How do I know when my shocks are done?

Pardon me if this is a total noob question, but I drive two cars that may or may not need new shocks (struts? I'm not sure of the nomenclature).

Car one: '90 Miata, 83,000 miles without much record of mainenance, but I'm fairly sure it hasn't had the shocks replaced.

Car two: '04 Honda Odyssey, 72,000 miles or so and hasn't had the shocks replaced. It seems like it has gotten rougher over bumps and does this sort of shudder thing randomly (this might be another problem in itself)

So anyway, the Miata felt pretty rough and bangy at last weekends bumpy autox on the roughest parts. The noise reminded me of the noise my ex-volvo made going over bumps, and it had a literally exploded strut (there was oil all over the wheel well and it puked it's guts when I took it out, but I digress)

Is there a surefire way, beyond the lean-and-bounce test of knowing you need shocks? My guess is the 20 year old mazda does, but the Ody doesnt have anything in the manual about mileage for replacement of anything, really.

Due to mileage, you're ready for replacements on both. Don't wait for a spectacular failure.

stick a fork in them.. they are done.

A "shock" is an independent part attached to the suspension, a "strut" serves as part of the structure of the suspension. If the steering knuckle bolts up to the bottom of it, it's a strut.

And yeah, sounds like they're done. BTW: I gotta ask, "ex-Volvo"? What is it now, a coffee table? -running away before I get shot-

Usually shocks and struts last approx 70,000 miles...I use that as a decent rule of thumb...My mom tells me that is rubbish because her Mazda Tribute has gone 130,000 miles without needing the shocks replaced. Some people never listen.

Have a friend drive the car over a bumpy or undulating road and watch what the car and suspension does. You should be able to notice if it's floating, wallowing, or if you're dribbling a wheel.

But chances are, these cars are ready for new shocks.

A Miata with bad shocks will feel as if there's a load in the trunk - it'll rebound more than it should after hitting a dip, for example. And after 83,000 miles, 1990 Miata shocks are done.

Say the shocks and struts are well past their prime, like 110 000 miles original and 12 years old. What's the downside? I find I don't notice anything terrible about it, is there some catastrophe waiting to happen?

A strut is what you do when you think the ladies are looking your way. A shock is what you feel when you realise they aren't.

Carson wrote: A strut is what you do when you think the ladies are looking your way. A shock is what you feel when you realise they aren't.

That needs to go in the magazine.

PaulY wrote: Say the shocks and struts are well past their prime, like 110 000 miles original and 12 years old. What's the downside? I find I don't notice anything terrible about it, is there some catastrophe waiting to happen?

You'll have less grip, sloppier handling and a poor ride. Nothing's liable to fail catastrophically and send you hurtling into the abyss.

thedude wrote: Car two: '04 Honda Odyssey, 72,000 miles or so and hasn't had the shocks replaced. It seems like it has gotten rougher over bumps and does this sort of shudder thing randomly (this might be another problem in itself)

this sounds like there is a possibility of some tie-rod ends in need of some attention,,,

Keith wrote: You'll have less grip, sloppier handling and a poor ride. Nothing's liable to fail catastrophically and send you hurtling into the abyss.

Thanks, I don't have the cash to replace them and if I did i'd like to get something better anyways. At least i know i can wait with out the worry of doing some damage.