Suspension questions
#1
Senior Member
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Suspension questions
Based on the noises I am hearing from my front end (when driving over bumps at any given speed), I think I'm gonna be shopping for new struts soon.
From the archives, it looks like I should avoid Gabriel struts like the plague. Any recommendations on what parts would best match the stock equipment? I like the smooth ride I have now. And should my struts be failing at less than 55K miles?
I'm looking at a shop to do the work, since I probably don't have the know-how or special tools to do the work myself. According to the Auto Zone and Parts America websites, strut assemblies run $45-80 each... but a recent post had someone paying $1200 to have all four corners replaced. Is that a common shop price? Thanks in advance for suggestions and comments.
From the archives, it looks like I should avoid Gabriel struts like the plague. Any recommendations on what parts would best match the stock equipment? I like the smooth ride I have now. And should my struts be failing at less than 55K miles?
I'm looking at a shop to do the work, since I probably don't have the know-how or special tools to do the work myself. According to the Auto Zone and Parts America websites, strut assemblies run $45-80 each... but a recent post had someone paying $1200 to have all four corners replaced. Is that a common shop price? Thanks in advance for suggestions and comments.
#3
Just a last minute thought, those struts should not make noise if they are worn out., unless of course you have a broken one. I had noises over small bumbs and thought the same thing. I put the things on ramps and had someone push the car up and down, and it turned out to be a broken sway link. About 15$ for two, and an hour to replace, and mannnnnn, the front end was nice and tight again. anyway, you might check this out before doin a strut job......
#6
Junior Member
Posts like a Ricer Type-R
Replace your endlinks and bushings. See if that helps. They probably need it anyway. Cheap, fairly easy, and it may prevent you from buying struts
Do a search. There'* a post called "no more ringy-ding noises" in 92-99 by fuddyduddy121 with lots of info on this.
Do a search. There'* a post called "no more ringy-ding noises" in 92-99 by fuddyduddy121 with lots of info on this.
#7
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Originally Posted by Foghorn
Could also be the top plates and/or bearings making noise. Do you hear it on bumps or when turning?
Thanks also willwren, I'll check that post.
#8
Junior Member
Posts like a Ricer Type-R
Your car came stock with plastic spacers on the endlinks. The Energy suspension kits replace this with metal. Much better design. Mine were metal stock, and I don't know what year they started plastic, but I've seen the plastic on at least one 95se (jr's3800). Some 97'* shipped from the factory with only one link kit installed. It was missing from the right side. I know a guy that had this happen locally.
#9
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Join Date: Jan 2004
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Originally Posted by scottydl
Both. Just noticed the "knock" tonight while turning at slow speeds. Maybe it'* a tie rod or something. *sheesh*
The noise has now come back, the other inner tie rod (?), and a rear ball joint has developed a nasty knock meaning it'* over due for replacement :?
Cheers,
#10
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Willwren, you were *right* on the money. My driver'* side endlink was busted in half, which was discovered after I took the Bonny *back* to the tire shop today to get TWO tires plugged that had a nail and a screw in them. (One of those tires I just replaced 5 days ago... what are the odds???)
Anyway, I bought two new endlinks for $12 and I'm going to attempt to change them out myself. Wish me luck... :fingers crossed:
Anyway, I bought two new endlinks for $12 and I'm going to attempt to change them out myself. Wish me luck... :fingers crossed: