How to tell if ur shocks are worn?

[Andrew21]

Guys im about to do some suspension work on my car ( DC4 TEG ) , ( lowered springs ) and im just thinking to change the shocks aswell or not while i got them out.

I can get a pair of 2nd hand shocks which are in good nick..

My question is there a way i can test to see if my current shocks are working still good or not ? I mean the ride at the moment feels Ok but i wouldnt know if it should be better or worse ?
My car has 170,000 kms on the clock although im not sure if the current shocks have been replaced or not in its service history :confused:

Any tips or info ?

P.S - Does anyone know if there is a difference between GSI and VTI-R shocks ? ? As in stiffness e.t.c ?

[incoming]

one way to check is to bounce the car (push down on it)
and it bounces then its worn
otherwise if it it goes back to the stance in one bounce its good

i hope u understood that lol

[BlitZ]

best way:

remove shock..

Compress it..

If it moves back and compresses smoothly the shock is good (seals are good)..

If its all jagged and not smooth the seals are busted = dead shock

[Andrew21]

Sweet, thanks boyz will try boths test tonite.

[SLOWEGG]

If you're still not certain, take it to fulcrum or pedders.

[Spunkymonkey]

I doubt that your shocks would have replaced in the service history.

[bennjamin]

DC2 and DC4 shocks/springs should be exactly the same.
Only way as said to tell is to take each shock apart and look for leaks and uneven rebound.

[vtek]

if you have old tyres run your hands along the top and if there are lumps or uneven tyre wear your shocks are warn.

[joyride]

you might aswell change the OEM shocks if you lower the car. the OEM shocks are suited to the OEM springs and if you lower it, chances are the chocks will wear out alot faster.