rear struts

[the.dude]

About how many miles can a person get out of original rear struts?

[BIG-L]

You have a 98,id say its time to replace them.Factory original struts dont last very long.Made a big difference when I changed mine @ 61,000 and the car rode so much better,but then again I went with the GMPP konis.Alot of people have went with the KYB struts and there is a site you can get a set of 4 @ 170.00

~Larry~

[the.dude]

I changed the fronts about a year and a half ago. I didnt really notice much change.

The reason I'm asking is I have a vibration at high speeds. I feel it mainly in the floor and notice it a lot more with backseat passengers.

[BIG-L]

The reason I'm asking is I have a vibration at high speeds. I feel it mainly in the floor and notice it a lot more with backseat passengers.

Have you had the tires balanced lately?? I dont think it would be struts causing the problem.It sounds like a bad trailing arm or other rear suspension component other then struts.


~Larry~

[the.dude]

My tires have been balanced several times. Alignment is good. Other rear suspension stuff I do not know about.

[BIG-L]

Sounds like you should get it on a lift and have the rear suspension component's inspected,before replacing the rear struts.

~Larry~

[the.dude]

I've actually got it up in the air now, what am I looking for? Just bends or abnormalities?

I've been getting a bad vibration when I bottom out in a valley on a highway, or during fast acceration. Worst is 65-75mph.

Thanks so much for the advice!

[BIG-L]

Yes...Just bends or abnormalities?


Are you sure it's from the rear??? We also have a problem with our CV/axels causing a vibration during acceleration.Just a tought.

~Larry~

[kustomkid54]

Larry, I think you are going to have a hard time talking him in anything. I think he is set on what is wrong with it. Might want to let him change the rears and then he will listen to what you say.
The thing is, everything you are telling him to CHECK won't cost him a dime. And is more then likely what he needs to do.
Good luck

Originally Posted by BIG-L

Yes...Just bends or abnormalities?


Are you sure it's from the rear??? We also have a problem with our CV/axels causing a vibration during acceleration.Just a tought.

~Larry~

[the.dude]

yeah... I am focused on whats wrong with it. Should I be sensing sarcasm? I just wanted all the info I could get before heading to the shop. The reason I was concered about the struts was my high miles 130k and the difference I notice with a load in the car.

I doubt I tear into the rear end anytime soon anyway. I'm going to check out the trailing arm, but I'm cashed out. I just got finished replacing what felt like most of the front, and now I have a horrible chatter coming from the belt. When it rains, it pours

[GTP Dad]

I think the rear struts are probably in need of being changed due to the 130K miles on the car. But I don't think the vibration you are feeling is due to the struts. Big-L is right in point out the CV joints since the symptoms of one starting to go bad is a vibration at speed. Replace the struts first, if that doesn't change the vibration then go with the CV joints as they are more expensive to replace than the struts.