shocks

[veeman]

i've got a 2007 hyundai sonata.  One of the known flaws of this mainstreamer is that it's known for dipping and diving on bad roads at moderate speeds, more so than most cars.  This has never honestly bothered me much.  I've got 70 thousand miles on the car. 

Lately, I've noticed the car takes speed bumps just a tad harsher than before.  It bottoms out on very steep driveways just a tad more than before.  When I get out of the car and forcefully push down on the four corners of the car, it doesn't seem to rebound abnormally however.  The wheels are alligned properly and the steering is straight.

Is this issue, you guys think, a shock/strut issue and is 70,000 miles about their good lifespan assuming mildly aggressive driving in city roads which have their fairshare of potholes?  Are they worth replacing with aftermarket parts.  I plan on keeping this car till the 100,000 mile warranty runs out AND I have to replace/repair a major engine or transmission piece, so probably another 3 years I'm guessing.

This car has been very reliable.  Other than minor recalls and wear and tear items as well as usual maintenance and a few light bulbs, the only thing I've had to do is replace the AC compressor (I always drive with the AC on except in the middle of winter).

Thanks.

   

[S204STi]

It's possible the original shocks aren't doing as well as they once did, and one way that would tend to be more apparent is by way of floaty handling and excessive cycling of the suspension, and in your case, poor high-frequency response.  If you want to improve on the suspension, you could go with something like the KYB Excel-G (formerly GR-2), which tend to perform slightly better than OE from most reports, or OEM shocks, which will put you back to where you were before.  I'm not sure there are any better "performance" options for this car.

[veeman]

Thanks!!

Do you have any estimate roughly about how much these would cost and to get installed?  Ballpark figure

[S204STi]

Figure about $275 for parts, and a few hours labor.  Not sure what the book time is on that.  That would be for the KYB stuff.  OE shocks are likely twice that.

[Cookie Monster]

Get some Tokico HTS's on that bish.

[Eye of the Tiger]

Sensatracs are pretty sweet.... it's only a Sonata