Ungh...how can you tell if shocks are blown?

[jACEDesignsLtd]

Last night was when the problem started.

Everytime I go over a high bump I hear a light knocking noise in the left front wheel wheel area. It feels like I go over the hump and *knock* as the shock compresses... Its only one side. Over light bumps I don't hear it...has to reach a certain height.

I'm so choked cause I just got my TRD springs installed 2 weeks ago. It may be that certain parts weren't tightened correctly and it loosened, but the shop that I did it at HAD celica spring lowering experience and has a reputation for good quality. It also may be a blown stock shock...in that case I'm screwed. I didn't install it at a TOYOTA dealership(~$500CDN), but a local racing shop (~$100CDN). How can you tell if a shock is blown? What are the symptoms?

Facts:
I've had the springs for 2 weeks.

The space in the wheel well is the same as the other side of the car..No dip, or sagging...

Normal bumps are fine, no noise

Driving at high speeds in a straight line is fine..no pulling or draggin to the side

[Byron]

I think I have a similar problem... I got trd springs too for about 1/2 a year... but the place I installed it said the shocks and springs are still pretty new and in good shape... so I got an alignment done but problem persists..... I hear knocking sounds as well please help....

[HiroGT]

The car won't sag if a shock (strut) goes - that's the spring's job. You can tell pretty quickly if one of your struts is bad just by pushing down on that corner of the car. If the strut is good it'll rebound once and stop moving quite quickly. If the strut is bad it'll bounce several times.
But other than that, I don't have any other suggestions :(

Quick thought though, could it be hitting the bump-stop on one side?

[larrbear]

mine knocks too but i think its like my cai filter hittin my fog light

[Chiznarles]

u know i had that same knocking sound when first installing my suspension. Check to see if the bolt on the top of the shock is tight.. and even if its tight all the way, there still could be some play. I had to add a fat washer to it reduce the play and now i have no knocking sounds. might be the same thing, but the only way to check is to take your suspension out and look at it yourself.

[jACEDesignsLtd]

yea when i press down on the car, HiroGT, the shock seems healthy.

I think a better description is knocking/clanging/something loose (sounds like a "DOKK" noise)

Well I took it back to the shop, and my cars sitting there right now. We'll find out if its fixed or not...in a couple of hours...

Cross my fingers