shocks worned out?

[AngelS2000]

hi again Viper,

when i drive over bumps of unpaved roads, its really hard on my rear. like bottoming with a thumping sound. do you think its time for a new shocks?

[dfws2k]

how many miles, any mods

[AngelS2000]

70K no mods

[repiv]

Although not definitive, you can always do the "bounce" test. Go to each corner of the car and push down (on a solid part of the car so as to not dent the body work) and lift up (wheel well) till you get some good suspension movement and let go. If the car settles down within 1 to 2 cycles of up and down, the shocks are likely fine.
However, if your car has seen more than its fair share of rough roads, the springs may be getting "tired". The shocks dampen the up and down undulations but it's the springs that hold the car up. 70K is not excessive mileage for our springs and shocks, but it's still possible that they may need replacement. Have them inspected for any signs of leakage and/or wear.

[AngelS2000]

thanks, i just did this test on my 88' mr2. after bouncing it and letting go, they stabilize right away. gona go test my s2k now

[AngelS2000]

the s2k is a lil hard to do the bounch test. its so stiff. but if shocks and springs are fine, what els can be cause?

[repiv]

I think it's somewhat difficult to say if your situation is even abnormal. I think many S2000s, mine included, will thump when the suspension is loaded and unloaded suddenly like going over speed bumps and such. Is this something new? Mine has thumped from new whenever going over rough surfaces hard. I think it's just the suspension hitting the bump stops and mounts hard. At times, the suspension will even squeak like rusty bed springs.
I've never been too concerned over it. If you are worried about it, I suggest you get it checked out at a shop.

Oh, make sure your spare tire wing nut is screwed down tight. Feel each wheel weight to see if any of them are losing their stick. Another possibility is that your brake pads may be slapping around in their holders when you go over a bump. This is not unusual. Also make sure your exhaust isn't hitting something when it shakes around. Maybe you have a broken or missing hanger.

[An2ny]

If you think that the shocks are bottoming, just check the shock to see if it is leaking any oil. Lift the car and look and feel around the shock body for any leaking.