I dont know too much about suspension on cars but lately when i go over high speed bumps, the front shocks make a relatively noticeable compressing sound. What do i need to change?? my brother says i need to change the struts, someone else said i needed to change the shocks. What do i need to change???

 

Shocks and struts are both a form of damper. How many miles do you have on your struts and what kind? Sounds like they may need replacing.

 

I think they were both referring to the struts of the Maxima - the maxima has struts all around. It used to be in my altima that in the cold it would make a compressing sound when going over bumps - im pretty sure it was the struts, use it as an excuse to get some KYB AGX's, or Tokicos . Unless they're the bushings? But I doubt it.

 

What your hearing is the hydraulic fluid being ported through the valves within the strut as the piston shaft moves in and out.

It's normal, actually thats a good noise. If and when that stops happening, your struts aren't dampening anymore.

 

and that noise usually occurs when you go really fast over the speed bumps. is that the case?

 

You don't have to go fast, just get the piston to stroke nicely and you'll hear it.

Sounds like "hissss - hissss", piston in, piston out.