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2010 RAV4 Limited Rear Shock Replacement

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WhalerXDM

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
Hello,
I've decided to replace the rear shocks at 10 yrs / 135k miles even though there is no leakage and they appear to be dampening the coil spring oscillations. I honestly think they are still doing their job but I am replacing them to see if it helps with the jarring when going over sudden bumps or potholes. I bought the vehicle when it was 6 years old and it had 103k miles on it, so I don't know how it rode when new. If this helps, I will likely change the front struts as well.

One interesting point: I recorded a video showing the dramatic difference in the rebound of the new OEM shocks vs the 10 year-old units. I'm hoping this means the ride quality will be better with the new shocks but I'm skeptical:

 
Discussion starter · #2 ·
Well, the new rear shocks are installed. I can't tell any difference. It's possible that some part of the ride quality has improved but not that I can tell. The ride (in the rear wheels) over sudden bumps or potholes has not improved. But I don't regret swapping out the shocks. It was cheap and easier than I expected. It was good experience. Based on this result, I don't plan to swap out the front struts anytime soon. I may do it in a couple of years.

I hope this helps someone.
 
#5 ·
WhalerXDM said:
Hello,
I've decided to replace the rear shocks at 10 yrs / 135k miles even though there is no leakage and they appear to be dampening the coil spring oscillations. I honestly think they are still doing their job but I am replacing them to see if it helps with the jarring when going over sudden bumps or potholes. I bought the vehicle when it was 6 years old and it had 103k miles on it, so I don't know how it rode when new. If this helps, I will likely change the front struts as well.

One interesting point: I recorded a video showing the dramatic difference in the rebound of the new OEM shocks vs the 10 year-old units. I'm hoping this means the ride quality will be better with the new shocks but I'm skeptical:

Click to expand...
what did you do beside post a video of your shock....
 
#6 ·
I think when you change the front struts you should notice a bigger difference. I had mine changed recently and going over bumps use to be very harsh especially on the Sport suspension which is very stiff. With the new struts there is more dampening to absorb the shock. This improved ride comfort dramatically for me.
 
#7 · (Edited)
People have wrong expectations from shocks.
A shock can absorb long-period oscillations, like movement from braking, acceleration, leaning on sides in sudden turns, generally all of the low frequency movements.

A short period oscillation (less than 1 second) like a bump in the road (crack, speed bump at high speed) cannot be transferred to the shock absorber because of physics of un-suspended mass - inertia - and the physics of oil movement - viscosity.
The sudden, high frequency, bumps will not be transferred to the shock (or in very limited value), they need to be absorbed by the air in the tires. Air compresses instantly, same with tire's lateral walls of rubber.
That's why manufacturer gives a certain pressure for those tires - to absorb the short period bumps (high frequency). That's why some tires "feel" better than others - different lateral wall elasticity.

Some people inflate the tires to the max, so all those shocks transfer in a bigger amplitude to the suspension components (especially the bushings of the lower control arm, lower ball joint).
Sporty, low profile tires also have lower capacity of absorption for those short period bumps, so they transfer more force into the connecting components.
 
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SoNic67
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