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Suspension Help!!!

C

carsteve1

New member
I just need a little help, I have a 2001 GTP 90,000 miles, The front end is way out of alignment, and has caused extreme wear on both front tires. Both tires are down to the cords on the inside of the tires center tread and outer tread wear is normal.. Outer Tie rods were repaced about a year ago and the car never got an alignment. There is some grease on the inside of the passenger side rim as well. The car has a good amount of road noise I assume due to the tires , I am going to be putting on 4 new Monroe-Quick Struts in a month or so. I will be switching to my set of Blizzak snow tires for the winter. I know after changing the struts and springs I will need an alignment, does any one have any other suggestions on other possible repairs I should make prior to getting the vehile aligned. Also should I have a 2 wheel or 4 wheel alignment done to the vehicle. I will be getting a new set of summer tires in the spring, and with the winter tires there is a lot of road noise anyway is there any thing I could do to check wheel hubs, cv joint, control arms or any other suspension parts. Car suspension is bone stock other then power slot brakes and hawk pads. Which by the way I would not reccomend very loud combination under moderate to heavy breaking. Anyones imput would be awesome. Thanks!!!
 


Personally, if you haven't done it, you need to look over all your suspension parts. One common thing is the sway bar. Sometimes that can crack and break. So check over that very well. Also, check your wheel bearings to make sure they are not getting play in them. If anything is questionable, change it.

As for alignment, if it hasn't been done in awhile, you can have them check it. But it will probably need to be done all 4 wheels. And if you are getting new tires, it can't hurt.

But when you are going to get new tires, I would wait until you have had your alignment done do you don't screw up the new tires.
 
Zef_66 said:
Personally, if you haven't done it, you need to look over all your suspension parts. One common thing is the sway bar. Sometimes that can crack and break. So check over that very well. Also, check your wheel bearings to make sure they are not getting play in them. If anything is questionable, change it.

As for alignment, if it hasn't been done in awhile, you can have them check it. But it will probably need to be done all 4 wheels. And if you are getting new tires, it can't hurt.

But when you are going to get new tires, I would wait until you have had your alignment done do you don't screw up the new tires.
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I totally agree. Get tires and an alignment done at the same time so your not shelling out money for new rubber again soon. Visually check everything on your suspension. Jack the car up and push and pull on everything to make sure that there's no play or anything loose.

The whole root of the problem, is more than likely the fact that you changed the tie rods and didn't get an alignment. Sometimes you can get away without getting one done, but most of the time when tie rods are replaced you need to get an alignment since if you or someone else didn't get the tie rods exactly how they were before your car will be running too much positive or negative toe on the tires and that will kill the rubber very quickly and cause a harsher ride and more noise.

Once the struts and tires are replaced and you get an good 4 wheel alignment you should be in good shape. But still you should check the hubs (car jacked up grab the tire at 12 and 6 and push and pull to see if there is any play), check the control arm bushings to make sure that they are still in good shape, and check the sway bar as mentioned before.

Hope this helps.
 
The other guys make excellent points. I see your from Rochester. I have been going to Henry's in New Bedford for 15 years they specialize in alignment also if thers stuff going on under the car they will let you know. As far as the struts go I purchased quick struts from advanced auto parts about 3 months ago $770 + - a few bucks in stock for all 4 and took me about 2 hours to do in the driveway. They are a little on the soft side when it comes to cornering but tolerable other than that it gives a very good ride. Good luck.
 
daveg said:
The other guys make excellent points. I see your from Rochester. I have been going to Henry's in New Bedford for 15 years they specialize in alignment also if thers stuff going on under the car they will let you know. As far as the struts go I purchased quick struts from advanced auto parts about 3 months ago $770 + - a few bucks in stock for all 4 and took me about 2 hours to do in the driveway. They are a little on the soft side when it comes to cornering but tolerable other than that it gives a very good ride. Good luck.
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wat kind of quick strut? and is there anything else i need to purchase wen i do the job. also can a novice do it do u reccomend a shop
 


Hey Onetyme. It's been a bit since the last time i was on. The struts are Monroe Quick struts. AutoZone or Advanced probably most parts stores do carry them. and they are complete no monkeying around with spring compressors. No special tools required. I'm trying to remember the socket size for the bolts. I think a 21mm socket. A wrench, breaker bar and hammer is all you need for the bottom half of the strut. 3 bolts on top of the strut as well 12-13mm i think for those. Its pretty straight forward, pull the wheels and off and you'll have access to the struts. Unbolt them yank em out and swap with the new ones. Once done it's very important to get the car aligned asap or your tires will be ripped to shreds in no time at all. Good luck, any more question or need help with something I'll be glad to help that's what were here for. Oh by the way a novice can absolutely do the job!!
 
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thanks a bunch for the info, ive trying to research this on my fone (and its not a smartfone) for about 2 weeks. ive been reading forums on diff shocks, springs, struts, sway bars, u name it! now my latest question now s which ones to go wit? the last i heard the kyb gr2's (?) were good. but u said one thing about the monroe's that i like, they are pre assembeled. do u no anything bout the kyb's?
 
Kyb does sell a quick strut its called (Strut plus ) it has an Excel G strut which is basically an OEM replacement. I haven't heard much about them as far as handling goes except there a little bit more money, I don't know 1/2 & 1/2 I guess. I can tell you the Monroe's I got on my car I'm happy with. I'm not sure where to get the KYB except for a place online called rockauto.com about $140. a piece for the KYB and about $120. for the Monroe. there pretty good Ive used them a few times, good prices too. and they have a number to call if you need to speak to a person. The KYB's mfg part #'s (SR4002- L&R Front) (SR4003 Right Rear) and (SR4004 Left Rear). The Monroe Quick Struts #'s are (171661- L&R Front), (171662L- Left Rear) and (171662R- Right Rear) good luck..
 


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