I35 Ride quality

[ZachB]

Seems like it's that time.

I have an '02 I35 and it used to provide a much smoother ride than it does now.

It seems quite rough on the interstate, and going over bumps - at my apartment for example, leaving the drive there's a slight drop off of 2-3 inches for rain - and it feels like the car fell off a cliff (it does not with other cars). I also feel considerable road vibration at higher speeds (not out of alignment, just had that taken care of, tires are new / balanced) and the car tracks properly. It doesn't sway / bounce / etc.

New shocks, struts, ? Let me know what you guys think.

Thanks!

[Markc]

How many miles on the car? Are they the original shocks & struts? Have you looked @ them to see if you notice any leaks? If the milage is up there, your probably due for new ones. Give her the bounce test and if that fails then it's a for sure. If not and milage is high, it'll soon be time anyway, so might as well do it.

[ZachB]

91,000 miles on the car. They're the originals, and aside from the ride being very stiff to the point where you feel changes in the pavement and small pebbles, the car doesn't bounce or sway or anything. I don't see any leaks. What are some good brands to look for that would provide a comfortable ride?

How many miles on the car? Are they the original shocks & struts? Have you looked @ them to see if you notice any leaks? If the milage is up there, your probably due for new ones. Give her the bounce test and if that fails then it's a for sure. If not and milage is high, it'll soon be time anyway, so might as well do it.

Modified by ZachB at 8:43 PM 3/22/2010

[Markc]

Is it sport suspension or standard? Did you try pushing down on one corner of the car several times to get it moving up and down? Once you let go it should stop moving very quickly.

[ZachB]

Standard suspension - the car bounces back quickly after a push, no additional bounces. It just rides much rougher than what it used to.

[Markc]

It's a bit of a gamble, but @ that milage your probably due for new struts anyway. I don't have first hand experience, but when I replace mine it will be with KYB. I'll also replace strut mounts, bearings, etc.

[audtatious]

You are way overdue for new struts. I'd have the bushings and such looked at while having the struts replaced.

[ZachB]

You are way overdue for new struts. I'd have the bushings and such looked at while having the struts replaced.

So I think I may go ahead and get the Tokico Illuminas. Should I replace springs at the same time? For those that have them, What setting on the Illuminas would provide the best handling yet smooth ride?

[audtatious]

Illuminas are good. Personally, I used F3 and R4.

[ZachB]

Illuminas are good. Personally, I used F3 and R4.

Thanks dude.

Anyone have a good source? Found them at raceinspired.com for all 4 @ $544 shipped, but if there is a better price please let me know.

[arunciks]

use ebay with bing cashback.... when you go to bing.com go to shopping and search for something like lenses then look for ebay link on the right side... when u click it will forward to ebay and there u can search for shocks... for most buy it now items youll get 8% cashback....