I have a 96 cavalier and I'm almost positive the struts are original , I did the bounce test they passed that so im wondering if theres a better test the car has 209,000 so I was expecting them to be weak but they passed the bounce test so is there a better indication that they are bad? thanks guys.

The best way is to actually look to see if you can see fluid on the strut. If you do, they are leaking. Might as well get new struts though if they are original. Are you having a problem with them?

do didn't see any fluid. no problem other than a light cluncking noise on driver side when hitting a pothole I checked everything and its all tight . but the struts are tight. kinda suprised that they are still tight after all the miles

It may just be a bad strut mount, which isn't too difficult to fix.

Given the miles I would do struts at the same time, if you are keeping the car. (no sense in taking it all apart 2 times, given the price of the struts $50-70).





"A car just isn't a car without a little blood, sweat, and beers." -- Shadowfire

Ya that's a strut mount. Like Matt said, replace the strut and mount because of the miles, make sure you replace both sides and not one.

well since the noise aint bad you only hear it when llistening for it. can I let it go for awhile since it handles fines tires are wearing fine and the struts are still strong ? or is there negative affects to letting it go

If you don't mind the noise, go ahead and keep it that way. It's not something that would cause you to crash right away for random reason's. Some people just hate any noise so they want it replaced right away, and others don't mind it, and wont replace it until it's completely broken. I'd keep an eye on it though, after all it is factory stuff, and factory stuff will only last so long.

how can I check to be sure its the strut mount? I am honestly surprised the shocks dont feel weak I guess they could have been replaced but it woud have been with factory stuff.

Open the hood and push on the strut tower, if you hear any kind of noise, it's bad

dakota sutherland wrote:I car has 209,000

they're done. our struts (stock and stock replacement) last AT MOST 50k.

my car would pass the bounce test too. but all four were so blown the weight of the strut rod was enough to make the struts compress, and if you flipped them over, it fell back down, and there was no oil anywhere to be seen.



Edited 2 time(s). Last edited Sunday, June 19, 2011 3:09 PM


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how can they be that bad and pass the bounce test. im not disagreeing just asking lol

because our cars are pigfat heavy for the suspension setup we have.



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I find the bounce test is a little...not accurate for every application. It was done years ago, and was fine then but now it's not the best thing to put all your faith in.

hmmmm I had a corsica bounce test worked one it so how do you tell?

Basically, just replace it. It's 200k miles, it's been due, you have struts that probably have no oil in it. The fact that your worried about it confirms you should just do it, the ride will be better.

Well just sharing a bit of information.Most shocks and struts are designed to last about 25,000 miles on average and most manufacturers recommend changing them at this time frame.Granted you could say well there just trying to sell a product wether you need it on not.Just because it does not leak,or even by pushing down on the corners for (A) bounce and it does not show wear does not mean it is not defective.The springs on struts have ALOT of tension on them being why a spring compressor is necessary to remove the assembly as one piece.I have done struts and car had 1 bounce mileage 180,000 and all 4 were TOAST.You could literally push them up and down once dissasembled with ease,no leaks either.Wear may vary due to conditions and driver,but any strut or shock will not last forever on end.I do my shocks every 25k or check after several yrs bc I drive very little and they do get weak.Just my book,and granted tire wear may not be apparent but,worn struts or shocks increases stopping distance,and handling,and causes alot of wear on the vehicle as whole ball joints,bearings,steering components and even your brakes.

Im just worried because I can't believe their still ok the guys at the dealer said they are still good but the strut mount, is what the noise is.

I told you it was a strut mount. *facepalm*

yea you did lol. I'm kinda confused I get on here and everyone.says the bounce test aint accurate.and thats how ive.always.been told to do it now im confused as to diagnosing them

That's for the strut, not the mount. When you driving and you hit a bump, and hear a noise from the strut, it's a mount. When you press on the tower and hear noise, it's the mount. The whole bounce test isn't that accurate. It's a backyard mechanic move. Lol man. It's cool though.

drive fast and slam on the brakes, does the front of the car drop down hard. also you should know when you go thru bumps on road you will hear like the car aches in pain. also if you go thru dips in road like on the interstate, your stomach will feel that same drop feeling like when your on a roller coaster.

this was my experience when i had bad struts.



~1996 Cavalier LS 2.4L (auto)

for the bounce test if you bounce it and it feels solid hard struts are bad also.


~1996 Cavalier LS 2.4L (auto)

front end doesn't dip more than expected and only noise is the clack when I hit a big pot hole

Haha well ya strut mount like you had confirmed. You should replace the struts too though.

Well do not be discouraged bc the bounce test is 1 way to check shocks/struts.I have ALWAYS used this as 1 easy check aside from visual checks,worn bushings and noise on poor roads,speed bumps.If these are the original struts the shop you went to is smoking something,bc I have never known any shock or strut last beyond a resonable time,mileage,or other wise.I would bet money if you removed just one and removed the spring u could move it up and down with relative ease!!!As stated the spring has a sh!! load of tension on it.