What should i Replace on suspension ????

Question

i have a 1996 volvo 850. My car ride is not very bumpy as in up and down but i feel as if i take bumps harder than i should. I need advise on what i should replace. Do i need shock absorbers ??? new struts shock. im not a car fixer uper so please dont get made at my stupid qustion.

Answer 1

If you have a Volvo, you have struts.  You probably have them in both the front and rear.

Test:  Go out and push up and down on your hood till your car is bouncing up and down nicely.  Now let go.  If the car does not stop bouncing in 3 bounces, you need shocks.

Test this in the rear too by pushing down on the trunk.

If you are really handy you can replace them.  But you need a spring compressor.  You can rent that at your local rental store.  Don't try it if you aren't handy...  It can be very dangerous.

What do shocks do?  They absorb shock.  They also stop the car from bouncing down the road.  Your car has springs that want to bounce.  Shocks stop them from bouncing and along with the springs, absorb road shock.

P.S.  Also check your springs.  In the front and the rear.