My shocks were a little different than yours... once I got them out of the
spring, I did a test on them to see how well they functioned versus the new
ones I had purchased.

None of the old ones appeared to be leaking badly (some oil was present), but
it was the travel that surprised me. The new shocks came back quickly once
compressed. My old ones took their time, and 2 of them actually never made
it back to full extension.

Also, on the old ones when you compressed them, you could hear the oil
squeezing through the passages inside the shock, and little air bubbles
moving around. New ones were silent.

However, I think they held up admirably considering the 282000kms on them.

I think what kills shocks up here is the temperature differential... +35C in
summer and -40C in winter. Talk about your severe service schedule....

Elle wrote:
>What symptoms does your Accord have that suggest the shock
>absorber needs replacement?
>
>I replaced the springs on my 91 Civic, but the shock
>absorbers themselves showed no signs of leakage and seemed
>to work fine by the usual test (push and watch how they
>release). Even the springs might have been overkill.
>
>Control arm bushings and ball joints are another matter. For
>1991, the bushings in particular may be due.
>
>> Great info, thanks everyone.
>>
>[quoted text clipped - 7 lines]
>> Thanks
>> -Mark

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