Car junkies...I have a ?

Okay so I know quite a bit about cars, at least I'd like to think so. I own a 2007 Nissan versa and apart from its chick deterrent looks its a good little car. I've had it a year now and the commute anywhere has started to get a little rougher. First I thought it was the tie rods but they are in good shape still. So now I'm looking at the struts and shocks.

My question is how do I test to see if I need new ones?

My driveway is awful to say the least and blame all my suspension problems on it. Plus it's a hill.

So if anyone can help me out it would be greatly appreciated. I'd like to get everything maintenance wise done by the time snow flies. So far I need new brake pads and some better tires, but I may have to add these to the list if they're going.

I'd take it to a mechanic lol

Tires might make a difference.

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First question is describe rougher. How many miles on the vehicle? Do you see any fluid leakage from the struts?

The shocks return the springs back to a set position, and are supposed to work quickly. So, if you press down above the wheel wells (give it a good shove downwards, compressing the springs), it should return to normal without bouncing up and down. If it bounces like 3x, shocks might be going bad. Don't push down on your hood and dent it, push down on the front quarter panels.

P.S. how many miles? Shocks can last a good while. And I'm no mechanic, but I love cars.

140,000 miles I've put 20,000+ on it this last year. Three tires are good tread still, but one snapped an internal belt and is balding quite quickly. I'll test them in a minute. My dads a mechanic but I never have a time to see him. So I figured id ask here if it's something I can figure out myself. I can change them, my dad has taught me tons. I just can't tell if they're going bad.

Does it make a loud clancking noise going over bumps, kinda like a rattling noise?

More like a jiggling. I tested them and they spring right back like they are supposed too?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by kevinb

Three tires are good tread still, but one snapped an internal belt and is balding quite quickly.

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That also causes the tire to be out of balance, more than likely thats your rough ride right there.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by kevinb

140,000 miles I've put 20,000+ on it this last year. Three tires are good tread still, but one snapped an internal belt and is balding quite quickly. I'll test them in a minute. My dads a mechanic but I never have a time to see him. So I figured id ask here if it's something I can figure out myself. I can change them, my dad has taught me tons. I just can't tell if they're going bad.

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There's your answer. You have a shifted belt in the tire. It'll vibrate all over the place. Buy some tires, I guarantee it'll stop.