When's a good time to change the shocks

[GreenArrow]

Who here has changed their shock absorbers before they either started leaking or showed obvious signs of wear? My car is on 118,000 miles and the shocks aren't leaking, but that mileage seems a lot for a set of shocks...is it worth just changing them as a preventative measure as I am told that a new set of shocks will do wonders for the handling and ride....I had the front lower rear arm bushes changed (new arms actually) before Christmas and was amazed how much more stable it made the car feel and the bushes were worn but not enough to get an MOT advisory...

The problem these days is that suspension on cars is so firm that a traditional bounce test doesn't really work does it?

[PositronicRay]

I changed mine @ 110k & 21yrs. Not light and day but a definite improvement. The old shocks still work, but just not as good as the new ones.

I'd say it depends how fussy you are, and the cost of shocks. Mine were £350 for all 4 and swapped them myself. New control arms helped as well, again not light and day but each time I change something I get a worthwhile (to me) improvement.

[stevieturbo]

Afternoon is a good time.

[tapkaJohnD]

Yard test, sit on a wing and jump off. If it comes back up to normal with no more than one oscillation, shocks in good condition.
If it oscillates, no good.

My Kwikfit has an on-car shock tester. Vibrates the car wheels and looks at how the body shakes. No idea if it's a good test, probably sells shockers.
But just your mileage says new ones needed.

John