Got the suspension opened up today... Got the suspension opened up today...
I tried the "bounce test" several times... the car reacts normally, no bounciness; but, when the suspension was opened up and I tested the shocks individually, they hardly give any resistance when compressed although they do have some resistance when they are stretched. The right rear shock feels as if it has lost some oil because if it is compressed after being fully stretched, it just "falls" in 50% of the way before some damping effect is felt.
Pretty safe to say: Rear shocks need to be replaced pronto!
Now, since I am going to be spending roughly 5k on the suspension, I'm thinking that I should just go the whole hog and replace all 4 shocks + coil springs + rubber parts. Surprisingly, the front struts are cheaper at Rs. 1500/- each... and I know that they are already weak and are bond to fail soon... so, I'm thinking, "spend now and enjoy a nice tight ride all around for the next 20 - 40Kkm". Planning to replace 2 x rear shocks (Rs. 1598 each) + 2 x coil pads (negligible cost) + 2 x front strut kits. (Rs. 450 each) Also thinking about replacing: 2 x front struts (Rs. 1500 each) + 2 / 4 x coil springs (Rs. 400 each).
I will be driving the car at least for 2 - 3 months more; at least 5000Km... or, as much as 1 - 2 years more, 20000Km... after that I would either sell it (if I get what I think it is worth) or replace our battered '96 Esteem back in Thane. She has done 82Kkm now and after the suspension work, I expect her to run without any major expenditure for at least 30Kkm.
The garage has to order the parts because they are out of stock right now and they will be available by Wednesday, 30 Aug 2006... so I need to make a couple of decisions before then:
1. Should I replace the front struts now or wait for them to fail? (2 x Rs. 1500)
2. Should I replace the coil springs? (Rs.400 each, not sure if the front struts come with fixed springs or the old spring needs to be retained, so either 2 or 4 coil springs needed)
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