jcat_350

just curious, couldn't find much on a search. My 01 GS3 has about 132k on her and it had all major suspension work completed for the 90k service, but I think the struts/springs may be going as the ride isnt quite as soft as it used to be...my plan was to go with tein cs in the future, but i definitely don't have the money for that right now. what's the best way to tell if they need replacing?

GSteg

iTrader: (15)

Push down on your rear bumper and release. If the rear end keeps on bouncing up and down, then your shocks are gone. If the shocks are good, it'll dampen the up and down movement, so you're basically the rear will bounce up and then settle right away. Plus you may even hear the shocks working.

BCP43002

Look on the body of the strut and see if there are any leaks or broken parts. Ride in the car by yourself and then with 3 other people. If there is a big difference in the ride, its time.

jcat_350

i'll have to give that a try..thanks

i have actually ridden in the car with multiple other people and there's always going to be a difference with 3 other 200lb guys in the car. However, the part that bothers me is that with nothing but maybe 50lbs of detailing supplies in the trunk and only me in the car, doesn't matter full tank or quarter, the ride quality is not what it originally was only 4 months ago.

4ntvings

iTrader: (6)

both are always a good test
also, go over some speedbumps. if the car keeps bouncing up/down (bounces more than 1-2x iirc) it's time for a replacement.

regarding your suspension options, my 2 cents, identify the direction where you'd like to take your car, research your options (whether s/s combo or coilovers), then execute (dont forget to take into consideration whether or not you have plans for wheels)

GL!

shvc1991

Do what GSteg said. Push down on both front and rear and see how much the body bounces. It normally shouldn't bounce more than 1 time depending on how hard you push it down.

habeeb89

iTrader: (3)

In my experience some cars leak from the struts when they are about to go bad, it's a greenish tint color, at least for Honda, don't know about Lexus.

jcat_350

nah i already know ill definitely be in the market for Tein CS, its just a matter of making sure my current stock setup lasts until i get the money to do it.

shvc1991

I drove around for 6 months on bad struts because I couldn't afford new ones, I think you'll be fine. Uncomfortable, but fine.