Toyota camry 1998 gracia question

willy911, Oct 3, 7:13pm
Rear shocks seem very soft,is this normal ,drives great,just bought it

ema1, Oct 3, 8:37pm
Do the bounce test on the rear of car and if it bounces on it's own more than say two bounces replace them, not a big expense and the road holding/handling characteristics will improve markedly, check the ones on car for any signs of leakage and if they are replace them forthwith !
Yep good comfy car they are and trouble free too normally, previous maintenance will be the determining factor there. but yes good reliable car they are.

tamarillo, Oct 3, 10:08pm
Yes. It's normal. A 20'year old Gracia meant for Japanese tastes of the time.

ema1, Oct 4, 10:45am
Actually after 20 years (if they haven't been replaced yet) I'd be inclined to replace them as a matter of course, depends on the distance it's done. it's called maintenance.

mechnificent, Oct 4, 11:24am
I'd do as Ema says and give it the bounce test.
Push it down in one corner at a time, then let it up quickly. It should come up and then down to the right height if the shocks are really good. It might not stop at the right height but go on down again and then up to the right height. That's ok. If it bounces any more than that they are perhaps a bit weak by design or age. the oil does deteriorate even without leaks.

The other thing to be aware of though is that the shocks don't really make the ride hard. the springs do. The shocks should really only stop the bounce. If it bounces too many times(driving over bumps or wallows) the shocks are stuffed, but, if it's just too easy to push down, or doesn't handle heavy loads, then it's the springs probably that are your problem.

mechnificent, Oct 4, 11:26am
You need to figure out whether it's moving up and down more than you like,(too soft springs) or whether it's bouncing for too long after a bump, that you are noticing.

willy911, Jan 2, 4:45pm
Thank you all have it sussed