It looks like I'll have my car for at least a few years to come. The question is, how do suspensions change with age? I would assume springs settle and shocks get less effective. It would seem that changes would be so gradual they may not be noticed. At which point would fresh springs and shocks make a difference?
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Joe K.
'11 BMW 328i
'10 Matrix S AWD
Previously: '89 Plymouth Sundance Turbo, '98 Camaro V6, '96 Camaro Z28, '99 Camaro Z28, '04 Grand Prix GTP -
I think the biggest thing to wear in suspensions besides shocks are the bushings. The rubber gets softer over time. Especially if they get oil on them. I replaced the front control arms bushings in my Mustang and it stopped it from wondering on the highway. I didn't know it was bad until I replaced it.
I replaced the rear control arms and panhard rod on my Z so they have urethane in them now. I plan on replacing the bushings in the front control arms because I don't want to spend $600 on fancy control arms with urethane bushings. The front bushing kit is about $50.2002 Electron Blue Vette, 1SC, FE3/Z51, G92 3.15 gears, 308.9 RWHP 321.7 RWTQ (before any mods), SLP headers, Z06 exhaust, MSD Ignition Wires, AC Delco Iridium Spark Plugs, 160 t-stat, lots of ECM tuning
1995 Z28, many mods, SOLD
A proud member of the "F-Body Dirty Dozen" -
In addition, I dont think springs need replacement unless they are sagging.Tracy
2002 C5 M6 Convertible
1994 Z28 M6 Convertible
Current Mods:
SLP Ultra-Z functional ramair, SS Spoiler, STB, SFCs, Headers, Clutch, Bilstein Shocks, and TB Airfoil. 17x9 SS rims with Goodyear tires, 160F T-Stat, MSD Blaster Coil, Taylor wires, Hurst billet shifter, Borla catback with QTP e-cutout, Tuned PCM, 1LE Swaybars, 1LE driveshaft, ES bushings, White gauges, C5 front brakes, !CAGS, Bose/Soundstream audio, CST leather interior, synthetic fluids
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