How to tell if your shocks / struts are bad.

[jackmarsilva]

thanks for posting this.Clearified a few questions I had about struts and shocks...

[playstation2bigs]

i think you removed the shock? only spring installed?

[honorejr]

what is this??? looks like a trampoline on wheels

[briansmobile1]

@honorejr lol

[excusemyG]

good video mayyyne

[MrPlayaJose]

what happens if you a hit bumps and the car makes some ugly noises in front like it rattles? happens all the time with them bumps

[briansmobile1]

@MrPlayaJose  What happens is something is worn out and loose. There are many parts it COULD be. The thing to do is take it to some one with some experience and have them test it to determine what the problem is and if it's a danger to you or others.

[darshi80]

i have a honda civic 1998 i need to get the struds replaced mechanic is charging about $644 for both front and rear shocks is that too much????????

[briansmobile1]

@darshi80 No that's decent for struts.

[Luv2sploog3]

@darshi80 Urgetting ripped off LMFAO. GO buy some used OEM struts off craigslist for 100 bucks. pay ur mechanic friend 100 bucks to install it GG SAVE 400 BUCKS.

[Lil306]

The other way is to put your hands on the back and bounce it, if it continues bouncing like it's on hydraulics and you don't have them. You could have a problem ;)

[johnamarcelis]

like your video dude thanks for the tip however i had this problem of leaking in the front struts and i tried doing the pushing test on the hood and it seems like its still damping ok, or maybe i still need to get it checked? tnx again man



[briansmobile1]

@johnamarcelis It will leak a while before it quits dampening.

[weasel884]

my buick did that mainly because i took the shocks out.made for a much better ride!

[lesbejar]

Thank you this was very informative.

[briansmobile1]

@lesbejar You're welcome!

[mrcokez1]

Brian you should explain in a thorough video on how forced induction works, im sure theres alot of tuner heads who want to know.

[briansmobile1]

@mrcokez1 That's probably a good idea. In the mean time, copy this title into YT and enjoy. It's a video on the two common types of forced induciton with some cool pictures and sound clips. ( Forced Induction - Supercharger vs. Turbo Charger )

[rookm13]

umm if i replace struts do i replace the springs too?

[briansmobile1]

@rookm13 Generally no.

[RaitoKunRyuk]

Do you realize that you've probably told 46,000+ people that you love them? Either way, thanks for the info.

[briansmobile1]

@RaitoKunRyuk The more the better. Many people have never been told that before and need to hear it. The world can always use more love. I find people are generally good and worthy of love.

[alaskajohn]

"Maybe there's a group of you, but I doubt it"....HA!

[sunrise556]

whats gonna happen if the bad shocks are not replaced? how much does it cost to replace shocks ?....

thanks a lot for your video

[briansmobile1]

@sunrise556 Tire wear and stopping distance and ride quality are the main side effects of bad shocks. They are $60-$700 depending on the car and quality of parts and service.

[sunrise556]

@briansmobile1 thanks so much for your reply... but i have more question :(. when i get it replaced, then do i have to replace both side at the same time?

[raigen123456]

damn that's a lot of bouncing lol

[tiedstraw]

Alright thanks

[briansmobile1]

@tiedstraw  You're welcome.

[edorfsen1]

If you learn something of this.......Take a major sheck of your car.....This stupid video shoulld be stopped. Your car's handeling is way too poor before become as bad as it is in the videooo. .....again.... find an other way to show your face on screen paaaal

..........

[tiedstraw]

I might be getting a 91 vw fox today. Could you give me an estimate on how much it would cost to fix the struts and shocks? Much appreciated.

[briansmobile1]

@tiedstraw Quotes are only good from those who give them. Ask somebody local to you.

[tworku]

Good job. Like your video. Thanks.

[briansmobile1]

@tworku Thanks and you're welcome.

[tworku]

Good job. Like you video. Thanks.

[lilridda21]

i have a frozen strut ..is there anyway you know how that happend?

