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suspension replacement questions..

andremike

andremike

New member
I am debatting if I should overhaul my supension.. 12 years and 82k miles.. it might be time.. my mechanic tells me they are worn... could probably just live with it but I am anal like that...

So what kind of struts/springs? Monre all in one? Senatrac? I think its $104 apiece. And they have a pomotion buy 3 get onefree... my mechanic alos tells me he may have to replace the sway bar links and bushings.. just depends how it comes off.. what else should I replace? Control arm and bushings? What other bushings?

What's better dorman or moog parts?

What are the ball joints and should I replace those?

How often do we need to replace the cv axle? He tells me therfe is a little grease coming out..

So please recommend some parts..
 
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I chose the Monroe Quick Strut Assembly (MONROE 171661). I was gonna go with just the strut alone but my springs are probably shot after 135K miles. It will also be easier for me to do the job. I like MOOG parts when replacing front end stuff. I've been using MOOG for a really long time and never had an issue. I didn't think about the sway bar links and bushings. I think I better look into that. It only makes sense to do it all at once and be finished with it. Here is the link to the assembly I'm going to get. MONROE 171661 Chevy Allure Century Impala Front Shock Strut LH Left or RH Right | eBay

I haven't been able to find the entire assembly cheaper so far.
 
you can just change the ball joints but its not worth the work, just get new lower control arms. ( lca's) dorman work fine, moog are nicer and have grease fittings. the dormans can be found for about 40 a side.

but the lca's on line for the best price possible. rockauto, or partsgeek both have good prices. and amazon

i got a reman axle from napa, its been in there almost a year, no issues so far. cost about 65 i think.
 
oh and your going to need new end links for the sway bar, they never come off.

check the sway bar ends for cracks or broken off as well.

new solid dorman sway bar comes complete with all new bushing end links bolts and caps for 70 and up on line, or local 120.
 
I replaced my front sway bar 2 years ago. I put a GMPP sway bar on. Should I replace the rear sway bar? What part is best for the cv half axle? What other bushings should I replace? Can you tell me the part # for sway bar links?
 
Rear sway bar never needs to be replaced unless you want to upgrade it for whatever reason.

I've always ran Napa axles, never had an issue with them.
 


Thanks... would I notice a big difference in the ride? Smoother/ quieter.

Know I need to decide if I want to do it or just sell the car... I mean I could just leave it... it is in great shape... I figured the suspension was next.. because everything has been replaced in the engine...
 
If you want to just update the suspension then stick with the most basic and economical parts. Monroe quick struts, dorman LCA's, moog endlinks for the front and rear and some tie rods. The sway bar bushings should still be good, unless they are torn. If you want a strut that is a little better than stock then look into the KYB's. They also sell quick struts but are more expensive than the monroes. One of the biggest complaints about the monroes is that they are too soft and don't dampen to well. It all depends on what your plans are for the car.
 
i just bough Gabriel ultras from autozone for a decent price, they have a lifetime warranty on them so when my eibach springs wear them out i can just get new ones lol

if you want to go stock the buy a complete strut with the springs already on it'll make it easier on yourself
 
Which cv axle shoul I get? Rockauto recommends the Cardone select part # 661255

How are mevotech parts for the suspension components? Their bushing are the polyurethane type..

I'm not even sure I need to do this.. but here is my shopping cart so far.. Any comments?
I am not sure what bushings to get for the sway bars? My front Sway bar is the GMPP bar. There seems to be different diameters.. Should i replace the whole rear sway bar with a GMPP part? I think its $70.00. the rear links and bushings are probably $30.00..

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[TD="class: left"]CARDONE SELECT Part # 661255 Does Not Include Retaining Clip New CARDONE Select Constant Velocity Drive Axle
W/ or W/O ABS; Front Left
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[TD="class: left"]MONROE Part # 171662L Quick-Strut (Rebate/Promotion Available!)
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[TD="class: left"]MONROE Part # 171662R Quick-Strut (Rebate/Promotion Available!)
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[TD="class: center, colspan: 2"]$104.79
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[TD="class: left"]MONROE Part # 171661 Quick-Strut (Rebate/Promotion Available!)
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[TD="class: left"]DORMAN Part # 905501 {#10244461, 10282766, 1033308, 10333308, 10409660, 15820927, 15856683, 25990164}
TRAILING ARM
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[TD="class: left"]MEVOTECH Part # MK5342 {#K5342} Polyurethane Bushings Stabilizer Bar Link Kit
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[TD="class: left"]MEVOTECH Part # MK6662 {#K6662} Stabilizer Bar Link Kit
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[TD="class: left"]DORMAN Part # 090091 {#0900911, 11518377, 24100042, 365454, 65372, 8115183770, 8241000420, 88891787} Magnetic; Thread Size; M12-1.75; Under-Head Length: 30.22mm; Head Size: 15mm; Head Style: Flanged Hex
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after reading about the strut towers rusting through.. I need to go check my car.. Don't want to spend all this money if they are rusting..
 


How much rust is to much? I noticed a little on top in the trunk side not to bad. Does anyone have pic of how bad there's was. I'm wondering if I should spray some rustoleum on it to slow it down?maybe 1inch worth. Seemed like a little hole is forming...
 
call your local parts stores. some may have it.

when you do get it, do nothing more then a wire brush to the rusted area and pull off large flakes or loose pieces. dust it off, and then paint it.

do not sand it clean and smooth, it needs to bond to the rust thats there.
 
Paint it afterf you apply por15 right? I have some pictures I want to post of it.. I only see it from the trunk side


There is also what looks likea huge strip of epoxy/caulk or something.. should I scrae that off?
 


wire brush the rust, then paint it with por, after it dries your done. i'd also do out side in the matching area.

leave that caulk, is body sealant from the factory.
 
Thanks for the quick response. got it.. can I put spray paint over it? Should I put a rubber undercoating under the wheel well to help..

How do I post pics now.. I want to show you what it looks like and tell me if it is really bad.

I stopped at Autozone and they didn't have it.. i'll just order it online wow 31 a pint or 47.50 a quart.. thats ok..
 
yeah its not cheap, por is black as it is, so if un seen leave it alone. you can paint it if you want, not needed though.
 
oh to post pics, open up a photobucket account. up load your pic to that site, then open the pic there, copy the dirct link and paste it into the icon for pics in the reply box icon. in the task bar at the top of its window.
 
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