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How long should shocks last?

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3K views 17 replies 13 participants last post by  alfanatik 
#1 ·
Gents,

How long is a pair of shocks supposed to last on a Giulietta QV?

Car in for 30k km service and Chatz says shocks are shot. So they replacing them. Heard squeeking when going over speed bumps recently. But 30k kms seems short amount of km's for shocks to last..

Ps new Giulietta triangle grill is much larger than my Giulietta's.. New badges and interior dash cover inside the new G is very nice tho
 
#2 ·
Perreby the question that you are asking can be compared to someone asking "How long is a piece of string?". But to try to answer:

Nothing is more personal than our own preference. And one of the most deciding factors on how a car "feels" which is purely subjective, is the condition of your shocks. So:
1. If your car drove acceptable when new and now doesn't feel so good then it's time to replace shocks.
2. If you drive on particularly punishing surfaces then shocks will not last as long as they should, conversely, town driving or freeway driving 9assuming no potholes on the freeways) will provide for longer shock absorber lifespan.
3. 30000km should not even have started showing discernible degradation in the performance of the shocks. But if it's under maintenance then smile and wave...

In the old days they used to say replace shocks every 60000km. These days shocks can last 100000km or longer but this will be purely dependent on your level of comfort, expectation based on handling qualities and the daily stress you put your car through.
Examples:
1. Alfetta 159i. I replaced shocks every 60000km. I could feel the difference immediately on every change but never actually changed because it felt loose or dangerous.
2. Alfa 156 TS. In 6 years and 140000km it never needed shocks despite me living in a rural area and bi-monthly freeway trips 320km to Cape Town and back. But then I also had a double cab for the real tough roads.

In short, if you feel that your shocks are acting up then it's probably time to change.

Damaged shocks:
- Leaking
- Uneven bounce and rebound where one shock may be defective. In certain cases even uneven braking or yawing motion when going over bumps.
- Clonking sounds or excessive bypass "hissing" from shocks.
- Uneven tire wear or tire patterning and humming from a particular wheel or wheels.

Always replace shocks per axle and not single units at a time.
 
#4 ·
When I sold my QV it had 55 k km on it and the suspension was still dead quiet and shocks seemed perfect.....
 
#10 ·
My car was lowered on stock shocks for halfbits life and never had issues with the shocks itself.

Sent from my HUAWEI GRA-UL00 using Tapatalk
 
#11 ·
Hi guys,

Great info and excellent advice. I've got a 156 2.0L JTS 16V Selespeed, its an import beauty I acquired 6 months ago. Sitting on 79000k's now and though it still gives a firm comfortable ride, & takes corners like a racer, no squeaks and noises, I'm sure I should be replacing shocks soon.*

Any advice on which are.the best shocks for 156 and where the best place to buy them.*

Live in Mpumalanga, Nelspruit
 
#14 ·
Hi guys,

Great info and excellent advice. I've got a 156 2.0L JTS 16V Selespeed, its an import beauty I acquired 6 months ago.
Any advice on which are.the best shocks for 156 and where the best place to buy them.*

Live in Mpumalanga, Nelspruit
Cool, a JTS - we don't have any here sold via dealers ...

I'd go for Monroe shocks - best value for money - As Avrin suggested Koni STR.T is also very good, but might be a bit more expensive.
 
#15 ·
Hi Lance, the shocks could have bottomed when the car was lowered, thus breaking the internals. We normally add a rubber around the shaft to prevent the shock to bottom even accidentally. But that would interveen with your low.

You probably made your own luck.
 
#17 ·
You didnt read properly...I said even with lowered suspension my shocks lasted to the time I bought coilies.

Sent from my HUAWEI GRA-UL00 using Tapatalk
 
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