jay23ls

Here's the order from my reading so far from first to go to last:

1. Shocks
2. Wheel bearings
3. Bushings
4. Leaf springs
5. Tie rods

Suspensions are new to me so I probably have at least 2 things mixed up and missing 1-2 things. Appreciate the help!

My car has 95k miles btw

cv67

Id say springs probably last
Sheer age will take its toll on everything

Driving habits road conditions determine a lot no particular order

Bushings that old with mileage can guarantee they are probably gone even if the visible part doesnt look bad.

Best thing to do is get it in the air and start checking for slop go from there. Springs just visually ck for damage or delaminating

Is it doing something funny while driving?

jmgtp

I don't think there is a set order. It's going to vary car to car, driving conditions, parking conditions, amount of use. Ton of variables to give then a one size fits all failure ranking.

Dont forget to include the u joints in the half shafts on your list since the halfshaft is sort of part of the suspension.

An almost sure bet is rubber bushings. The youngest C4 is 20 and time is hard on the rubber components.

Silver96ce

There is no set order. A new shock can go bad and start leaking. A bushing, ball joint or wheel bearing seal can go bad at any time.

The best way to look at it is the youngest of the C4's is 21 model years old and the oldest are 33. Every suspension component is potentially bad. Inspect and replace as necessary.

HAD2HAV2

Mine was half shaft U-joints at 65,000 on my 88.

DGXR

My sway bar end link bushings went first, they were making a knocking noise on uneven pavement -- did those a couple years ago, one of the easiest repairs I've done. Rear "dog bone" bushings likely need replacement because I can see cracks, but they aren't making any noises and the car drives fine. (Car has been garaged most of its life so it hasn't fought the elements.) Also the shocks seem too soft but they aren't leaking so I can't tell 100% if they are worn other than a floaty feeling over certain highway sections. After 20 years (1995 model) it wouldn't hurt to replace the shocks... they are in the near-future suspension maintenance plan along with bushings all-around...

vader86

I would switch 4 and 5, but bushings can be anywhere.

96GS#007

Front wheel bearings every 150 miles.










Track days running slicks will do that

mtwoolford

my rear spring looked like the back of a mad porcupine...

JrRifleCoach

If your replacing the shocks, you're half way to the wheel bearings, bushings and tire rods ends. Leaf springs aren't replaced often enough to be considered.

Careful cause while those parts are out its easy to clean and polish them.
And much easier to gain access to the underside thats now exposed.
Now before you know it, the entire drivetrain and suspension is laying on the garage floor.
OCD is a terrible thing to waste......

Rob31

U-joint ,ball joints , and shocks . Don't buy cheap Chinese components or you will be doing it again real soon .Look over your wheel bearings also .

jay23ls

Just wanted to give you all a quick thank you. I start threads while I do the research then prioritize all the projects. I'll get to it all eventually