus Front Coil Spring SPORT PACKAGE: $113.38
48131-50140 OEM Lexus Front Coil Spring ROUGH ROAD PACKAGE & SPORT PACKAGE: $131.35

Air Suspension - Strut Cost:
48010-50110 Pneumatic Front W/Shock Absorber Cylinder Assembly: $985.20

Sep 24, 2007 | 07:30 AM

jgrooms

Thread Starter

Driver

Joined: Jul 2001

Posts: 163

Likes: 0

From: Florida

Thanks everyone for your replies.

I gather from the responses that my shocks probably do not need to be replaced. They did not mention any leaks or other visible issues, and I do not know how to tell if they are worn out.

As far as determining the ride quality, I personally feel it is pretty good. However, this is my first LS and I have nothing to compare it to (other than my '97 ES, in which case it is far superior). BTW, my ES has 96k on it and there has never been any mention of the shocks (which made me suspicious of the "diagnosis" on the LS).

~ John

Sep 24, 2007 | 09:18 AM

IronCobra

Lexus Champion

Joined: Apr 2002

Posts: 3,407

Likes: 1

From: Texas

If they arn't leaking then don't worry about them. Save the money

Sep 24, 2007 | 08:19 PM

VQT

Lexus Champion

Joined: Feb 2001

Posts: 1,603

Likes: 5

From: Las Vegas, NV

For standard shock, check with old school style. On each corner, push the corner a few times and let go. If the car kept bounch more than once, the shock need to be replaced.

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Sep 25, 2007 | 10:15 AM

lexusthai

Driver

Joined: Jun 2006

Posts: 161

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From: NY

Quote:

Originally Posted by VQT

For standard shock, check with old school style. On each corner, push the corner a few times and let go. If the car kept bounch more than once, the shock need to be replaced.

I think VQT got this right on the spot. Even if there is no visible leaking, give it a hard push downward anyway (at the front corners of the hood and the rear corners of the trunk), if a corner bounces more than once, then it needs to be replaced. Or if when going over bumps/potholes, it feels much harsher than it was when new or almost new, then it should be replaced. However, before you replace the shocks on the reason of harsh feel alone, be sure that the air in your tires are at recommended levels. Too much air in the tires can give you the false impression of bad shocks.

According to Monroe, driving with a seriously worn shock absorber can lead to:

Reduced braking efficiency resulting in longer stopping distances
Reduced efficiency of Anti-Lock Braking Systems (ABS) and Electronic Stability Control (ESP)
Increased risk of skidding in the wet
Aquaplaning occurs at lower speeds
Less control when cornering or caught in a cross wind
Increased driver tiredness and reduced speed or response
Increased wear of tyres and other suspension components
Uneven/oscillating headlight level causing dazzle to on-coming drivers
Increased passenger discomfort
Increased risk of ิsnaking' when towing

I think TENNECO have written a good article on this subject:

The Hidden Danger of Worn Out Shock Absorbers