How do You Know if U need New Shocks? | FerrariChat
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How do You Know if U need New Shocks?

Discussion in 'Technical Q&A' started by gatsby, Aug 14, 2005.

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  1. gatsby

    gatsby Karting

    Apr 26, 2005
    206
    half moon bay, CA
    Full Name:
    jim
    #1 gatsby, Aug 14, 2005
    Can anyone suggest a way to tell if new shocks are needed. The 3X8 shocks are fairly hard and I don't know how to tell if they are too soft or too hard, defective or good.
     
  2. funshipone

    funshipone Formula Junior

    Jan 2, 2002
    618
    Harrison Twp. Mi. US
    Full Name:
    John Bicsak
    #2 funshipone, Aug 14, 2005
    They sometimes make a rattle type noise when going over rough pavement when cold.
     
  3. matteo

    matteo F1 World Champ

    Aug 1, 2002
    13,748
    On a plane somewhere
    Full Name:
    Heir Butt
    #3 matteo, Aug 14, 2005
    I would speculate that the newest 3x8 series car is at best 16 years old.

    They really all should be rebuilt or replaced by now.
     
  4. gdbsti

    gdbsti Formula Junior

    Oct 10, 2004
    283
    Nor Cal
    Full Name:
    Bruce
    #4 gdbsti, Aug 14, 2005
    Depends on the mileage and settings, but they may be fine.

    Best way to check them is on a shock dyno. pm me if you want them run up.
     
  5. tuttebenne

    tuttebenne F1 Rookie

    Mar 26, 2003
    3,218
    Bay Shore, NY
    Full Name:
    Andy
    #5 tuttebenne, Aug 15, 2005
    My experience has been that they stiffen up with age. You might notice one corner of the suspension compresses less when going over a dip in the road than the opposite side. Another sign is a "bang" when going over a sharp bump in the road. I got my replacement shocks through Tire Rack last summer and saved quite a bit of money. It doesn't pay to rebuild them (unless you have all the tools and a calibration set up with a shock dyno.) Koni will rebuild them for $115-$125 each but that's almost what a new one costs. You will need new bushings for the shocks and they need to be pressed in with a suitable bearing press. If you do the work yourself you should be able to change all four for under $800.
     

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