Hi all,

I'm getting a lot of lurching noises when I drive my car over bumps or pull out of the driveway. Noise is noticable at higher speeds on the road too, but not as much as at slower speeds. How can I tell if this is a shock/strut problem? How long do these parts last?

I've religiously kept up maintainance on the vehicle. Had timing belt recently replaced and new tires put on. Car has 86k.

 

I am getting these same symptoms exactly from my 2001 montero LIMITED. I also would like a response to this question. thanks

 

The front shocks just went out on my '01 Montero. I noticed that I have oil leak on both front shocks. I have the same noises when starting up and driving over bumps. Time to replace them. I can't complain, since it's not too bad for 150+k on the original shocks. I am considering going with Old Man Emu suspension upgrade.

 

Well its hard to pin point a noise without actually being there to hear or feel it, but to check your shocks there are 2 things you can do. First, a good thorough visual inspection is worth its weight in gold. Get under there with a nice bright flashlight and look around. Make sure there are no fluid leaks from the shocks or physical damage to them. Make sure they are properly and securely fastened. 2nd, jounce the truck at each corner and note the rebound. With a few good hard jounces you should not see your truck rebound more than twice, ideally once. If the shocks have any issues or they are just really old, go ahead and replace them. If that doesn't fix the noises then you have to explore the rest of the suspension. Start with stabilizer bars, stabilizer end links, ball joints, and any bushing you can see. Sometimes a little white lithium grease can appease certain noises. Good luck.

 

Hmmm,
I just wait for a leak to occur or if I see cupping of my tires,or if its rebound increases beyond normal ,while driving, before i replace shocks.
Ive driven my 01 MS xls 180 K since buying it new and I havent needed to change them yet.
Out of numerous vehicles and miles ive driven the last 50 years Ive only changed shocks once years ago. They didnt change any part of that ride.


JUST an FYI.

 

I've changed the oil, brakes, all belts, and the alternator in my 98 Montero 3.5L. Is this a job I can tackle with ease?

Thanks.