Suspension "Thud" in Cold Weather

[Zap]

The weather here in Wisconsin has gotten fairly cold lately, and when driving the '94 there seems to be a loud thud from the passenger rear wheel that occurs SOME of the time when going over bumps in the road. When the weather warms up a bit, (generally above 35) the problem is non-existant. Also, it seems like it is worse after the car has been sitting for a while, and as it is driven further, it sometimes goes away, too.

To the best of my knowledge, just like everything else on this car, the suspension is OEM original from when it rolled off the line. When you consider the abuse that this car probably saw from its neglegent owner, it is really in pretty good shape. At any rate, the only thing we replaced is the front springs, as one of them broke a few years back. It really needs an overhaul, but I'm curious if anyone can tell me what might be causing the noise so I might be able to prevent any possible damage until the weather warms enough for me to take on the project.

Thanks!

 

[Brett]

you need a strut. Last year i bought a mazda 323 (shitbox) for 100 bucks. Same problem but really bad. When you first started driving the back passenger wheel would hit so hard it would sometimes momentarily lift off the ground until driven for awhile.

It was still bad after being driven for awhile but not as bad as when you first run it. im not sure what exactly causes it, buts the strut is seized. Maybe thats NOT the problem, but i replaced the strut and the problem was gone. Hope that helps.

 

[Green Sho]

if its a thud sound like you said...i would guess strut mount.

 

[ty91sho]

it could be the piston in the strut itself is sticking or it is seizing up and then releasing fast? just an idea that i had. iam guessing you will just need to replace the struts

 

[Zap]

How difficult is it to refresh the rear suspension? Is that a long weekend job or a week off job? Also, if it is going to be done, what other wear parts should be replaced during the job? It appears that the one side is stuck badly, and despite the fact that I have school and other BS to contend with, I'm considering doing it myself if it won't be too much trouble.


For that matter, what is a good brand to purchase? The rear springs are assumed to be original, so I am guessing at 115k they should be replaced as well. We're on a budget, but we don't want to end up with cheap junk, either. Something better than OE would be preferable. If the real good stuff isn't much more than the decent, well that's an option (but I believe the cost is significant?)

Thanks

 

[platoribs]

Zap, your easiest path is to buy Monroe Quickstruts from Rockauto for ~$125 each. The whole thing is assembled and ready to swap out.

Since your in the salty north you will probably need a large amount of PB Blaster as well as heat. Not propane heat, more like oxi-acetylene heat so you can get stuff red hot like the pich bolt...

It helps a lot if you have a lift of a way to get that sucka up in the air so your not crawling around on your back.

Best of luck.