The best approach is to have the steering and suspension systems inspected at a tire and alignment shop. Shock absorbers do not hold the car up and they are not a structural part of the suspension system. Struts are a structural part, but they also do not hold the car up. That is the job of the springs.
This is complicated by the fact the front coil springs are mounted on the struts. Other suspension parts could be bent, but struts do bend pretty easily. In doing so, they absorb a lot of the impact. That often saves the more expensive parts from sustaining damage.
Given the age of the car, you can expect the coil springs have sagged causing the suspension ride height to be below the published legal specifications. At the mileage you listed, the struts are probably due to be replaced. Either of those jobs requires a special spring compressor, and there is some danger involved with the procedure. To address all of these issues, some of the better aftermarket suppliers have offered "Quick Struts" for a number of years. These are the complete strut, coil spring, and damping hardware already put together as an assembly. You'll pay less for these than for all of the individual parts separately, no compressor is needed as this assembly just bolts on in place of the old one, and labor time is about one fourth compared to replacing individual parts. You get ride height restored for best comfort, handling, and braking at the same time as the bent strut is replaced.
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Monday, February 10th, 2020 AT 7:08 PM
