New Caprice - Discussion forums

I replaced every single front suspension part summer of last year, and was not impressed with the end result.

After getting an alignment the steering was noticeably looser than before.

I decided the only thing left would be hubs/bearings or replace the old rubber strut mounts.

So I did it in a couple hours, in fact I wasn't even halfway through my first beer and I had the passenger side strut in hand.

Observations were as soon as the top nut came off the struts, the thrush bearings were completely disconnected from the mounts, on both sides.

For rubber mounts they were also harder than rocks. One side was harder but I couldn't believe how hard they were.

After driving, the steering is much much tighter, how I like it. The alignment didn't seem to have changed at all, and the ride quality has definitely improved. I'm happy with the result and it was an easy change. Also it handles and corners like a champ.

I know the steering is probably due to the knuckle bolts being torqued tighter but regardless I'm happy.

I hope I have as good of a result as this produced when I finally get mine in. I believe that only thing I have left that I want to order is new sway bar bushings.

I found out that my front suspension problem is due to loose/busted front control arm bushings. I believe I installed them improper. I'll have to get new ones. Other than that she drives like a beauty.

I've replaced the radius arm bushings so far, my front lower control arms seem to be okay for now. Hopefully with new front struts/springs/strut mounts/sway bar bushings I'll be 100% better.