Suspension diagnostics
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 209
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From: east stroudsburg pa
Suspension diagnostics
I am looking to get you guys to post symptoms noises and checks for various problems you may have had in the suspension system. Anything goes. Clunks, creaks, thuds, shimmies, walks, etc. If it has to do with optimum suspension perf than post it here. I want to get my suspension in top shape before it gets nice out. I probably will stay away form coilovers for now so i can race against reasonable competition.
Again, looking to get any diagnostic info or any other good stuff in order to get and keep suspension in top performing condition. If this thread gets enough info (it prob wont considering i posted it:sad: ) it will be a useful part of the archive.
On a side note: If someone was willing to thrash my car at an autocross in order to rate the condition of my suspension, i would most obliged (i doubt there will be any offers :sad: )
Again, looking to get any diagnostic info or any other good stuff in order to get and keep suspension in top performing condition. If this thread gets enough info (it prob wont considering i posted it:sad: ) it will be a useful part of the archive.
On a side note: If someone was willing to thrash my car at an autocross in order to rate the condition of my suspension, i would most obliged (i doubt there will be any offers :sad: )
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
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From: Athens AL
C7 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist 2021
C4 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
Re: Suspension diagnostics (sputnick)
Well i'm not sure what youre talking about exactly, but if i get your gist right then i would like to mention that my sway bar causes some kind of creaking noise when i go in a deeper pothole or speed bump etc. This just means that i need to replace my bushings soon, and that i may want to think about replacing the sway bars. Each symptom has its own sound or effect, and poly bushings are notorious for the noise they make unlubed.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 209
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From: east stroudsburg pa
Re: Suspension diagnostics (vader86)
Yeah vader. that is kinda what i meant. Posting that sort of thing gives me and anybody else curious an idea as to the condition of various compnents in there suspension. just as you can listen to an engine and determine its condition.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 209
Likes: 0
From: east stroudsburg pa
Re: Suspension diagnostics (sputnick)
Maybe i need to learn to cut the b.s. out of my posts.
I dont think my suspension is working up to snuff and want to find out why but dont know where to start.
hope that is better
[Modified by sputnick, 9:15 PM 2/7/2002]
I dont think my suspension is working up to snuff and want to find out why but dont know where to start.
hope that is better
[Modified by sputnick, 9:15 PM 2/7/2002]
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 42
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Re: Suspension diagnostics (sputnick)
I'm with you. At 170k my susp. isn't what it should be, I can tell that by the way the car handles, but it's hard to know where to begin, especially when everything looks alright.
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 125
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From: St. Petersburg FL
Re: Suspension diagnostics (sputnick)
If the car's suspension has never been touched the first thing is to replace all the bushings preferrably with polygraphite. Depending on how hard you plan on driving the car you can replace the sway-bar bushings or upgrade to 32mm in front and 24-26mm in the rear with poly bushings. Another factor is the springs, the original springs are manufactured with 80's technology. A good buddy of mine put VBP springs on his 87' and said the sport springs ride better than his original FE-1 springs. Something about less pre-arch (flatter) and new materials. Hope this helps! :cheers:
