i searched the crap out of this and was not able to get a solid answer. So here it goes... I have 85k on the car and am all about preventative maintenance. I am wondering how long the stock suspension typically lasts? When would it be good to buy new shocks and anything else that would be recommended to keep the cars suspension top notch?

I am not to knowledgable about suspensions of cars so please recommend what parts should be changed? I would not be opposed to aftermarket as long as the parts last as long and keep the ride compliant. Thanks in advance for your help!

 

Keep an eye on your shocks

 

my rear shocks went out at exactly 100k. They leaked all over tubes.

 

Yep, one of my rears started leaking around that mark as well. Front struts were still good, but I replaced all 4.

 

struts, strut mounts (top rubber mount) and sway bar end links. also check your rear sway bar bushings for cracks.

 

Anyone replace any bushings?

I'm probably going to get figs engineering end links sooner or later....

 

besides what has already been stated is there anything else that needs to be replaced the get the suspension feeling brand new? also interested in resetting suspension

 

New struts/bushings/etc won't make the car feel like new. It may feel better if there was a problem with the original suspension. Also be aware that that "resetting the suspension" (presumably for a more sporty feel) may make the car ride really rough. Be careful what you wish for - you might get it and not like it!

 

Time to go for F Sport shocks that are actually made from Bilstein. These are quality products that will last a long time. I have them and like it very much. Buy from Sewell with big discount.

 

How are the f sport shocks compared to stock? I dont really care if the ride is a bit stiffer but dont want it to be rough.

 

There is no definitive answer on shocks on when to replace them because they all depend on usage, load, spirited or dialy driving wear... etc. Generally when you reach 100k you should replace them, but I have seen some go less and some that go past. Keep tabs on your shocks to see if they leak and if you notice that they are rebounding a lot less (this is where you may feel that they are bottoming out on simple street bumps or speed bumps on the road) then it is time to replace them.

As for the f-sport shocks a lot of people love them here they are very comfortable because they are made by bilstein. The only disadvantage with them is that they do not offer adjustability with the dampening like Koni or others have.

Are you looking for something comfy like stock or better? Or are you looking for something to push your car a bit more but not as aftermarket as coilovers? It really depends on you...

If you want to go a better route from stock get the f-sport shocks I think is.sewell is selling them around $620 for the set. If you want an even better ride then go with Koni sport shocks (adjustable suspension) and if you want the best then simply get coilovers for your car ( you can find a good set on the classifieds for at least $500).

 

I would like the suspension to be a bit sportier, but definitely don't want the ride to be bone jarring on bumps. F sport sounds pretty good and if they are 620, pretty affordable as well

 

Good info.I too may take this route with the Sport shocks bit have a ways to go.

 

personally if i were you and your stock struts are going out i would just go coilovers honestly. for the price its hard to beat. if you want to keep it comfortable then the standard BC coilovers would be the perfect route. you dont even have to lower the car just leave it as is.

i did coils on my car the same week i bought it, and even without really lowering the car it felt way way better. still comfortable and not too stiff. nice firm feel to it. had i not wanted to mod the car and go slammed out, thats the only mod i wouldve done. plus my stock rear struts were done anyway

 

You def want to change them out. They start to detriate progressively, you dont notice them starting to go bad till you replace them. I rec kyb struts and shocks, I used Tanabe springs to lower it alittle. But the ride is amaziing again. Huge difference.... Hope this helps...