Struts bad???

[Mishney]

How can I tell for sure if my struts are bad? I have noticed a decline in ride quality when hitting bumps it seems much stiffer than before. Could this be a sign of bad struts?

 

[Bizzy]

Ride quality will be compromised. Do you year any noises when going over bumps? Also, bad struts will cause your wheels not to stay planted on the road when going over bumps, in particular when on the front. Do you notice any wheel "hops" when going over bumps? You can check them to see if there is any leaking or take the car to a shop. They should be able to check them for you for free.

 

[Mishney]

It does almost seem like when I hit a series of bumps that the wheels hop or bounce. There's almost a rattle from the back when I hit big bumps. Could that be struts?

 

[Bizzy]

Mishney:
It does almost seem like when I hit a series of bumps that the wheels hop or bounce. There's almost a rattle from the back when I hit big bumps. Could that be struts?

Yes and the brackets that hold them in place as well. As memory serves me, the brackets on the rear are about $80 each (at a shop) and the fronts are about $100 each.