I think it is time to change the shocks on my 2002 Super 8 with 106k miles. There does not seem to be any drop or looseness but I'm hearing some rattles over bumps. What shocks should be put on this car? I have looked for some shocks but they all say "except with active control" but I think the super 8 has ACS, correct?









Sarasota, FL
2002 Super 8 106,000 miles

 

Hi
Before to change the shocks absorber go to a car repair service and make a test, maybe the shock are OK and you need to change some rubber bushing or something else. If you have a wire from the shock absorber and if the shocks are green it is possible to have CATS system.
Best regards

 

Just before the tailpipes, there are rubber bumpers that keep the exhaust pipe from rattling. These dry out and need to be lubricated (silicon spray or white lithium works), which stops the rattling that sounds a lot like worn or dried lower rear shock bushings. I wasted $450 on new rear shocks and installation charges to find the shock bushings were not the cause of my rattle.

As Sean B pointed out a long time ago, the OEM shocks last a long time.

 

I believe your car has the CATS shocks, my 2001 has them as standard equipment. These shocks are very robust and long lasting but the bushings deteriorate over time. The shocks are very expesnive but you most likely don't need new shocks jsut bushings. These bushings can be purchased separately and installed to your existing shocks.

I would replace the front anti-sway bar bushings, the anti-sway bar links, and the front shock lower bushings first. These parts are inexpensive, easy to isntall, and are the cause of many rattles.