Hello All,
Sears says I need new struts and shocks on my 2001 Pathfinder SE with 160,000 miles on it. Is there any way I can check to make sure that I really need them? I have had this Pathfinder for several years and put 100,000 of the 160,000 miles on it and don't believe I have ever replaced shocks and struts.
Thanks!
Sears says I need new struts and shocks?
-
donald
- Posts: 282
- Joined: Mon Jan 10, 2011 9:44 pm
- Car: 2001 Infiniti QX4 (RIP, 2011)
2010 Pathfinder LE - Location: Elk Grove, CA
Re: Sears says I need new struts and shocks?
IMO, the biggest indicator would be noise or "bouciness"
When going over a bump (eg. going over a basic speed bump) at the suggested speed (usually 15mph/25kmh) the front or back should not bounce more than 2.5 times, where 1 bounce is a full down and up motion. Even 2 is getting a little close to suspension getting "old". The 0.5 bounce just means a smaller bounce, not that your suspension bounces down and stays down :p
If you don't want to go hunting bumps to test this, step up on the rear bumper and bounce it and see how "soft" or "stiff" it is. If it's stiff, then you should be ok. if it's squishy feeling or like it bounces down too easyily, then the rear shocks' ability to dampen bumps is poor.
Do the same to the front. Of course you don't have to stand on the bumper - pressing (with hands/arms) on the bumper is just as good as a "feel test".
Also, if the struts/shocks are constantly squeaking, squaking, creaking, popping, giving squish-sound, or any other sound that happens when the shock is compressed - then you should consider replacing them. The big giveaway is at anytime you bottom out when going over a moderate bumps, like a speed bump.
Another dead giveaway is if you the struts or shocks are wet and/or oily with dust. That would indicate that the strut or shock has a leak; unless somehow oil or some motor fluid got onto your struts or shocks and caused the accumulation of oil/dust. If it leaks - then change it. Leaks never cure themselves.
And just for extra info - springs show wear when the truck seems to be sagging or extremely low, or your tires begin rubbing the wheel wells of the car. But if you're changing shocks/struts, since you're already in there (and if you have the extra $$ to spend) you can consider upgrading them at the same time.
good luck fellow Pathfinder/Qx4-er.
Disclaimer: I'm not, by any means, a certified mechanic. I merely speak out of experience and opinion.
When going over a bump (eg. going over a basic speed bump) at the suggested speed (usually 15mph/25kmh) the front or back should not bounce more than 2.5 times, where 1 bounce is a full down and up motion. Even 2 is getting a little close to suspension getting "old". The 0.5 bounce just means a smaller bounce, not that your suspension bounces down and stays down :p
If you don't want to go hunting bumps to test this, step up on the rear bumper and bounce it and see how "soft" or "stiff" it is. If it's stiff, then you should be ok. if it's squishy feeling or like it bounces down too easyily, then the rear shocks' ability to dampen bumps is poor.
Do the same to the front. Of course you don't have to stand on the bumper - pressing (with hands/arms) on the bumper is just as good as a "feel test".
Also, if the struts/shocks are constantly squeaking, squaking, creaking, popping, giving squish-sound, or any other sound that happens when the shock is compressed - then you should consider replacing them. The big giveaway is at anytime you bottom out when going over a moderate bumps, like a speed bump.
Another dead giveaway is if you the struts or shocks are wet and/or oily with dust. That would indicate that the strut or shock has a leak; unless somehow oil or some motor fluid got onto your struts or shocks and caused the accumulation of oil/dust. If it leaks - then change it. Leaks never cure themselves.
And just for extra info - springs show wear when the truck seems to be sagging or extremely low, or your tires begin rubbing the wheel wells of the car. But if you're changing shocks/struts, since you're already in there (and if you have the extra $$ to spend) you can consider upgrading them at the same time.
good luck fellow Pathfinder/Qx4-er.
Disclaimer: I'm not, by any means, a certified mechanic. I merely speak out of experience and opinion.
Re: Sears says I need new struts and shocks?
THANKS DONALD!!!!!!! Makes sense!!!