Symptoms of Bad Shocks

Jigg · Post by **Jigg** » Wed Dec 12, 2007 6:08 am

So recently, my truck's been riding a bit harsher than normal. I figured at first it was because of too much air in the tires, so i went from 35psi to 31psi. Didn't help.

I have the stock Bilsteins with 136k on them in the front, and air shocks in the rear. The rear was always somewhat stiff, as i usually have them aired up to 80psi or so. Anyways, I know typically the symptoms of bad shocks are excessive roll or more than one cycle to dampen a bump... but could bad shocks cause increased ride harshness over bumps and potholes? Almost seems to be the opposite of the normal symptoms.

green02crew · Post by **green02crew** » Wed Dec 12, 2007 8:13 am

Mine was much more rough over potholes with the stock shocks that were shot. They didn't move in or out at all on their own without help. As soon as I replaced them it smoothed out over the potholes. I would take one out and see if it rebounds. That is a lot of mileage for shocks though.

F9K9 · Post by **F9K9** » Wed Dec 12, 2007 2:47 pm

Justin, knowing where you live and your recent weather changes might attribute to a little more roughness due to your colder weather.

Jigg · Post by **Jigg** » Thu Dec 13, 2007 3:24 am

It's a great thought, but it hasn't happened during previous winters...

I have to do a ton of work to the front end this weekend anyways, so i'll just pull one of the shocks out and have a look. Thanks for the feedback guys!

killian96ss · Post by **killian96ss** » Thu Dec 13, 2007 2:54 pm

I'm sure those Bilsteins are done with 136k on them.

Steve

Post by **HenryJ** » Thu Dec 13, 2007 3:45 pm

killian96ss wrote:I'm sure those Bilsteins are done with 136k on them.

I wouldn't bet on that. I am running a set with over 180k on them and while they are a little weak, they are still pretty good. Not enough to replace them yet.
Bilsteins are truly a lifetime shock and designed to go well beyond 100k miles.

killian96ss · Post by **killian96ss** » Thu Dec 13, 2007 3:49 pm

HenryJ wrote:Bilsteins are truly a lifetime shock and designed to go well beyond 100k miles.

It all depends on how much you abuse them.

I can easily wear out a set in less than 100k.

Steve

Post by **HenryJ** » Thu Dec 13, 2007 3:57 pm

killian96ss wrote:It all depends on how much you abuse them.
I can easily wear out a set in less than 100k.

What is it you are wearing out? The springs are usually what deteriorate and mess up the valving. Bilsteins have no springs to weaken.
I will grant you that eventually any shock will weaken with time and use. You would be hard pressed to find a design that lasts longer.

Jigg · Post by **Jigg** » Thu Dec 13, 2007 7:19 pm

Good to know guys... so a rough ride (rather than a boat-like ride) can be indicative of bad shocks?

Post by **HenryJ** » Thu Dec 13, 2007 7:49 pm

It can go either way, but usually a harsh ride comes from damage like a bent piston rod or cylinder. Bilsteins are mono tube, so a dent in the reservoir is a dent in the piston cylinder. This is a place to bind.