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How do I tell if I have new or used shocks/struts..I may have been ripped off. 700

posted by jamesp on Sat Apr 30 05:51 CST 2005
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Is there a sure fire way I can tell if the shocks that were put in my car are brand new? I have a sneaking feeling I was given used shocks. In expecting the front left and right, the outer casing (not sure what you call it) looks old but I am willing to accept that the shocks have some kind of casing they fit into. If I slide the rubber cover up at the top of the shock, that seems to be the only way to peek inside to see what is in there but I am not sure how I can really tell. Is there a way? What I see in there looks like old white scratched paint...looks old!

The reason I ask is because I have had to bring my car in 3 times. Once because it was clunking all over the joint after the first job.
I was told the first ones were defective Whatever!!!!!!
I took it in a 2ndd time and the lazy ass did nothing so I had to wait another day.
Finally I get it back and it seems like everything is ok but I am woried they fixed it the first time by trying to pass crappy parts in my car and I busted them. Now I am afraid they are double screwing me by fixing it with a used part. Call me paranoid but I will never take my car back to these hose bags again.

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How do I tell if I have new or used shocks/struts..I may have been ripped off. 700

posted by crank it up on Mon May 2 11:25 CST 2005
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last visit: Sat Nov 10 05:24 CST 2001

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Just go back to the shop that did the work and ask to see the invoice for the parts they put in your car. Tell them you would like to see it and find out what brand strut/part number they used. Tell them you want it for your records for when you sell the vehicle.

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How do I tell if I have new or used shocks/struts..I may have been ripped off. 700

posted by volve on Sat Apr 30 23:49 CST 2005
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last visit: Tue Feb 2 06:09 CST 2010

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i'd stay away from whatever repair shop you're taking your volvo too and getit to a certified volvo mechanic shop. I do the work myself on my volvo's, but if there is something i can't handle, I'll spend the money for someone else to take it on.

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How do I tell if I have new or used shocks/struts..I may have been ripped off. 700

posted by Steve on Sat Apr 30 07:22 CST 2005
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last visit: Fri Oct 24 07:16 CST 2014

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The top rod, emerging from the securing nut, will not be bright and shiny but dull and possibly corroded.

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How do I tell if I have new or used shocks/struts..I may have been ripped off. 700

posted by Rule 308 on Sat Apr 30 06:54 CST 2005
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last visit: Tue May 8 09:20 CST 2012

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Short of actually pulling the strut cartridges out and looking at them it would be tough. You can look at the top of them where the new nut would be but that is only so much of an indicator. Under the rubber boot you may or may not have a new body nut that holds the cartridge into the housing but again that is only a maybe.

Mark

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How do I tell if I have new or used shocks/struts..I may have been ripped off. 700

posted by Jay Shields on Sat Apr 30 15:42 CST 2005
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last visit: Thu Mar 5 11:56 CST 2009

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Unfortunately with struts, the replacement strut cartridge cannot be seen once inserted into the whole assembly. You should notice a difference in the ride and handling, however. Still, it may not be great if your old struts were not completely shot....

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