[briansmobile1]

@lilridda21 They get old get play and can bind.

[lilridda21]

@briansmobile1 thank you should i replace both fronts then or just one

[briansmobile1]

@lilridda21 both right and left per axle.

[Bentlyband22]

@lilridda21 for suspension parts the general rule is both left and right at the same time. this includes brakes and rotors too.

[Bentlyband22]

@lilridda21 also i don't know if you plan to do this yourself but if you do go to your local auto parts store and rent a spring compressor its cheep most its just a deposit you get back when you bring the tool back. it is vary dangerous to remove the remove the spring from the strut assembly without compressing the spring. use a spring compressor and be careful. it is a doable home job. also put the car on jack stands, jacks can fail. just want people to be safe

[lilridda21]

@Bentlyband22 i'm in a vocational school and im in the auto tech shop that has the better table spring compressor i just wondering on how it could freeze up like that... thank you ....ya it is very dangerous and i know how to safety use a jack and stands..thanks for the advice also on safety. every year we go over safety...im always careful :)

[Bentlyband22]

@lilridda21 I find its better to give the info when its not needed then say nothing when it is.

[lilridda21]

@Bentlyband22 that is true you never know u could save a life by just a couple of words

[BETHRJACOBS]

there’s no noise and not a lot of extra bounce could probably use them but am knew at this did take auto class years ago wish to take a night (or audit) class but the community collage won’t let you don’t want to be at mercy of someone trying to pay back student loans by” finding something” to repair on commission.

[BETHRJACOBS]

Thanks had a relative/mechanic look at coils which I had been told where broken we only saw ripped rubber coating so I’m waiting till inspection at a shop that doesn’t do reparse to make sure there’s no vested interest of someone making $10 an hour until they “find something wrong” to see ;

[KidKlassic91]

WOW. haha , hilarious but verrry informative ! I almost brought $300 struts but all I really need is a pair of springs, thank god I saw this video. Thanks for this !

[kyle920]

Is that Jimmie Johns clothing? Lol

[briansmobile1]

@kyle920 Sandwiches.

[nikita1s]

You are humorous. I liked your video. Thanks

[briansmobile1]

@nikita1s Thanks and you're welcome.

[BETHRJACOBS]

Thanks there are no more complete assembles available for a 1989 I got msot of the parts after market and desided to get the 100k assemvbles for "front lower rubber spring mount/insolator" I could not find after market or at the delear or any where I was just trying to figure out how to test the 100k strut o see if I could put that assembly in insted of assemblying the parts...but there are zero complete sets available for this car zero

[supersmalls]

fark thats been clapped out

[BETHRJACOBS]

was told my front springs cracked can't see cracks but can buy a complete assembly from a '89 accord with 100k for $35 each side how to tell if worth it?

[TheCoolfez]

@BETHRJACOBS where is the crack? if it is near the bottom, then it should be fine. Honda are known for those. Also depending on what state u are in, if they are cracked, doesn't matter where, they won't pass inspection so might as well replace. As for the 100k spring assembly, it depends. You can get complete new ones for about 100 each if you look. 100k springs all depends on where you live, if you live in places where they salt the roads, those springs will be weaken from rust

[KidKlassic91]

@BETHRJACOBS I'm driving a '92 Honda Accord and I was told the same thing by my step pops who is a mechanic. He also said I needed new structs but I should begin with the spring coils first. I could see how the spring is buckled at the lowest part and I hear this sound which sounds like a sea lion whenever I drive. When and how often it makes the sound seems to depend on the weather or the day of the week =S so I ordered a pair of coil springs.

[axenz1]

I saw car park at the garden last night, it keep bouncing automatically meaning nobody pushing it like you did. Well I said that's shocks/struts are bad.

[thaik56]

It's good to see a video showing what a bad strut is.

[12344richard]

can you tell me the best way pin point oil leaks

[briansmobile1]

@12344richard Clean the area thoroughly with brake parts cleaner and clean paper towels or rags. Then observe the way the leak returns. Watch it closely as possible.

