front end shake over bumps

[derrck_mullin]

Guys,

Just got back from a trip to Dallas for the weekend and noticed whenever I hit a bump at freeway speeds the steering wheel will shake for a couple of seconds and then stop. It's almost like a shot steering damper on a bike where you get tank slap. Never seen anything like this before...anyone have any ideas???

Derck

[maxnix]

How are your tension rod bushings? Upperlinks? Shock absorbers? How's the PS fluid look? Been flushed yet? Boots still intact? New rubber?

History and mileage/dates of maintenance performed always helpful.

[Jeff Williams]

Sounds like it could be one or all of those things. Tighten your lug nuts first!

[derrck_mullin]

Well, I was hoping to get it to something specific, but I can see it won't be that easy. Car has 160K on it. I just put a new upper arm on the right, but I think the rest is original. It's a 94 by the way. The guy who I bought it from was great with the engine and transmission, all done at the dealership and per schedule, but not so much with the supsension. I'll look at things again this weekend and guess start replacing stuff soon.

Thanks

Derck

PS...checked the lugs.

[DAEDALUS]

Check the rack bushings first.

[sijoko]

As the car ages, things will start wearing out. On the Q, the upper links are designed to take most of the abuse, so they wear out first.

Once the car has high miles, you would need to check the other parts of the suspension to see what else might need work.

Do you have a service manual? If not, it is a worthwhile investment. It shows you all the things to look for when you inspect the front suspension.

I have replaced almost everything on the front suspension of my 94 Q. I have over 210k and use tires that are much larger than stock, so I was expecting some suspension.

You need to start with the basic stuff first. Make sure that the tires are in good shape. Check the torque on the lug nuts. They should be tightened with a torque wrench in a criss-cross pattern.

What kind of wheels are you using? If it is an aftermarket one, then it should be hubcentric.

One thing you can do is jack the front up and check for any movement (deflection) in the wheel. Hold the tire at the top and bottom and give it a fast, hard push.

Can you feel any movement or hear any clunks? Do the same holding the tire from the sides.

-sijoko

[maxnix]

I just put a new upper arm on the right, but I think the rest is original.

At your car's mileage, the upper arms are almost always replced in pairs. Your left one is now more worn, and thus looser.

Do an inspection and inventory the condition of everything, paying particular the rubber. What does the car's service history say? Nothing on the suspension for 60K? Then it's time to get busy.

[derrck_mullin]

Thanks for all the input...unfortunately I don't have the service manual. I saw one on E-Bay the other day and should have bid, but I'll get one for sure.

I guess I'll be replacing the other upper link. The right one was totally shot when I bought the car, and I mean shot. The right bushing where it connects to the car was totalled...the tire was tilting in at the top and it was squeaking like crazy. Negotiation point on the car.

The tires are like new. Funny with the rims...I though they were factory, but I saw a guy who just posted pics of his car and everyone said they look like Lexus rims and I have the receipt for them so I don't guess they are common or standard for these cars.

I'll go thru the records again. From what I remember the guy was a fanatic about the engine and transmission but I don't remeber anything about the suspension. Guess with this big boat suspension pieces are quick to go...much less at 160K.

Thanks again for all the input guys. I'm gonna put it up on a rack this weekend again and look for worn pieces...and a place to mount a turbo. Kinda sux tho...I was wanting to get into the motor, but I need everything right before I turn up the wic...

Derck

[maxnix]

I was wanting to get into the motor, but I need everything right before I turn up the wick

Derck

Return to OEM original condition before attempting modifications.

Most on this board who talk about mechanically boosting the intake have no idea of the internal changes necessary for the engine to remain reliable for a daily driver, let alone the external changes necessary. Those that do, don't say anything because the cost far exceeds the cost of the vehicles by a factor of 5 or 6 minimum.

[elwesso]

Derck, i have a manual for the 94... email me... [email protected]

[derrck_mullin]

Crap, wish I'd seen this earlier. Wes I bought one of them on Ebay...don't happen to have an ashtray do ya???

Derck

[JedCoop]

Today I heard someone with a similar problem ask "Click and Clack" on NPR's Car Talk what to do. The caller had a '92 Q45 with 180K - and had already replaced the uppers. They said check for too much air pressure first, and the struts second.

I would jack up the front of the car, remove the wheels and put serious force on each bushing one by one. When you see something with play, replace it (and its other-sided brother). Usually there is some way you can get a pry bar so you can put repeated stress on each component.... after you check the tire pressure.