babs

In general how long do stock shocks and suspension last for???

bbarbulo

iTrader: (2)

a week if a 500lbs woman is driving . On average though on decent roads (unlike those of Detriot, MI) easy on the speedbumps and no catchin' curbs kinda driving, stock shocks can well outlast the better part of a decade...usually after the car has been driven for 10 years, you start to notice somewhat more pronounced floating over long undulations on the freeway. After about 15 years, the shocks will be finished, and the tire will literally bounce like a basketball over any bump and for a good 1-2 seconds thereafter.

imported_94EG6HB

What about springs???

imported_My Blue Si

shocks wont last over a decade, impossible. I would say a maximum of 8 years unless u carry heavy loads frequently, if so even less. If lowered they shouldn't last over 2-3 years. Springs don't ware out. I believe that they last forever unless the car has been sitting and seized up, then they must be replaced, but if the vehicle is driven daily even monthly, then they should last you a very long time

imported_94EG6HB

OIC..

That's good news for me...

bbarbulo

iTrader: (2)

Springs fail too...I broke both rear springs on a Jetta.

Shocks will last a decade easy on a stock car that's treated right Have you owned 10 beaters? I have...all stock shocks...over 10 years old, still sealed fine and held oil and pressure.

imported_Team Rukus

they could have been stock shocks but that doesnt mean they were never changed before.

imported_My Blue Si

did u actually own them all for over 10 years? i didn't think so, how do u know the previous owner never changed them before, all my cars i had have had there shocks changed once or twice and none of them were 10 years or older. I never heard of any springs failing on any cars as i said unless they seized up b/c they were sitting for so long. I had a 1985 oldsmobile custlass ciera bought brand new from my parents back in 84 and we never changed the springs since shocks a few times though.
bbarbulo i've noticed that you like arguing with me alot

sam

Our '94 Taurus wagon is still running on stock shocks/springs. It's 9 years old now, and at 140 km... It's done it's fair share of hauling my bed/tables etc back and forth from school not to mention furniture moves. And the shocks seem just fine. I feel like I'm riding in a ship when I ride in that car compared to the civic...

bbarbulo

iTrader: (2)

nothing personal, just cuz you fight back, that's all

I think you are someone worth arguing with cuz you say things that are relevant and useful. Getting the most out of you, ya know

I know a stock shock when I see one...and by stock I mean original, never changed. I currently drive a 1993 Saturn, original shocks....but get this...200K MILES!!! A little soft, but they are still good. I think we are arguing about different levels of "wear". I'm talking about NEEDING replacement, you are talking (I think) about not feeling like they are doing their job. Sure they feel soft, but they're still good. By the way...when have you heard of anyone going to the dealer to buy shocks at $350+ apeice...never. It's off to Canadian Tire for some Monroe Sensa-Tracs or Midas for some Gabriels Not likely you'll find OEM shocks that are not original.

imported_My Blue Si

I must agree with you in some way. But i have a set of shocks here from a 98 civic and 1 is blown "you can have it if u like" i still have it here, so thats only 5 years old. Lets use me as an example here. My shocks (89 civic si) 14 years old, wow damn thats old, anyway my shocks are pretty much gone and while i installed my coilovers 1 month ago I notcied that all 4 shocks were not oem honda parts but indeed aftermarket shocks on all four. So as u said that a minumum of ten years the shoks should be replaced, meaning in 1999 my shocks were replaced right? soo shouldn't these shocks last until 2009 instead of 2003 hmmmm...who's winning here Have you ever looked at those car maintenance guides? the one that says you should replace your this at this many kilometres. It say that shocks should be replaces from 80-100K. May be BS, who knows its what i read. Lets here from you now

bbarbulo

iTrader: (2)

Well, my Civic was lowered for 4 years on stock shocks, but since I'm really easy on the car, when I checked them after taking off they were still in great shape. On the other hand, on my 89 Daytona I used to have...ok the shocks werent' in amazing shape, but not bad either....well after I caught a curb it was blown, there was oil everywhere... So it depends on how you treat your ride. I always look for beater cars with extermely high mileage, that indicate highway driving (like no tears in the seats, no worn clutch pedals, no worn steering wheels, etc.) and they usually turn out to be great little drivers. Toronto streets are bad...I have to admit...I'd never buy a older Toronto or Detroit car.

imported_precision4

just to back up bbarbulo springs do wear out. I had a 93 escort and both rear springs had snapped due to rusting so it looked although the rust may have come after the snap. then again it was a ford!

EL_Sport

Yup. I broke a spring on my old car (92 Civic) as well.

HAPPY

Springs also sag after time and in doing so negatively affect their performance characteristics. Just because they may remain intact does not mean they do not need replacing.


Edit: This of course assumes you care about ride comfort and/or performance ability. If not, ride 'em till they snap.

DX SLEEPER

yeah i have to go with bburbalo on this one i got stock shocks in my honda and it's a 91 they are fine. It'a all depends how the car is treated and i know for a fact honda uses i believe tokico shocks as stock. Springs brek too my buddy broke his springs in the front of his 90 civic so everything can take so much wear and tear all depends on the cars Plus honda's are made to take a beating hehe :working:

imported_My Blue Si

^^ very true, i was just sharing my previous experiences i had for my springs/struts. I guess it all depends on the make of car and how its driven. I always take car of my cars, but who knows who took care of it the 10 years before i bought it so i guess anything can happen.

Rivers

My parents camry is running its 11th year on stock shocks and springs 175K

Import Racer

If you're luckey, the stock shocks WILL last even if your car is lowered.
I lowered my car about 8 years ago (1.8"), and all this time, I've been using my stock shocks. The ride doesn't feel as smooth anymore, but hey, I've been using them for the past 8 years. I've probably put about 200,000 kms on them since it was lowered.