Hogan9166

iTrader: (1)

So, I've posted in the past that my '09 SH-AWD Tech has about 129K miles on it and that I thought I needed brakes, rotors, struts, tires and a timing belt.

Well...still need the timing belt, but I did get the brakes done and the new tires (Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3 - OEM 18). Had the brakes done at the dealership and they turned the rotors, rather than replacing them...I'm totally good with that.

Anyway, the car drives and rides like brand new now. It is amazing how much bad tires and bad brakes can affect the ride of a car. I never knew. The tire guy showed me the old tires and how the tread had been "cupping". No wonder the ride was so loud and so rough!

Anyway, can't wait for my final commute of the week this afternoon. Going to test out the new skins!

dwest1023

Your tires were cupping because your struts are probably worn. Same thing is going to happen to your new tires.

Hogan9166

iTrader: (1)

I understand that is a possibility, but the tires had 60K+ miles on them. It could have been anything, but the struts could certainly be the problem.

Given that...how do you tell? I had the dealership look at them specifically on Tuesday to have them replaced and they said everything was fine.

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

you could probably have been more proactive.

tires is the main thing that gives you a better feeling car. of course, brand new rubber will make the car feel new again.

with the shocks, they are meant to last the lifetime of the car.
with 129k miles on them, they could be on their way out, or still have plenty of life in them.

have you gotten an alignment?
if toe is out of spec, you will see FUNNY tire wear.
further more, an alignment with spot on specs can tell you if your suspension is on its way out

Hogan9166

iTrader: (1)

Proactive in what way?

I did get an alignment with the new tires today. Although the specs they showed me indicated the before was not all that much out of alignment, if any. I left the specs in the car, so can't quote them now.

Is there a definitive way to tell if the suspension is in need of repair? It feels so much better now that it is hard to tell if there is anything wrong.

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

perfect!!!
if the specs arent out, then I dont see any trouble!!

I didnt know that you had gotten an alignment along with the new tires.



shocks are tricky.
they can blow way before 100k miles or last longer than 100k miles.
a definite tell tale sign is the shock body will be leaking oil.
i'm assuming that's what the dealers inspected, no leaks, they are good to go!

Hogan9166

iTrader: (1)

Nope. No leaks. I'll need to focus on the timing belt now and hold off on the suspension for next. I may still get it done.

dwest1023

Usually cupping come from wheel hop, which comes from bad shocks or struts.

dirtyo2000

They're wore out, replace them. You can tell by bouncing on the and seeing how they catch the movement of the car. Plus you'll have excess movement in the car during curves.

Hogan9166

iTrader: (1)

Yep. That nailed it. I'm feeling the excess movement in the curves for sure.

Edward'TLS

^^^^^

As for the excess movement in the curves, are they side-to-side sway movement, front-to-rear movement, or up-down bouncy movement ?

Hogan9166

iTrader: (1)

I'll have to test it to be sure. But I think the answer is yes. .

Edward'TLS

What type of movement ?

Side-to-side sway movement ?
Front-to-rear movement ?
Up-down bouncy movement ?
All of the above ?

I want to get a feel of how to tell if my shocks are starting to go bad.

Hogan9166

iTrader: (1)

I don't know. I don't have my car right now and won't until next week.