Backend wheel Hop
 

I own a 2001 Bonneville SSEi which has 42,000 miles currently. I installed new GENERAL tires on my Bonneville about a year or so ago and would like to know if these tires could be causing the car to hop or skip over bumps when they occur. The car does not feel solid under me and I am not sure if it is the tires or the struts that need to be changed? The car tends to "track" as well with ruts in the road and i really feel that I was sold a bad set of tires for this car and even though they were H-rated tires, they were crap. Will these tires cause the car to hop or skip over bumps though? I would think that this would relate more to an aging strut that might just need to be changed due to the age of the vehicle. Any help on this matter would be appreciated.

Thanks,
TTERZ

I'd agree with struts.

New rear shocks, and a 4 wheel alignment virtually eliminated the problem I had with the back end (of the car) kicking out while going over sharp bumps. Getting rid of the Goodyear RSAs completed the job.

I'd agree...

Generals aren't the best or worst tire out there. However struts should clear up most of the problem. After that..if you thought the tires were substandard...maybe a nice set of something different.

I have pirelli Pzero Nero's on my 2000+ rims and love them. I've also heard many good things about some other brands.

Thank you all.......It looks like I will be having the struts replaced in the backend and see how that effects the handling of the car. Will post the outcome, once I have had the struts replaced. Is it necessary to have an alignment after the rear struts are replaced?tterz

The rears are shocks, not struts, so an alignment is not required when replacing them. However, if you haven't had an alignment lately, keep in mind that it can be contributing to the problem you're experiencing. If it is still there after shock replacement - get a 4 wheel alignment.