Top level info

MY 2004
34,5xx miles
PNW car
All stock


has anyone seen a blown stock shock at 34k on a stock suspensions car? Also could a blown shock not show evidence of a leak like oil running down the body or the reservoir? Lastly, could it cause a 3/8ths difference in ride height from side to side?

 

1.)Yes
2.)Yes if it's been cleaned and all the oil has leaked out it wont' show.
3.)Yes, OEM shocks add to the overall spring rate and thus don't really work too well with lowering springs.

 

That's the first time I've heard a shock can change ride height...

 

Your shocks do not affect ride height.

The spring and suspension components determine ride height. Maybe something damaged the spring or bushings or LCA or hub. Previous owner hit a curb or large pothole maybe.

It might be that whatever damaged the spring or suspension on that side also blew the shock.

 

It's not going to be drastic, but I've replaced bad shocks on these cars. there is a difference but we're talking 1/2" or so.

 

There is no way a blown shock can add 1/2" height to a car.

Drill a hole in the shock and drain the oil, the height wont change at all I guarantee it.

Your 3/8" difference has nothing to do with a blown shock.

 

The misinformation spread by a few specific users is quite alarming.

 

BILLMAN:

i read in a thread about uneven ride height that you had said (i was reading what someone said that you said....) that if the suspension had been disassembled, and the a-arms not loosened and then not properly preloaded when reassembled that it could lead to an improper ride height due to something with bushings. I assume its because of an eccentric bushing? can you elaborate on that thought?

 

I've had shocks that had been bottomed out badly and they would get stuck causing the car ( not my S2000) to sit at different heights after each drive. I knew the shocks were blown but didn't realize how bad they were until I removed the springs from them.

 

i had blown, like realllllllly blown shocks on another car and it would SLAM over bumps but this is nothing like that. i do get a little noise over bumpy roads but i think thats something like the soft top tray kinda rattling around