Shock absorbers, when do they need replacing

[Razor61]

The ‘bouncy’ thing has more or less gone with tyres at 35psi, replacing the front shocks with OEM should eliminate it altogether. They have been ordered and are a far easier job to replace than the rears.
I have to say though that with KYB shocks all round the handling was excellent.
With softer OEM rear shocks the handling isn’t as good but I’d rather have the comfort. I will miss the improved handling, it really did handle well with KYB shocks all round and was like fitting ‘sport’ shocks.

[Mikaelse]

On my Lexus LS400 1995 with 140Kmiles I stil have the original shocks. I have had to replace the springs though in rear due to corrosion. 
The shocks feel nice and firm and non bouncing still when I drive at different speeds over the speedbumps the love to put in on our local roads. No oil leaks. I expect they will live many more years .
 

  

[Malc1]

at 247k miles now I'm on original springs + 1 replacement ....... half that mileage back and years ................

I've never found a bill for shock absorbers either ............  these are truly wondrous cars 😆

Malc

[Razor61]

Finally got round to replacing the front KYB shocks with Lexus OEM shocks, I now have new LEXUS OEM shocks all round.
The 'bouncy' thing has totally gone and the soft/smooth ride is back and the soft/smooth ride over speed bumps is back. The KYB shocks are stiffer for sure so were not as soft/smooth over speed bumps. Great for handling though but that's not what I was after.
Original shocks were very much past their best but not blown, which is normally the main criteria for replacement when inspections/servicing is carried out. Body role is far far better compared to the original shocks but obviously not as good as when the 'go kart' KYB shocks were on the car but still very very good for a big car.
Initially when I rebuilt the front suspension and fitted the KYB shock I assumed that the 'stiffness' in the suspension and 'stiffness' going over speed bumps was because I'd replaced all the suspension components and it would settle down after time. This was wrong, it was because of the KYB shocks being quite a lot stiffer.
You live and learn, I won't make that mistake again.