So, I went to a "Suspension Specialist"

[TWOJZ]

not mentioning names or anything, but I paid $14 to get a 28 point steering and suspension check...

apparently it included a drive on shock absorber test, and full steering/suspension inspection.

Well, they didn't do a drive on shock test, just decided the shocks were soft by driving the car (even though the shocks are rather hard)

they also told me ALL the bushes needed replacing, steering rack, springs and shocks, and pretty much everything else!

handed me a quote for $3200 at the end of the inspection.

the car had cost me $1000.

I asked the guy if I could replace the bushes myself, the reply was "NO"

I asked why not, and was told I needed a 20 tonne press.

so, I went out and bought a cheapo 12 tonne press ($129)


Now, the car was very strange on the road to drive, would sometimes bumpsteer, follow grooves in the road, get kinda floaty at higher speeds, so I figured replacing the bushes was a good start, especially seeing as they were all worn out.

so, thats what I did, I bought a full nolathane vehicle enhancement kit, for $310 or so, included pretty much all the bushes the car needed.

I started at the rear of the car, but gave up because it was getting too difficult, however, I did end up replacing the panhard rod bushes (WHICH WERE ALREADY GOOD CONDITION NOLATHANE, BUT THE SUSPENSION PLACE WAS GOING TO CHARGE ME $30 TO REPLACE THEM ANYWAY!) and the swaybar link bushes, which were in perfectly acceptable condition (ONCE AGAIN, THE SUSPENSION PLACE WAS GOING TO CHARGE ME $50 TO REPLACE THESE)

so, I made my way to the front of the car, removed the lower control arms, and whatever else, the bushes all looked pretty reasonable, but what would I know? I do electronics assembly for a living

so, I went about replacing all the bushes, took like 2 days, but I didn't mind, it was going to make my car drive like new! right? right!?!?

well, it was done, and the car now drives pretty much exactly the same as it did before...

none of the bushes were that badly worn (ok, realistically, by looking at the bushes, I'd say TWO were actually in need of replacing)

so, anyone considering getting a 28 point steering and suspension check, from an unnamed suspension place, perhaps don't bother?

thankyou for your time haha

[Cobez]

So you did all of that because a suspension place told you that all your bushes needed replacing?

Even electronics aseemblers should know even suspension places are out to make money and will tell you that you need things you actually DON'T need.

[TWOJZ]

Originally Posted by Cobez

So you did all of that because a suspension place told you that all your bushes needed replacing?

Even electronics aseemblers should know even suspension places are out to make money and will tell you that you need things you actually DON'T need.

yeah, I am aware of that.

I decided the shocks didn't need replacing, that the leaking power steering rack could be left, that the missing bumpstops didn't matter, that the leaking power steering hose could be left, that the front springs were fine, but that the bushes were probably worn... haha

edit: plus, I figured I'd start replacing a few things to make it handle better, I live in the hills now, handling is good haha

[Cobez]

Yep, those problems you mentioned are all common. Bloody Commonwhores.

[immortality]

the high speed "floaty" feeling is what standard commodore suspension feels like. some decent shocks and wheel alignment should sort it.

[TWOJZ]

Originally Posted by immortality

the high speed "floaty" feeling is what standard commodore suspension feels like. some decent shocks and wheel alignment should sort it.

it was 120km/hr, down a hill, so it was kinda expected anyway... haha

[TWOJZ]

just went and got some kingsprings, lowered ones, and some new KYB lowered shocks for the rear (the front shocks SEEM ok, I may replace them at a later date)

why the f*ck am I spending this money on a commonwhore?

I suppose its not TOO much.

Bushes: $310
Springs: $240
Shocks: $110 (rear)

hmm, still think I should replace the top strut bearing plates... where's a good place to get these from?

thanks!

[DannyboyDS]

where did you get that press from? I want one.

[Scooter79]

Hey TWOJZ, can you please please please let me know how the car goes after changing the springs and shocks. I'm suffering the same problems as you where it's pretty floaty even at lower speeds and bumpsteers like you would not believe.

I had it to that 'francise' you speak of last year and had the front end rebushed. Made no difference at all. Had it back to them twice and they could'nt give me a reason for the problem others than I needed new tyres. We'll that was bull too.

12 months later and it's still a massive problem. I have a feeling new springs and shocks might help but would like your input after you do yours. Cheers.

[TWOJZ]

Originally Posted by Scooter79

Hey TWOJZ, can you please please please let me know how the car goes after changing the springs and shocks. I'm suffering the same problems as you where it's pretty floaty even at lower speeds and bumpsteers like you would not believe.

I had it to that 'francise' you speak of last year and had the front end rebushed. Made no difference at all. Had it back to them twice and they could'nt give me a reason for the problem others than I needed new tyres. We'll that was bull too.

12 months later and it's still a massive problem. I have a feeling new springs and shocks might help but would like your input after you do yours. Cheers.

different car, but I'll let you know.

I think I've decided I should replace the front shocks as well, so now I have to find a set of them

how much would one normally expect to pay for a set of front shocks?

when at the suspension place, I asked the guy which things NEEDED doing, like, if they broke suddenly, would cause me to crash, or were most likely to fail.

he highlighted three things:

P1690 - Comm Frt Z Bar Bush
5843 Pedders Rubber Bush
5823 Pedders Rubber Bush

so, what are these parts exactly?

[TWOJZ]

Originally Posted by DannyboyDS

where did you get that press from? I want one.

Paramount Browns.

It's kinda cheap and nasty, but it did the job I needed it for, and now I have a 12 tonne bottle jack, should I ever need one haha

Used Equipment Online at Paramount Browns - Powered by IHub Australia

dont know if the link will work.

[KiWi1]

I use the "so called" shop, for a rough idea, to whats wrong.

Plus its a cheap way, to have a look under your car while its on a hoist

Simon

[Farlig]

no bull, it depends on the store too. its always best to know someone thats actually working in the pits not the dweeb at the front counter. years ago i used to take my vl down there and go straight out the back and talk to a bloke that would work on my car and i would only deal with him directly.. when i booked other cars in i would ask that only he work on it etc cause he was a top bloke i spent more time out the back under the car talking cars with him then waiting for the full safety check lol