# Shocks, Struts, Springs **URL:** \ **Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\ **Created:** [June 22, 2011, 8:59pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/shocks-struts-springs/65636 "2011-06-22T20:59:50Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 7\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![lconken](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/ee59a6/32.png) [@lconken](https://community.cartalk.com/u/lconken)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2011, 8:59pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/shocks-struts-springs/65636/1 "2011-06-22T20:59:50Z")
Is replacing the shocks, springs and struts in a 94 Venture an investment in the vehicle or a nicety? It currently has 190k. ---
**Author:** ![texases](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/texases/32/862_2.png) [@texases](https://community.cartalk.com/u/texases)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2011, 9:06pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/shocks-struts-springs/65636/2 "2011-06-22T21:06:36Z")
How long do you plan to keep it? How does it handle? ---
**Author:** ![ken\_green](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/ken_green/32/816_2.png) [@ken\_green](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ken_green)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2011, 9:06pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/shocks-struts-springs/65636/3 "2011-06-22T21:06:42Z")
Shocks and struts are a handling neccessity therefore, safety. But only if worn. Springs, only if broken which is usually never. Test your shocks by pushing down really hard on any corner. The car should bounce back up then stop. More than that and it’s time for struts. ---
**Author:** ![the\_same\_mountainbike](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/c89c15/32.png) [@the\_same\_mountainbike](https://community.cartalk.com/u/the_same_mountainbike)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2011, 9:10pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/shocks-struts-springs/65636/4 "2011-06-22T21:10:52Z")
another good sign that shocks/struts might need replacing is abnormal wear on the tires. Abnormal wear should be assessed by a pro, but a comparison chart s attached for reference. [http://www.procarcare.com/includes/content/resourcecenter/encyclopedia/ch25/25readtirewear.html](http://www.procarcare.com/includes/content/resourcecenter/encyclopedia/ch25/25readtirewear.html) ---
**Author:** ![Tester](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/tester/32/15976_2.png) [@Tester](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Tester)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2011, 9:14pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/shocks-struts-springs/65636/5 "2011-06-22T21:14:02Z")
If the struts are worn they should be replaced. Ignoring worn struts can result in accelerated wear of other steering/suspension components. So not only do you pay for the new struts, but you may also have to replace ball joints, tie rod ends, and stablizer bushings/links because they got beat to hell from the worn out struts. Tester ---
**Author:** ![lconken](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/ee59a6/32.png) [@lconken](https://community.cartalk.com/u/lconken)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2011, 11:20pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/shocks-struts-springs/65636/6 "2011-06-22T23:20:22Z")
Thanks for the advice. I do plan to keep the car until it stops running and it seems to run fine right now. It sounds like I should replace the struts and shocks for safety and to keep other components from failing. Spring replacement is not necessary. ---
**Author:** ![circuitsmith](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/circuitsmith/32/40376_2.png) [@circuitsmith](https://community.cartalk.com/u/circuitsmith)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2011, 1:06am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/shocks-struts-springs/65636/7 "2011-06-24T01:06:24Z")
Driving for a long time on worn out struts or shocks can fatigue the springs and make the vehicle ride too low. So if it’s starting to look like a low-rider it might also be time for springs.