Issues with front suspension feeling "bouncy"
08-01-2021, 03:20 PM
#1
Issues with front suspension feeling "bouncy" My issue:
When I go over dips/bumps or accelerate on anything but perfect roads, the front of the car bounces instead of staying planted. I started to notice this issue after a local garage installed Koni yellows (SA) and Strano springs. I did not seem to have this issue with Bilsteins and stock springs.
My car:
1995 Z28 with Strano springs, sway bars and Koni yellows (using whatever the default dampening setting is, I can't reach the adjuster as the spring is in the way)
What I've tried:
* Shaking wheel left to right. Discovered some play, but not sure if it's normal play or excessive. I have a video below google photos album showing how much play I am getting
My suspicions (One or more of the following):
* Other worn suspension components (ball joint, tie rod end) that was already bad, but made more apparent after the car was lowered
* Installer error (See attached photos)
* Defect in manufacturing of Springs or Shocks.
Video:
https://photos.google.com/share/AF1Q...poSEFzT21xZFR3
Google photos album showing shock/spring setup/install and parts that look worn out to me
https://photos.app.goo.gl/qZftC1Jd1gQWQsAZ9
What should I be checking to isolate where the issue could be?
When I go over dips/bumps or accelerate on anything but perfect roads, the front of the car bounces instead of staying planted. I started to notice this issue after a local garage installed Koni yellows (SA) and Strano springs. I did not seem to have this issue with Bilsteins and stock springs.
My car:
1995 Z28 with Strano springs, sway bars and Koni yellows (using whatever the default dampening setting is, I can't reach the adjuster as the spring is in the way)
What I've tried:
* Shaking wheel left to right. Discovered some play, but not sure if it's normal play or excessive. I have a video below google photos album showing how much play I am getting
My suspicions (One or more of the following):
* Other worn suspension components (ball joint, tie rod end) that was already bad, but made more apparent after the car was lowered
* Installer error (See attached photos)
* Defect in manufacturing of Springs or Shocks.
Video:
https://photos.google.com/share/AF1Q...poSEFzT21xZFR3
Google photos album showing shock/spring setup/install and parts that look worn out to me
https://photos.app.goo.gl/qZftC1Jd1gQWQsAZ9
What should I be checking to isolate where the issue could be?
Last edited by Epro; 08-01-2021 at 04:08 PM. Reason: Added more photos to photos album of parts that look worn out to me.
08-01-2021, 04:08 PM
#2
Sounds like shock valving to me, So you might want to reach that adjuster. Worn parts will cause a loose feeling in the wheel and may dart around but has little to do with bouncing....that what the shock are there to control.
Edit: I looked at your pictures. Looks like an old suspension, Picture can't tell you if it's worn out though but definitely needs attention because if they aren't worn out yet they soon will be with cracked/split boots on the joints.
Edit: I looked at your pictures. Looks like an old suspension, Picture can't tell you if it's worn out though but definitely needs attention because if they aren't worn out yet they soon will be with cracked/split boots on the joints.
08-01-2021, 04:09 PM
#3
You might check if they used the rubber isolators and the washers on the bottom of the shock mounts. If not, the shock rods are easily pushed through the mounts. If that's what happened, your shocks are effectively not attached to the car and all you have are the springs hence the bouncing. You'll have to get the front end in the air and pull the tires off to check.
08-01-2021, 04:18 PM
#4
You might check if they used the rubber isolators and the washers on the bottom of the shock mounts. If not, the shock rods are easily pushed through the mounts. If that's what happened, your shocks are effectively not attached to the car and all you have are the springs hence the bouncing. You'll have to get the front end in the air and pull the tires off to check.
08-01-2021, 04:20 PM
#5
Sounds like shock valving to me, So you might want to reach that adjuster. Worn parts will cause a loose feeling in the wheel and may dart around but has little to do with bouncing....that what the shock are there to control.
Edit: I looked at your pictures. Looks like an old suspension, Picture can't tell you if it's worn out though but definitely needs attention because if they aren't worn out yet they soon will be with cracked/split boots on the joints.
Edit: I looked at your pictures. Looks like an old suspension, Picture can't tell you if it's worn out though but definitely needs attention because if they aren't worn out yet they soon will be with cracked/split boots on the joints.
08-01-2021, 04:23 PM
#6
You might check if they used the rubber isolators and the washers on the bottom of the shock mounts. If not, the shock rods are easily pushed through the mounts. If that's what happened, your shocks are effectively not attached to the car and all you have are the springs hence the bouncing. You'll have to get the front end in the air and pull the tires off to check.
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08-02-2021, 10:02 AM
#9
Staging Lane
If the installation wasn’t done correctly, yes. I say this having all the parts to do this job myself quite soon. The big washer on top of the shock shaft and shaft orientation are super important.
02-04-2022, 12:50 PM
#13
You might check if they used the rubber isolators and the washers on the bottom of the shock mounts. If not, the shock rods are easily pushed through the mounts. If that's what happened, your shocks are effectively not attached to the car and all you have are the springs hence the bouncing. You'll have to get the front end in the air and pull the tires off to check.
