At what mileage generally you need to change struts?

By 60k most struts are already worn but driveable. By 100k+ you should replace them.

Touring model struts are no better than anything else on the market so just shop for a good price on KYB struts.

 

are you talking rule of thumb or specifically prius related? because my shocks on my 95 Legend were still like new at 125k. I replaced due to misguidance and then ended up buying brand new OEM later on to still be (in my mind) misguided...

Nowadays OEM struts/shocks last WAY beyond 100k.....my prius at 89k feels pretty new suspension wise and I drive it in NYC

 

one of my employees has a 95 Q45 with well over 200k...still on original OEM suspension....and a few friends with over 200k on their legends with original OEM suspension

guess it depends on quality of components, and the way to car was treated/driven (along with the quality of roads in your area)

back in the 80's-early 90's yeah...most car struts didn't go past 60k

 

I disagree. I think people just don't notice the degradation because it happens slowly. At 140k mine where bad (no leaks) and the car was bouncing. The springs had started to sag as well. Sure a car could go 200k on stock suspension but it doesn't mean the suspension is in great condition.

 

F8L, if the slow degradation is not noticed by the driver, is there a different reason to have this expensive repair performed ? E.g. MPG, or car longevity ?

 

^^ That is a good reason. How much, and in what relation to degradation ? I mean, does the strut have to be *dead* to affect braking, or is the effect proportional ?

 

Yeah, I've usually wondered when the suspension components are due for replacement. I sold my 91 Camry in 01 or early 02 w/I think a bit under 90K miles on the odometer and the suspension bits hadn't been changed AFAIK. At the time, I mentioned it to a coworker and his comment was that the ride was probably really bad. I do not know. (Shrug) Then again, he was used GM vehicles and had a whole bunch of trouble w/this, at the time.

On an Olds 86 Cutlass Ciera, I don't remember what mileage it had, but the rear tires started cupping (probably before 40K miles) and Wheel Works said it was due to rear shocks (?) being worn. Replacements definitely improved how well it went over this sharp dip on a hill I was used to.

I remember ages ago, a common way to "test" shock condition was by watching for bounce by pushing on the bumper/hood.

Back to bounce... my former 04 350Z had VERY stiff and bouncy suspension from day 1 (I bought mine new). Going over a bump results in a bunch of bounces afterward (maybe some are due to the seat). Those cars are just that way. I'd ridden in my former coworker's 03 350Z and test driven an 03 350Z and it was identical.

I suppose one way to tell on a Prius would be certain types of tire wear encountered.

 

Worn shocks will also put more stress on other suspension components, like the springs, tie rods, control arm bushings, ball joints, tires etc. Most importantly it decreases vehicle stability, especially under emergency maneuvering. Braking distance can also be comprimised by 20% or more.

Shocks and struts are not just about a comfortable ride.

 

A,ndrew the bounce due to worn struts is different than the tiny hops induced by performance suspension. Worn struts produce a slow rebound bounce then it keeps bouncing in slow motion kinda like a wave. Your bumper test is one method of testing for worn struts.

MyGF's daughters Civic had completely blown out struts such that it actually hurt when hitting a bump. I had them replaced and now the car is much more balanced and brake dive is reduced.

If are traveling on the freeway and hit a large bump with worn struts your unload the tires and the car will bounce and sway. If you are going fast enough this can also cause an accident.

 

I agree in this aspect. My 95 legend at now 160k has had every suspension part replaced down to every bushing with new oem about 30k ago. But I can tell you a well maintained easy driven car with over 100k can still ride nice and be safe and sound with original components.

My point is the components these days seem to last longer than Years ago. I'm talking strictly oem not aftermarket.

 

I can agree with that.

 

my mechanic has a very simple check: push the corner of the car down and if it bounces, replace shocks. If it just comes up, they will do.

+1 on KYB or Tokico

 

That doesn't work on a modern suspension. The car will never bounce unless the shocks have fallen off.

 

+1

About the only way to evaluate shocks outside a well equipped test facility is for a driver that knows the difference to drive the car.

 

FWIW, my car wouldn't bounce when pressing down on the fender but pull out of a driveway or hit a bump in the road and you could tell the struts were worn. The wavy bounce is unmistakable when you know what you're looking for.

 

I should not be reading this thread. It is going to kill my 1 penny per mile maintenance and repair allowance.

F8l, can you describe the 'wavy bounce' ?