I have an 06 LS non-UL with 71k miles. I'm going to replace both rear struts since one of them is leaking and makes a loud thump over speed bumps. Lav mentioned in another thread to swap all 4 struts at the same time to improve the ride. What are other folks' comments? Do you replace the fronts/rears as needed? Or go for all 4?

 

I would likely replace both rears to give an even ride...

 

I inquired about this when my other 04 needed a rear strut replaced. The dealer said that there was no need to replace other one and to only replace shocks when they go bad.

 

One thought is that the other shocks may be nearing similar conditions of wear. They may not be obvious on car in some situations so the preventative maintenance will bring peace of mind if your wallet is willing. A good alignment will get you ~$90 so if you do a one per as needed, you'll be doing the alignment drill 4X as the others are replaced. Depends how the road conditions and miles are for the shocks in use. They can go as quickly as 50K and last 150K+.

 

At the very least, I would do the in pairs. As RA40 stated, preferably all four, then the alignment is only done once.

 

Pairs makes sense as usually when one side fails, the other side may fail as well in a reasonable period of time. You will at least have both sides of the front balanced.

 

Thanks for the feedback everyone. I plan to replace both rear struts. But should I replace the front ones too? Or do I wait until the front ones fail? Will it make the ride much better if I replace all 4?

 

the people that sell shocks will always say replace in pairs or all 4. THEY SELL SHOCKS FOR A LIVING. the dealer will only replace the one that is bad. it's your car, do what you want, but I let the dealer replace 1 shock.

 

It is more costs effective to do all 4 at the same time. Not to mention the ideal operation of the vehicle.

 

I was in a similar situation last year. One rear strut was leaking and the other three were not. I had 110,000 miles on the clock and I figured well its time to replace all four maybe even the springs while I am at it. I called Sewell Parts and explained my thoughts and asked how long in particular for the springs. Whomever I spoke with explained that at this mileage, one strut failure was possible, however usually not until 150K. He suggested I replace in pairs, however there was no need to replace the front set unless they were leaking, or felt they were not operating properly. He also talked me out of the springs completely.

I now have 120K miles on the odometer, and have not looked back since. The rear did raise about an inch and the ride is better, however, not enough to justify what I was going to spend above beyond what was broke.

Randy B

 

At 53k miles I had one leaking front strut. I chose to replace both fronts and did not touch the springs in the front or the rears at all. Ride is back to pleasurable and think I made the right choice.

 

how many UL owners plan to replace all 4 if one goes bad. interesting

 

I definitely think you should replace in pairs, so if one of the rear struts is blown, you would replace both rear struts.

I don't think it's going to hurt anything to NOT replace them in pairs, it's just even if a strut is not completely blown, it gradually wears out. It would almost like be riding on one rear tire that has 35psi and one that has 25psi. It's going to screw with the ride and handling.

I personally don't think you need to replace all 4 but it would probably mean a more well balanced ride.

 

Are you saying that your raised the rear of your car by an inch by replacing shocks only? OEMs?

 

I also questioned the increase in height. Unless the spring was replaced as well, it should not have affected the height.