***Banging front suspension***

wynndi · #1 03-30-2005, 04:04 PM

My '96 has been off the road for a while. Partially because I didn't want it becoming a salt lick on the Philly area roads, but mostly because of a banging in the front right hand suspension.

Car is up on jack stands and I have checked:

BRAKE cALIPER
BRAKE HOUSING
STRUT BOLTS
SWAY BAR / BUSHING
ALL ATTACH POINTS FOR THE SUSPENSION

Could I be missing something obvious? Maybe a lower ball joint (looks ok, but who can tell with the strut fully extended?)

All I know is that every bump I hit sounds like the right hand suspension is about to fall off.

Heeeeelllllppppp!!!

blacknite · #2 03-30-2005, 04:32 PM

check your struts to make sure they are not bad... one time drove a car and the rear shock feels like it was coming apart so i lift the car and notice that i had some sore of a nut that hold the inner insert of the strut and the outside housing, a have not check the one on the svx. but that may be it...

wynndi · #3 03-30-2005, 04:36 PM

The attaching bolts and upper attaching nut are all tight. Unless it's internal, it may not be the strut.

Just checked torque on all the things I listed, nothing moved more that 1/16 of a turn. Took it out for a run 'round the block......same noise.

n00b on demand · #4 03-30-2005, 04:40 PM

I have the same problem from time to time but mine mysteriously goes away after hitting the "right pothole" My guess would be bushing.

blacknite · #5 03-30-2005, 05:19 PM

in the strut there is a plastic cover that protect the insert, that metal bar that goes up or down with the movement. well beneath the plastic you will see a round cap, so the insert is not goint to move from left to right it will allow just to go up or down check that cap. sorry but i don't know the terms.... but that is what wears out....

wynndi · #6 03-30-2005, 05:49 PM

I'll get a look at that strut cap tomorrow. Just took her out for a few runs up and down the highway, the problem seems to be gone, but I KNOW her name isn't Christine!