When to replace Struts
Thread Starter
Pole Position
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 274
Likes: 1
From: NC
When to replace Struts
Hey Guys,
How do you know when the Struts need to be replaced?? I've done a search and everything seems to be mainly about what kind of strut to use or how to replace them. The reason I'm asking is because the inner part of the tires are wearing fast and you can tell my camber is a little off. I went to a shop and the guy said he thinks the struts need to be replaced, without putting it on a jack. The car has the stock suspension (1995 SC300 with 81K miles). I got the car aligned after I put my 19"'s on it and they said it was within spec, but I didn't keep it. I just took his word for it.
Seems like from what I have read, my tires wearing unevenly could be from needing new struts, needing new bushings, needing new control arms, or just an alignment. I'll go get it aligned again and see if it was off, but other than that, is there a way to tell if the struts/bushings/control arms need to be replaced?
Thanks
Chris Nguyen
How do you know when the Struts need to be replaced?? I've done a search and everything seems to be mainly about what kind of strut to use or how to replace them. The reason I'm asking is because the inner part of the tires are wearing fast and you can tell my camber is a little off. I went to a shop and the guy said he thinks the struts need to be replaced, without putting it on a jack. The car has the stock suspension (1995 SC300 with 81K miles). I got the car aligned after I put my 19"'s on it and they said it was within spec, but I didn't keep it. I just took his word for it.
Seems like from what I have read, my tires wearing unevenly could be from needing new struts, needing new bushings, needing new control arms, or just an alignment. I'll go get it aligned again and see if it was off, but other than that, is there a way to tell if the struts/bushings/control arms need to be replaced?
Thanks
Chris Nguyen
Pole Position
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 291
Likes: 0
From: Nightmare on Elm St.
When my rear strut decided to go, I actually had fluid leaking from the strut itself. When you look at it, it looked as if it was covered in "oil" and dirt.
Try a visual inspection to check for signs of fluid leakage.
Try a visual inspection to check for signs of fluid leakage.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,405
Likes: 3
From: International
An easy way to tell is to physically push down on the strut tower. The car should return to a level position, not bouncing or making any noise. It also shouldn't just compress effortlessly, although it probably won't be all that difficult either. I'd have the alignment *checked* as well, since you'd need to have it done after installing new struts.
Scott
Scott
Trending Topics
Former Vendor
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 323
Likes: 1
From: CA
One good indicator of worn dampers is in the way the tires wear. "cupping" of the tires indicates the dampers are on their way out. Inner tire wear is more an indicator of an alignment issue.
Check for leakage from the shock piston and simply just see how the car drives! If the car "floats" too much over bumps and dips, or is conversely is too stiff, those are also big indicators.
These are wear and tear items, and are usually replaced every 5-7 years when the factory dampers go bad. OEM quality aftermarket dampers should last for a fairly long time.
Check for leakage from the shock piston and simply just see how the car drives! If the car "floats" too much over bumps and dips, or is conversely is too stiff, those are also big indicators.
These are wear and tear items, and are usually replaced every 5-7 years when the factory dampers go bad. OEM quality aftermarket dampers should last for a fairly long time.
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