Replacing shock absorbers

[Guest Jamin]

Hi, had my supra for about 2 weeks now. Since I got it its had a slight bang/knocking that comes from the front. you can hear it going over very small differences in road surfaces although you cant feel anything so i assumed it wasn't to serious and thought maybe it needs new anti roll bars or something tightened.

 

Had a local garage look at the car yesterday and they couldn't find anything wrong with any of the suspention arms / bars / joints etc. They said its more than likely to be a shock absorber that needs replacing or the strut top rubber begining to perished.

 

The car is from a dealer so there is a 3 month warrenty but Im guessing they will say thats general wear and tear and wont cover costs. especially as theres no actual document about a warrenty just word of mouth!

 

Does anyone know what my best option is?

 

- import new shock from ...jaymarks toytota in the states? and get local garage to fit.

 

- get local garage to fit uk spec front shocks?...softer than jspec??

 

- does anyone have a spare set of front jspecs shocks i could purchase??

 

- Or is changing the shock absorbers a job i could tackle myself? bearing in mind my limit in car mech's so far is changeing spark plugs, brake pads etc.

 

Thanks for any info

 

Jamin

[Steve Cargill]

Hi Jamin, do you get any creaking when manuvering at slow speeds, car parks etc. When braking hard do you sometimes get a clunk?

 

Does the garage you took it too KNOW about Supras?

 

Have a look at these threads

 

http://www.mkivsupra.net/vbb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=3769

 

http://www.mkivsupra.net/vbb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=3406

[Sharpie]

Only had it 2 weeks ? I'd take it back to the dealer.

[Terminator]

Personally I would not go for UK shocks on a JDM car. the JDM suspension setup is far better. Based on rides I have had in two UK MKIV and many JDM cars the JDM setup takes corners and rapid changes in direction much better. JMPO.

 

Ready to take incoming:devil:

[Need4Speed]

- Or is changing the shock absorbers a job I could tackle myself? Bearing in mind my limit in car mech's so far is changing spark plugs, brake pads etc.

If you've got a socket set, a decent jack, and a bit of common sense - yes.

[Guest Jamin]

Thanks for the replys guys:

 

Steve: The garage that looked at my car do deal with alot of supra's, mainly jap motors. I was recommended to use them from a fellow supra owner that knows the chaps there and trusts them.

 

Not had any creaking or clunking during any slow manuvering (yet) ...know what you mean by that though one of the supras I test drove made a loud creaking noise when starting to reverse.

 

Thanks for the links to those threads, I read through the other possibilitys but Im almost certain after more people riding in my car and suspected its the shock going on the front.

 

Terminator: Haven't ridden in a UK spec but yes If thats the case I woudn't want to go any softer on the suspension than it is now, really like the ride on the firm setup. I love the handeling of my JDM supra even with the standard ( doggy front shocks ) so wouldn't want to change that to much.

 

... Dont think the trade garage I got the car from will pay for new shocks as there not actually gone just worn. Also was like this from the day I bought the car + the warrenty is word of mouth - no paperwork

 

Im on a tight budget and although Id love to just go out an get a full all singing dancing replacement all round I simply cant afford it at the mow. So im looking for the kindest on the wallet approach ...

 

Anyone know how much 2 new JDM shocks would be and how i go about getting them, ie garage / import from somewhere etc.

 

...Has anyone upgraded there suspension from standard JDM setup .....want to free a little garage space for a price?

 

 

thanks again

 

Jamin