My car has been feeling like its riding pretty rough recently but I'm not sure if it was always like this or if I'm just imagining it after riding in other cars. I did get some comptech springs installed a month ago but I noticed it before that anyway. I have about 83,000 miles so I'm guessing the shocks should be gone by 100,000 if they're not already, right? Anyway, will I know for sure when my shocks are gone, or will my ride quality just deteriorate slowly?

 

push on the car up and down u should hear the air leak

 

you'll feel every bump and every thing more then a pebble will feel like a wack rather then a soft blow.

 

I have 158,000 om my 2000 TL . I had noticed a deterioration in the ride experiencing roughness at low speed (feeling everything in the road) and swaying and general lack of control on the highway. I replaced all four struts last month, and it was the best $$$$ I ever spent. My car handles like new, and feels more much more solid and safer. The dealer wanted over $1200 for the job, but my local guy did a great job using Monroes for $750.
By the way, bouncing the car to see if it rebounds too much, and listening for air escaping are not reliable ways to check for shock wear. Take it from me, if you have high miles and feel that you are riding rough, new struts will make the difference.
Be sure to check your sway bar bushings if you are experiencing any clunking or unusual noise, and good tires are a must.

 

i agree with AAK. At 83K, they may not be gone but Im sure they are not 100% anymore. Changing to a good pair of new struts will make it feel more stable, and with the new springs you put on, it will give it a nice, taught ride.

 

See Tokico's evaluation site for details on characteristics of weak or worn shocks:

http://www.tokicogasshocks.com/evaluating.html