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

 

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.

 

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

 

Just assume that its worn down and use that assumption to justify saving up for new coilovers. Coilovers make a world of a difference

 

that's what i would do to, jsut save up for some good suspension and toss that on, that way you know you have good struts.

 

Just a random blurb but it is "shock" not strut. Struts are used on cars that have McPherson strut designed suspension, not double wishbone like the SCs.

 

You will know when your struts are shot. When your SC begins to bounce and bang over every bump like a Ford escort, then it's time.

 

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.

 

when it leaks and squeeks. I have coilovers on the way because I feel my left rear is starting to go on me

 

If you have wear on the outer parts of the tires , is this an indication of your struts going bad?