help... think i blew a strut or shock

[BRZ FTW]

I hit a big bump in the highway where they paved new section next to the old. The tarmac was offset probably 6" or so and I hit it at 70mph. I bent three rims as a result. So I replaced the three rims but I'm getting quite a bit more nvh in the cabin/seat/everything than I did before.

Whats the best way to tell if a blew one of my struts or shocks? I have the '17 PP Sachs with roughly 19k miles on them.

Is there anything else I should check?

[tehShirt]

Did you have the alignment checked? How about any of the other suspension components? That was a considerable hit to cause that much damage to the wheels.

[soundman98]

if you're still getting vibrations, i would check the axles for all the wheels

[BRZ FTW]

Originally Posted by tehShirt

Did you have the alignment checked? How about any of the other suspension components? That was a considerable hit to cause that much damage to the wheels.

Had an alignment done. Pretty sure that made it worse. I think they went really aggressive with the toe and now its super twitchy at highway speeds. Of course their printer wasn't working so I don't know what the final numbers where. Thinking about taking it to a speed shop to check it out and dial it in once more.

[BRZ FTW]

Originally Posted by soundman98

if you're still getting vibrations, i would check the axles for all the wheels

Anything in particular I should check on the axels?

[Ultramaroon]

At that speed, and with three bent wheels, I'd go over ALL of it with great care. Peened wheel bearings may take a while before they start to growl. Or they may already be the source of the NVH.

[soundman98]

Originally Posted by BRZ FTW

Anything in particular I should check on the axels?

specifically for bent axles. i would put it on a lift and spin the wheels, checking them for run out--it ought to be zero.

[Ultramaroon]

The axles, or as the service manual refers to them, axle hubs, are replaceable assemblies. They also house the wheel bearings.

[Tristor]

Originally Posted by BRZ FTW

I hit a big bump in the highway where they paved new section next to the old. The tarmac was offset probably 6" or so and I hit it at 70mph. I bent three rims as a result. So I replaced the three rims but I'm getting quite a bit more nvh in the cabin/seat/everything than I did before.

Whats the best way to tell if a blew one of my struts or shocks? I have the '17 PP Sachs with roughly 19k miles on them.

Is there anything else I should check?

Only way to really be sure is wheels off on a lift. If you blew them, they're likely leaking oil. Realistically though, you probably damaged a lot more than the three wheels in your suspension in the process, and not just possibly the struts. I hit a bad spot on the road on a roadtrip earlier this year and bent the OEM toe arm on the passenger rear.

You're in San Antonio just like I am, so you can go to Turner's DIY and get on a lift for $20/hr with access to air tools. If you want my assistance just send me a PM and I will work it into my schedule to come help you out. I always try to help out any local owners (I've done plenty of exhaust and suspension upgrades .

Also, out of curiosity where did you hit this spot so I know to avoid it

[BRZ FTW]

Thanks all!

I'm taking it to Soul Speed in Austin this Friday to get a proper alignment and once over on the suspension. Hopefully nothing needs replacing.

[Tristor]

Originally Posted by BRZ FTW

Thanks all!

I'm taking it to Soul Speed in Austin this Friday to get a proper alignment and once over on the suspension. Hopefully nothing needs replacing.

That's a great place to take it, Jaime does a good job and Soulspeed is well acquainted with all the intricacies of suspension work. That's who I had do my initial coilover install + corner weighting.


That said, going all the way to Austin is a bit of a drive. Like I said, if you want we can probably find out everything wrong with it on a lift at Turner's DIY, and you can learn how to fix it yourself.

[soundman98]

Originally Posted by BRZ FTW

Hopefully nothing needs replacing.

if it don't drive right, i'm only hoping you find all the components that need to be replaced in the first shot.

[Decep]

post your alignment numbers?

[Tristor]

Originally Posted by BRZ FTW

Thanks all!

I'm taking it to Soul Speed in Austin this Friday to get a proper alignment and once over on the suspension. Hopefully nothing needs replacing.

So what’s the verdict Spanky? Was yours the yellow BRZ they had on Instagram?

Any other damage or just an alignment?