[cordedpoodle]

Good stuff. Thanks.

[briansmobile1]

@cordedpoodle You bet. Thank you.

[Flankitto04]

Excellent video. Very informative. My 97 camry rides well on even surfaces but rather noisy on uneven ones. I'll try your method tomorrow. Good job. Keep posting.

[briansmobile1]

@Flankitto04 Thanks- will do.  Be sure to check your sway bar brackets and end links.

[Nivicoman]

I found a very good indicator of needing new struts-front left one leaks it's hydraulic fluid!

[opsvideo2008]

Nice video man. On this matter, shock absorber company KYB also recommends a drive test to watch out for (1) accelerate & car squatting (2) brake and nose diving (3) car body rolling from side to side (4) ride harshness where car nose tend to rise and fall (5) road bump test (6) swerve test & (7) check for tyre "cupping" , a symptoms of a poor shock absorber. Hope this info helps your viewers further.

[briansmobile1]

@opsvideo2008 Good call.

[briansmobile1]

@FuckTheNewWorldOrde1 ; )  Check out my lawyer vid. I bet you'd like it.

[briansmobile1]

@FuckTheNewWorldOrde1 Thanks.

[briansmobile1]

@ez1600 You're welcome. You tell me. I can't bounce it from here.  Nor can I isolate the creaking sound.

[mDarkPoet]

Great vid, I kinda chuckled at the car bouncing. Quick question, what would be the problem with the car if the back end kind of groans? Would it still be the shocks? Like if I sit on the bumper it makes a groaning noise, I've been told it's the shocks but the car has no bouncing issues whatsoever.

[briansmobile1]

@mDarkPoet Sway bar components, struts, and control arm bushings can ALL make a back end groan. It usually is struts though. Check for wetness especially if there's a particular side that's groaning.

[mDarkPoet]

@briansmobile1 thanks, I took a look and there's no wetness. I purchased the car from someone who had it sitting for a while so a lot of the car's components were dusty and rusty. The car does not bounce at all when I push on the back end, in fact it feels kind of like it's stuck almost. Could it be that the shocks or the struts have dust/rust in them? Would they be better if I had someone oil them???

[briansmobile1]

@mDarkPoet Possibly. It's hard to say without looking at the car.

[buddyclubs]

i have a 99 impreza 2.5rs, the car seems to be unbalance, it sway side to side and have slight wheel hop? what do u think this could be?

[briansmobile1]

@buddyclubs tire wear issue/imballance

[TheJay90X]

Good information.

[briansmobile1]

@TheJay90X Thanks for letting me know it did something for you.

[JonnyFlash80]

Great video. Very informative. Thanks

[briansmobile1]

@JonnyFlash80  You're welcome- thank you!

[MrxiCexProductions]

sell that car to a porn starr

she wil use it like a bed

[briansmobile1]

@MrxiCexProductions She already owns it. Done and done!

[whole27]

@briansmobile1 TOyota, good man! I got one too, most reliable cars on the road! I just discovered your videos...planning on watching all of them when i get time! Thank You!

[briansmobile1]

@whole27 Sounds good. Enjoy. And you're welcome. Great to hear from you!

[iiiYEDDLEiii]

He said "its kinda fun..." well, not exactly. I smiled a bit but when he said that I laughed really good

[CaMaRo1RoC89]

i have a 91 camaro and my car does not bounce like that when i push it... but my shocks are shot

[briansmobile1]

@CaMaRo1RoC89 Your suspension is stiffer/ more sports car like.

[CaMaRo1RoC89]

@briansmobile1 that makes sence. thx

[briansmobile1]

@CaMaRo1RoC89 You bet.

[TheNewtimus]

great demonstration and good quality video man. thanks for the 101

[briansmobile1]

@TheNewtimus You bet. Thanks for stopping in.

[SkyDiv3r14]

Holy front wheel gap batman. lol.

