How to know when your front struts are toast

[philw349]

Is a graunching noise when going over a speed bump a good indication? Also tires (215/16/60's) rub when turned all the way. I suppose I'm getting it taken in soon, I just wanna find out if anyone had similar experiences and if the struts are the solution. I suppose I could replace bushings with polyurethane when I'm getting the work done. I eventually plan on getting the good stuff like Tokicos but for now I need a factory fix.




[This message has been edited by philw349 (edited 10-26-2001).]

 

[rlw001]

A car with bad struts will bounce after a bump or even after braking. Usually you can push down and if the car bounces, your struts are shot. Noise is never a good thing, your strut bearings, mounts, and other bushings are probably shot too.



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Bob W
94' ATX, SHOshop Y-Pipe, SHO Shop UDPs, 70mm FPS MAF, SuperChip,
K&N Panel, Coneless, 96' Brake Upgrade, Colgan Bra, PIAA 1552 Driving Lights, Eibachs/Tokicos, 24mmFSB, 26mmRSB, Subframe Connectors, 17x8 TSW Hock Rs, 225/45/17 Bridgestone RE040s, 255lph Walbro Fuel Pump.

 

[RStalveyARFF]

mine floats badly on the highway after I hit a dip. I've also heard a clicking noise over every bump I hit, as well as that noise you described going over speed bumps. I know my fronts are shot.

 

[philw349]

Yes when I hit the brakes and come to a stop the car bobs like it has hydraulics

It's all good though

 

[shotx]

I have that same clicking noise over the bumps. Do you guys think the struts need replacing? What do you recommend? How much are we looking at spending?

Originally posted by SHO91MTX:
mine floats badly on the highway after I hit a dip. I've also heard a clicking noise over every bump I hit, as well as that noise you described going over speed bumps. I know my fronts are shot.

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• 95 Silver ATX
• K&N filter
• 73 MAF
• LPM chip

89 MTX <SOLD>

 

[sdpatt]

When you press down on a fender and release it, the body should rebound back to its original height and stop on the first rebound. If it bounces more than a couple of times, your struts are not doing much of a job damping the motion.

------------------
Scott

1991, 252K miles, glass hood, police grill, SVO shifter, Catz fogs,
K&N, 73mm MAF, Superchip, PP Y-pipe, Borla cat-back, 190 lph pump
Eibach/Tokico/polyurethane, SHO Shop front & rear strut braces,
16x7.5" Moda R1, 225/55ZR16 Bridgestone RE730, -1 deg camber x 4,
Class II hitch, Silver award at the SHOklahoma Car Show

 

[ASSMAN300]

i remember someone once tellin me that if u have 5 people in the car,,, and its really weighed down,,, and it seems to negotiate bumbs better,,, and generally rides smoother etc.,., its time for new struts,,,,,,,, if this is true,,,,,,,,,, man do i need them

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93 SHO MTX, White, Every SHO Option Available. She's My Little Rock And Roll.
Also Nicknamed:
THE 5 LITER EATER.
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Completly Stock
K/N Air Filter
10 Disk Changer (Factory)

 

[RStalveyARFF]

I am saving up for them. At first I was thinking about going with the KYB GR2s, but since the prev owner put monroe rear struts on right before selling them to me, I might as well go the Koni route since I have stock housings all around. Yeah, it's expensive if you go with anything but stock, especially since you normally change the springs too...You're looking at 2-250 for a set of Eibachs, and 500-600 for Koni adjustable struts or 190 for a set of the GR2's. There are also Tokicos, but I hear there is a bad batch going around right now.. Don't forget there are also strut mounts to be replaces, camber kits are a good idea, etc etc. It bay be expensive, but a suspension mod is probably one of the most truly pleasing upgrades you can do to your car. Tie that upgrade in with solid subframe bushings and subframe connectors and you're going to need to be arrested to wipe the smile off your face!

[This message has been edited by SHO91MTX (edited 10-28-2001).]

 

[bensho92]

wheen your car spins tires more then usualy does when you lounch it

 

[89 Gary]

Ok Bensho, what party did you just come from and how much did you drink?

 

[RStalveyARFF]

and most importantly, any hot girls there?