When do the oem shocks/struts usually crap out?

[KMeloney]

Hey all,

I know that there's no one answer to my question, but, like tires, maybe there's a given mileage where the oem struts/shocks (LTZ w. autoride here) give up the ghost and start performing poorly.

I had my right front strut go at @ 26,000 miles. Now, since that one went and was replaced, I swear that my left front feels like it's "bobbling" over some tight bumps. I believe that I can hear it as well as feel it. Why they wouldn't replace BOTH struts if one goes is beyond me, but...

It feels as though something's loose in/on/around/near the left front suspension, be it in the area of the wheel, or the strut, or who-knows-where. This feels like my '93 Mustang felt when I broke a sway bar link in it.

Any insight in the matter? Thanks!

-Kirk

 

[07Burb]

I've heard people say they replace them every 50k miles but I've heard of shocks lasting much longer than that. What you're describing sounds like you're having issues much earlier than expected I would think.

 

[jem556]

I got over a 100K out of my original 03 tahoe shocks before any noticeable decline in handling/ride. Then almost overnight I could tell they needed replacing when it starting dipping excessively in the curves. They would still pass the "bounce test" though when I replaced them.

 

[KMeloney]

Yeah, I never had to replace my '02's shocks. Then again, my '09 has struts and autoride, so... I didn't know if these struts were notoriously mediocre or what.

Something's not quite right, though, and I need to get to the bottom of it. Thanks, folks.

 

[InTruckDesign]

Kirk, I've got 75k on my tahoe and they are just now showing signs that they will need to be replaced soon. It all depends on the type of driving you do, cause I bet 20k of your miles are way different than 20k of my driving...or it can just be shit luck..lol

 

[GalaxyBlackEsky]

I am thinking I need to replace mine soon. I have 106,000 on my fronts and the fronts had drop srings on for about 20,000-30,000 miles before switching to spindles. The rears are newer because of the shorter shocks for the rear kit. But I think it is time to replace them.

 

[KMeloney]

Ok, I'n willing to believe that the shocks are ok (but, again, I did have the front right strut go just last month). If they ARE ok, then anyone have any ideas on a "bobble" feeling over bumpy roads?

It feels like the suspension wants to bounce (it's a tight bounce, not a '73 LTD wagon floating down the highway bounce) - bobble bobble bobble - before settling after hitting some bumps in the road. I think something's not right.

 

[THE YETI]

if anyone needs a set, I have a driver side and both rear auto ride struts in perfect functioning order.

 

[KMeloney]

if anyone needs a set, I have a driver side and both rear auto ride struts in perfect functioning order.

>sigh< Ok, shoot me a pm... lol

 

[Wakinvol]

I bet they aren't cheap new!