97 Q45 suspension issue, please help!

[JanetQ4597]

Hello, I am new to this forum and I am in need of help. My 97 Q45 has 150,000 miles and has developed an issue when slowing down from freeway speeds to 40mph and below (it shakes on the steering wheel). I got good tires and car is aligned/balanced. A mechanic claims it might be the rack & pinion and or the torsion bar bushings, but I would like a second opinion. The tb bushings do look worn out so I am inclined to believe that is the problem. Could it be the rack & pinion? Please help, thanks

Best regards.

[maxnix]

First, go to the rear of your car and read the raised letters on the trunk. No letter "y" I bet.

Yes, I bet the tension (not torsion) rod bushings are shot. Have you replaced the struts up front and the shocks in the rear?

Lots of rubber parts maybe crystallized by heat, rain freezing and ozone in the suspension.

Without a service history summary, we are at an extreme disadvantage in helping you.

You might want to get with a better suspension shop. I recommend reviewing the Tire Rack independent installers in your area at the TR website, choosing the best 3 - 5, then visiting each to select one who will do the work. Many posts on here on what needs to be accomplished to maintain the suspension on these cars.

[elwesso]

I wonder if the brake rotors need changed? It's possible the tension rod bushings are contributing, and really should be replaced regardless.

[JanetQ4597]

Thanks for replying. The shocks have not been replaced, but I have seen cars on the freeway with bad shocks and tires bounce up and down a lot at all times (mine only shakes braking when car gets to 40 mph from higher speeds). All discs were resurfaced and pads were replaced 3 weeks ago. So no possibility of it being the rack & pinion?

Best regards

[yodawill2000]

Sounds like the Tension rod bushings.
Does it make a "Clanking" sound going over speed bumps and the likes ?

[JanetQ4597]

No clunking over bumps, but I am inclined to believe that they ripped me off at the shop and didnt resurface rotors (comment from another mechanic this morning). I am putting new rotors on tomorrow and go from there.

Best regards

[paranoidjack]

I am 100% with Wes on this, check the rotors.

I seriously doubt it is the rack. If anything, it could be worsened by the rack bushings. Not too tough to change them.

Tension rod bushings need to be replaced and combined with bad rotors will make it scary braking from highway speeds.

Replace the tension rod bushings and maybe rack bushings.
Resurface or replace the front rotors.

[JanetQ4597]

Thanks. My son bought me new rotors and will be replacing them tomorrow. If issue continues, I will replace tension bushings next.

Best regards

[paranoidjack]

best of luck, let us know how you make out, as it can be a help to others searching in the future.

[JanetQ4597]

Thanks I will post tomorrow.

[JanetQ4597]

Well it turn outs that it was the rotors. Thank you all for your help.

Best regards

[BadQ45t]

FYI, with that much mileage on the car trust me your shocks and struts are history, also if the tension bars are original they are toast too, you just don't know about either as they wear out slowly.

If your just driving this around to get by then fine, but if you really driving this for awhile longer you should look to replace the tension bar bushings, struts & shocks. Unfortunately you will have to use OEM as there are no alternatives unless you want to start to find import places that bring items from Japan.