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by pushing down on the vehicle at a corner two or three times to get it moving in an up and down fashion. And on the last push down, release your grip and let the vehicle come to a stop. It should not bounce again. Should come to a smooth stop immediately. However, this is not a really good test. A number of things can affect a shock and how it responds. This test is a general rule of thumb sort of test. A better rule would be to replace all the shocks at one time around the 25,000 mile mark. The replacement shocks will offer a mileage quote for the mileage they will last. The longer the shock is good for, the more you will pay for it. I usually buy an original equipment type of shock. I figure I dont need nitrogen gas charged shocks with a one and a quarter inch shaft, to drive to work and pay twice as much for it. The shocks, springs and tires are the most critical parts of a suspension system. They control vehicle bounce, and thus, affect control. You cant steer if your wheel is not in contact with the road. Ever hydro plane? Your wheels are riding on a layer of water..and you have no control. And if your wheel is in the air, you are not going to be doing a lot of steering either.

The way the vehicle drives can also tell you some things about the condition of your suspension system. While driving take notice if the steering wheel seems tight and responsive. If you notice play or a sloppy response, it may be time for an inspection of your steering and suspension systems. Ball joints can and do wear out. They can even separate and allow the wheel to collapse to one side. Tie rods can also separate leaving you with one wheel steering. In states and cities where they perform annual inspections on your vehicle, this will certainly be one of the things the inspector will look at. Also while driving try to notice is the vehicle tends to wander..requiring constant correction. Improper tire inflation, mis alignment, weak shocks, or worn steering components can all cause this. Best get it checked out.

Another often overlooked assembly of the suspension system, are the sway bars and pins. These are not crucial to the longevity of the tires so much as giving the vehicle better control in cornering. The pins which ties the sway bare to the control arms use thick rubber or neoprene bushings...which wear out over time like everything else.

Finally we come to the springs. They have no moving parts and usually last for the lifetime of the vehicle. You will know if you break one as the car will usually sag on that corner. And you may notice a very rough ride. It will need to be replaced immediately should this happen.

Learn more about this author, A. Dean.
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