I think my rear shocks are done (feel free to correct me on my verbiage if I'm using the wrong terms). I can feel the back end bottoming out over train-tracks and potholes, and cornering is very sketchy, especially on bad roads and wash-board. And in general it feels like I'm riding a pogo stick; it starts to bounce, a lot, over little bumps and upsets.
In the last 10 days I have been able to hear a short, sharp "shhhh" coming from what sounds like the rear right wheel. Specifically, it sounds like someone is spraying an aerosol can. At first I thought the car was bottoming and my sidewall was rubbing on something, but I can't find anything in the wheel well that would cause the noise.
My car has aftermarket coil-overs, Bridgestone Potenza Street dampers (which consist of Tokico IC series dampers and Bridgestone Potenza springs). The wheels are 17" ROH Boost-R with 205/50/R17 Sumo Firenza tires. (And yes, I know those are narrower than stock, which won't help the traction issue)
I pulled my rear wheels off to check the shocks (?) for signs of leaking, etc, and all I could find was 35lbs of greasy CRAP all over them. (Cleaned off for second pic)
I also noticed that this foamy pink bushing/stopper/whizbang was in terrible shape, and shredded to hell. I know this isn't a good thing, but can anyone explain to me why? (I do know from looking at the other side that it's supposed to be attached at the top)
Finally, the car does not sag at either end, so I assume that the springs are good.
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Now, after all that, here's my question: is it a fair assumption that my shocks are done? Is there anything else I can check that would account for the noise? While I was in there I had a look at the rest of the suspension components and everything seems to be in good nick. Nothing is loose or wobbly, and nothing appears to be missing.
From what I can find online, these coilovers (?) are rare, being made in 1996 as a limited release from Bridgestone, and they had amazing reviews for their performance characteristics. I will be contacting Tokico on Monday to find out if a rebuild is an option.
I figure worst-case scenario I can buy a set of Megan Racing Track coilovers, but I don't really have a grand to spend right now. Also, I'm going to school in Kelowna in a couple months where the drivers are super aggressive, and I really don't want to have drive my shitty 4cyl Jeep while watching fart-can Hondas run around me.
If you made it this far, thanks. What are your thoughts?
In the last 10 days I have been able to hear a short, sharp "shhhh" coming from what sounds like the rear right wheel. Specifically, it sounds like someone is spraying an aerosol can. At first I thought the car was bottoming and my sidewall was rubbing on something, but I can't find anything in the wheel well that would cause the noise.
My car has aftermarket coil-overs, Bridgestone Potenza Street dampers (which consist of Tokico IC series dampers and Bridgestone Potenza springs). The wheels are 17" ROH Boost-R with 205/50/R17 Sumo Firenza tires. (And yes, I know those are narrower than stock, which won't help the traction issue)
I pulled my rear wheels off to check the shocks (?) for signs of leaking, etc, and all I could find was 35lbs of greasy CRAP all over them. (Cleaned off for second pic)
I also noticed that this foamy pink bushing/stopper/whizbang was in terrible shape, and shredded to hell. I know this isn't a good thing, but can anyone explain to me why? (I do know from looking at the other side that it's supposed to be attached at the top)
Finally, the car does not sag at either end, so I assume that the springs are good.
Now, after all that, here's my question: is it a fair assumption that my shocks are done? Is there anything else I can check that would account for the noise? While I was in there I had a look at the rest of the suspension components and everything seems to be in good nick. Nothing is loose or wobbly, and nothing appears to be missing.
From what I can find online, these coilovers (?) are rare, being made in 1996 as a limited release from Bridgestone, and they had amazing reviews for their performance characteristics. I will be contacting Tokico on Monday to find out if a rebuild is an option.
I figure worst-case scenario I can buy a set of Megan Racing Track coilovers, but I don't really have a grand to spend right now. Also, I'm going to school in Kelowna in a couple months where the drivers are super aggressive, and I really don't want to have drive my shitty 4cyl Jeep while watching fart-can Hondas run around me.
If you made it this far, thanks. What are your thoughts?
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