[briansmobile1]

@SkyDiv3r14 It's not exactly an Acura is it?

[miguelzepeda20]

can i test my truck the same way

[briansmobile1]

@miguelzepeda20 Yes, however there's an improved method for trucks. You'll need 4-6 athletic women in bikinis to climb in the bed of the truck and jump simultaneously five times and then stop. Good luck. And YES a video response is in order!

[valiumland]

You are one hot ginger mechanic.

[briansmobile1]

@valiumland Yes this is true. Thank you for noticing.

[joeldude76]

i think my rear shocks on my truck are bad

i replaced the front shocks and when the front tires it bumps its like a cadillac (its a gmc sierra by the way) but when the rear hits bumps it bounces really fast when i hit bumps

[briansmobile1]

@joeldude76 The nature of pick ups being so light in the rear plays a role in that. If it bounces on and on after a bump then you need new shocks. Some times the cheapest ones dampen the best. I like to have a really slow reacting shock on a truck. I'll pull them out of the box and compress them on the floor before buying them.

[aFreakGoesCrazy]

Carsex :D

[wangbungal]

hahahha that shit looks fun to do especially when youre inside lol

[cinci240sx]

basketball anyone?

[briansmobile1]

@cinci240sx It's totally like dribbling isn't it?

[187dAFeD]

thanks bro, hey you teach me struts i'll teach you philosophy and economics ;)

[yankeessuck309]

those shocks are TOOOAST

[pdpstrongsad]

when im driving at higher speeds and my car hits a dip, a large metallic clang is heard underneath the car (towards the rear).

i recently had the shocks replaced too and the subframe bushings. any chance its the strut mounts that are bad?

[briansmobile1]

@pdpstrongsad Sounds like a Chevy Malibu I did a video on. Normally something like that is either a sway bar system failure or a broken strut spring.

[giannial1985]

@briansmobile1 I have a 99 escort with 131,000 miles and the original front struts. Rears were replaced 6 years ago. If I push on the back, it stiffens up and no bounce. Push on the font, it bounces, not a lot, but it does it. There's also a squeak and when driving, and there's a knocking from the left front end while taking a right turn, going over bumps. Everything has been replaced, except the struts. So is it possible it's that? The mechanics think they're fine.

[briansmobile1]

@giannial1985 Your left front CV axle is likely bad.

[giannial1985]

@briansmobile1 CV axles are fine. Boots are in great shape. I just think it's the struts. It doesn't knock while turning, just knocks while it hits the bump. I can feel it in the steering wheel. Unless the new tie rod ends weren't tightened good enough.

[briansmobile1]

@giannial1985 Check the rubber mounts on the steering rack for play as well as the sway bar end links and bushings.

[rarenature]

This video was really helpful - simple and straight to the point. Thanks Brian.

[briansmobile1]

@rarenature You're welcome. I deliberate on what material to cover. Most of the info I mentally put on a pedestal is the fringe crazy info on long complicated jobs, but the most popular videos are more basic like this. I appreciate your feed back. = )

[evanellis]

JIMMY JOHNS.

:P

That looked really fun by the way...

[briansmobile1]

@nottooquickjonny You're welcome!

[briansmobile1]

@amirla84 I'm flattered, but my wife has strict privilege on that. Plus I'm ridiculously picky about my women.

[michellelomtnmom]

Thanks Brian,

Your helping a single mom take care of her car and in doing so... her kids.

Thanks again for posting.

[briansmobile1]

@michellelomtnmom You're welcome- glad to help.

[rocsvt1]

yay we got a lowrider

[iggy151]

Those aren't bad. That's instant redneck hydraulics.

[nkgreen5613]

love me some jimmy johns!

[briansmobile1]

@nkgreen5613 Mmmmmm!  SO GOOD!

[Rare92Mustang]

Uh yeah, might as well just take those off! haha

[briansmobile1]

@Rare92Mustang good call = P

[CravinMorehead420]

hahaha yeah safe to say those are bad