checking struts/springs

[bigschoen]

What is the easiest way to tell if the struts or springs are bad? I don't know if I have enough $$ to do both right now..

I know if you push down on one of the corners of the car, the car should go down, then come back up and settle then. If it does a couple bounces, something is bad - I thought that was the strut being bad, but is that the spring that is bad?

 

[luigisho]

The strut dampens the rebound of the spring. Couple of bounces is the strut. The springs are notoriously weak on these cars. If you are inclined to replace both at seperate times you will essentially be paying for the same labor twice.

 

[bigschoen]

Thanks luigisho!
appreciate that clarification.

luigisho:
The strut dampens the rebound of the spring. Couple of bounces is the strut. The springs are notoriously weak on these cars. If you are inclined to replace both at seperate times you will essentially be paying for the same labor twice.

 

[smcallis]

You can also tell if a strut is on its way out if you see oil leaking from it. Its a good indication it may have lost its gas charge.