Some shock absorber assemblies are no longer in stock but the shocks themselves are.

What is the usual life of the OEM shocks? Wondering if I should get them now so I will have then when, not if, I need them.

I have a 2009 with 75k miles on it now.

 

Cosmo,

My thought is by the time the shocks need replacing, there be other parts needing replacing. Time for a complete resto or another car.

 

That's a good question and not easy to answer. Every part on my S is original, other than fluids and filters, I've taken the approach that I will replace what is needed as the time comes but that may not be the best choice.

 

The OEM Showa shocks on my del Sol lasted about 125,ooo Km = 78,ooo Miles until one started to leak a little bit. Replaced all four with Bilstein.
The car was in perfect "Collecters" condition otherwise. OEM shocks of all manufacturers last about 100,000 - 150,000 KM here.

I have a lightly used, almost new set (10.000 Km - 6,000 Miles) of shock absorbers for the S2000 in my attic. Now i simply sit back and wait.

 

I prefer oem shocks too and plan to get some when the time comes.

But, I had a question and always wondered this... if replacing shocks and re-using the oem springs as well... do you need a spring-compressor to re-install the oem springs?

I've done (or helped friends) with probably over 100 lowering spring and coilover installs in the '90s... but, funny enough, I've never re-installed oem springs before, lol (so never had to use a spring compressor... only once iirc for fun/experiment).

I've always just un-done the top-most (middle of tophats) central damper-shaft bolt first (with the weight of car holding spring in place), and then jack it up slowly (to uncompress spring), and then disassemble any necessary arms, lower shock bolts or struts (for Nissan/Toyota).

I've always wondered if it'll be a pia to re-install oem springs back onto S2k dampers. (I don't want lowering springs nor coilovers nowadays... I'm too old)

 

Oh yeah, and to your Q... mine's a MY03 with 127k miles and the shocks still feel really good after big bumps on the road. No wetness/leaks neither - all four are bone dry.

 

The stock springs can be removed without a spring compressor. They are under some slight pressure, and will want to tear at the last thread as nut comes off. But no spring flying and taking off limbs like can happen with struts on most cars.

If you are strong, and determined, you can get spring on new shock by yourself. But its so much easier with two people. One to press tophat to compress spring, other to get nut started.

 

Cos,
I've got 180k miles on our '06 and they work, ride and dampen just fine on our long drives. No leaks, but when or if they start to leak I'll change out all 4. With all the weight we put in our S, we give the suspension a good workout. I think these are the best made stock shocks I've ever had on a car.

Rod

 

Thanks guys.

 

They last as long as they last. I think about 100,000 miles is typical for OEM shocks before they really start to fall off. When I bought my 2000 last year, with 79k miles, both rear shocks were blown and leaking fluid. I replaced all four assemblies with a set of "low mile" AP2. The car rides much better now.

I hope this is a joke...