Strut/shock Life Expectancy

[JUDGE]

My truck came with Monroe Reflex struts & shocks and I'm wondering what to expect in longevity. They sit at about 40KMs currently.

 

Thanks!

[adamzan]

Not much longer.

[MY1PATH]

a sales man told me If you've had new tires you might wanna consider new shocks. I think he was implying that the life of a shock is compareable to the life of a 50k tire?

personally, I just do the bounce test;

 

push down sharply on one corner

 

if it feels like an unchecked spring they are worn out

if it "bounces" noticably or cycles 3 or more times they may be worn

if it returns to ride height with very little extra motion they are fine

[Precise1]

^ Exactly.

 

B

[Alkorahil]

^

Seconded.

I would add, replace all at the same time as well to get more out of them. I hate it when people have all 4 with many many miles on them, or worse yet all 4 worn out and they replace only the front or rear, it just makes the new ones work harder and wear out faster.

Edited December 28, 2009 by Alkorahil

[MY1PATH]

^Also a good information to have

[westslope]

All good advice.

 

But as a rule of thumb how long should, let's say, aftermarket shocks on a stock set up last?

 

100,000 km? 200,000 km? Do years of use matter? In other words, does simply sitting parked also age the shocks?

[Kingman]

It depends on the brand. Some people report Monroe or Rancho shocks going out within 10k miles, while other shocks such as KYB, Fox, or OME can go for 100k+ miles.

Edited January 9, 2010 by Kingman

[adamzan]

My monroe front shocks lasted 40k kms. I put oem ones from the parts truck that had over 200k kms that work like new...

[Precise1]

I'd say it is more the unit design and driving conditions that have the most impact on shock life. They are not created equally and what lasts in California on a commuter may not last on a wheeler on New York, too many variables...

 

In other words, does simply sitting parked also age the shocks?

Yes, I have seen shocks leak from sitting too long (years) so I assume some seals deteriorated...

 

B

[TerranoMW]

One of my brand new KYB GR-2's broke (!) after just a few weeks - the part attached to the top mount just snapped. The mechanic ended up having to weld it back together - not a good look . . . That being said, my car only knows rough dirt roads and rarely sees pavement - but I never thought it was possible. Anyway, they've held now for a few months. Keeping my fingers crossed.

[Precise1]

I'm new to the R50s but I could have sworn I read something about the KYB upper mount (bearing portion) was bad news and should not be used? Perhaps that contributed to the break? Damn, now I have to go try to find what I read...

 

B

[jpawela]

I'm pushing it on my wd21. At nearly 130K, I'm still on the original shocks. They are so soggy-feeling in "comfort" mode I have to have it in "sport" all the time.

[adamzan]

My 95 had the original shocks in the rear when I got it and at 160k when I changed them they were still stiff as a board (XE non adjustable) but the mounts were starting to rust.