How do I determine if my bushings and/or shocks are worn out?

Question

I own a 86.5 Toyota Supra with 111k miles on it. I feel that when I drive that I can feel every little bump and crack in the road. I was wondering how I could determine what needs to be changed, without paying big $$$ to a mechanic.

Answer 1

DJR,

you can reach under and grab the arms on your suspension, pittman is the only one I can name at the moment.  Rattle it and if if has any play, the bushings are probably worn.  If you've never changed your shocks then it's time.  If you feel like the car floats, or rides up and down too much then the shocks are worn out.

good luck

Answer 2

Bushings.....look at the and see if they are cracked....I bet they are wasted.....time will destroy them.

Shocks......push up and down on the rear of the car a few times and stop. See if the car is still bouncing. If it is, replace the shocks. Do the same to the front.