how long do struts last?

[AsianAlero]

So I've hit a few pot holes recently and I think its time for new struts. Now my car has 120k miles on it and I don't think that they've ever been replace.

Would it be ok to just replace front struts only?

And the the strut shock absorber is the only thing I should replace right?

Thanks

[AGT]

New struts might last 15,000 on average roads.

You can front only if you want but your car will ride better and your struts all around should last longer if all are new.

Just the strut.

Your welcome.

[HazMatt24]

they will also last longer if you don't drive around with fat chicks in your car. That will also improve your social standing as well.

[steve-o]

they will also last longer if you don't drive around with fat chicks in your car. That will also improve your social standing as well.


Hey, fat chicks need loving too.

Having sex with a fat chicks is just like driving a mopad, Fun until your friends catch you doing it.

*disclamer*
In no way was this intended to hurt anyones feelings.

[sound_xtreme]

15,000?!?!! are you nuts. mine lasted till 80k with multiple drops/heavy abuse(coilovers).

[number1alero]

struts are hit and miss...ive had to have my passenger side rear replaced about 2 years ago...but the rest are perfectly fine for now, im sitting on 85,000 miles, so that was done around 50,000 miles, luckily it was all warranty work so only the $100 deductible on the warranty

[steve-o]

you should never replace just one strut, they should be replaced atleast it pairs.

[Gr1m]

lol @ 15k miles on struts being toast

[antichrysler]

lol no kidding..... 15k miles.... wow

[AGT]

Guess I loved my car more than most haha :lol:

I was guessing he was lowered as well so I thinking shorter life.

[Redog]

Yeah 15K :eek:

regular maintanice is 50K

[doubleN0alero]

Agreed its hit or miss....My factory struts had 58K on them with about 56K of that coming lowered and on bumpy ass pa roads. Needless to say, they were still fine.

[eag182]

80K on stock lowered here, I would not worry about them, ever, unless your car ride starts getting soft. Go google how they work and then you'll understand when they go bad.

[Alero2k4]

My dad just got this sweet demo from the Napa shock rep for his shop that shows the difference between a good and a bad shock....pretty incredible honestly.

[whiteliquid]

Idiot Question but does it hurt your car to drive on bad struts or is it just uncomfortable.


I drove a 88 camry around unil 02 (i didnt have it the whole time obviously) But it still had stock struts.

[Redog]

Doesn't hurt the car, unless you start bottoming out going over bumps and stuff.

[whiteliquid]

SO you basically change them for your comfort.

[RoetherB]

Or if they completely snap like my rears did and you almost drag the ground. :P

...but yeah 50-75k is the average life of a strut. Mine lasted almost 175k, but they were waaaay mushy.

-Brad

[pimpalero2003]

i got 97000 on fac struts and probally shocks but i have the DZ springs and air SOON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Cliff8928]

Idiot Question but does it hurt your car to drive on bad struts or is it just uncomfortable.


I drove a 88 camry around unil 02 (i didnt have it the whole time obviously) But it still had stock struts.

You'll wear out your tires faster and your braking will get worse.

[misslindseysue]

At 95,000 or so miles 2 or 3 of mine were blown. I broke a spring, which is why I replaced them all. I replaced mine (coupe) with springs from a sedan with the sport suspension - it's a lot stiffer and my ass is nice and perky again. :)

[Tempsho]

Just outta curiosity, the rear end of my 2000 Alero seems to be pretty clunky when I go over bumps or hit potholes. Could that be a sign of the struts going? The car has about 65,000 miles on it, and I would probably guess they are the original struts front and rear. (I've only owned it for about 5000 miles)

What is a decent strut to go with? I want a smooth ride, but I also want a strut that will last. The car is stock ride height. Also, how many hours will most shops charge to change the front and to change the rear.

[Ghadsphi]

I'm at about 55k miles and mine have a nice loud squishy sound when I got over bumps and rolls...Mine are probably original as well. Time to upgrade =)

[jackal2000]

I'm at about 55k miles and mine have a nice loud squishy sound when I got over bumps and rolls...Mine are probably original as well. Time to upgrade =)

that squishy sound is the "gas" exiting the strut. we have gas struts right? i think its normal, mine does it too. im at 98k on the originals around 100k i will upgrade to some kyb's.

[Ghadsphi]

that squishy sound is the "gas" exiting the strut. we have gas struts right? i think its normal, mine does it too. im at 98k on the originals around 100k i will upgrade to some kyb's.
I'm hearing it over some pretty pathetic humps though... (note I even call them humps.., might even go for gental rolls). It's a bit excesive in my case. We're talking a 3ft long 1 inch raise and I hear the squish.

[jackal2000]

I'm hearing it over some pretty pathetic humps though... (note I even call them humps.., might even go for gental rolls). It's a bit excesive in my case. We're talking a 3ft long 1 inch raise and I hear the squish.
well in that case! i only hear mine going over speed mountains, notice i call them mountains and not bumps. call them what they are.

[AGT]

well in that case! i only hear mine going over speed mountains, notice i call them mountains and not bumps. call them what they are.


Yeah Oklahomas roads are shit and every road I have been on has at least one major pothole. Great plains my ass.

[Seaaan]

When I go over bumps my car makes a squeaky noise from the back =P

[sound_xtreme]

stock struts are fluid. most aftermarkets are gas

[jackal2000]

stock struts are fluid. most aftermarkets are gas

so why does it sound like gas being expelled?

[sound_xtreme]

no idea, but i know for a fact stocks are fluid

[AGT]

:lol: so why does it sound like gas being expelled?

no idea, but i know for a fact stocks are fluid


Think about the quief factor :lol: Lost of moisture but sounds like gas being expelled :lol:

[Gr1m]

they stockers have fluid in them and are not great for cold weather use, that's why on any decent aftermarket strut they will be using gas instead of liquid

[whatnot]

The stock GM struts I had on my beretta were never replaced. At about 250000 kms I had someone look at them and although they were not as good as new they were not that bad either. Car was sold at 360,000 and they were not completely gone but were in need of replacement. The car still handles itself admirably but wasnt as firm as it was.

I think the stock GM struts (at least the performance ones) are pretty good given I wasnt adverse to dirt roads (and even lost my pan on one).

However sometimes just loading struts "beyond paramiters" will blow a seal and require replacement.

[Alero2k4]

They sound like air escaping because you are forcing liquid which most likely has some bubbles in it through small holes every time the shocks move up or down.

[sound_xtreme]

theyre struts people, not shocks

[Alero2k4]

Deleted bc it wasn't necessary and I don't wanna start a flame war haha....interweb fights FTL