Stumped on Suspension. Help!

[jackjones]

Ok, here's the deal. I have a '92Q w/ 70k. I just replaced both front struts and knuckles, tension rods and control arm. Had everything done at T3. The only problem is that I still have a loud knocking that occurs from the passenger front suspension even if I go over an average sized bump in the road. It doesn't occur on the driver's side. You can even feel the knocking through the floor panel if you sit on the passenger side. I don't think its anything serious, because T3 would have replaced it. But it sounds serious and is very annoying. If anyone knows what it is or had a similar experience, any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[jackjones]

oh yeah, the knock also occurs when I corner hard left.

[911/Q45]

Check your sway bar frame mount brackets and bushings. If they're loose or worn that is the exact symptom.

[maxnix]

Check your sway bar frame mount brackets and bushings. If they're loose or worn that is the exact symptom.

And maybe end links?

[Q451990]

Did you have the upper bushings and bump stops/boots replaced at the same time as the struts? I had a noise in the same area that sounds a lot like a receiver type trailer hitch - turned out to be a loose center nut on the right front strut. That was after the replacement. The first time was just that everything was shot (shock, bump stop, etc.)

Heath

[greg_atlanta]

Which T-3 location? S. Cobb Dr. or Lawrenceville Hwy?

Maybe upper link? Those wear faster on right side.

[jackjones]

Are upper links and sway bar mount brackets and bushings the same thing?

[Q45tech]

There are 3 sway bar bushings per side.The traverse link has built in bushings.The upper link has built in bushings.The tension rod is a big bushing.There are dozens of components in the front suspension.Many never think of kingpins and their 2 bearings.

[maxnix]

Are upper links and sway bar mount brackets and bushings the same thing?

No.

Look at the front suspension diagram.

[jackjones]

what would be a reasonable price for the upper links to be replaced? including parts and labor.

[DAEDALUS]

Parts alone are about $200 from Scottsdale, but if you buy them from the shop, they'll probably have a mark-up. Book labor should be about 1-1 1/2 hours. If you have some tools, it may be worth it to do them yourself. Not too big a job, but you do need to raise each front corner and remove the tires.

[natsoundup]

I used to love working on cars, but have gotten itimidated as time as gone on.... then came this forum... I use it to know what I can't do....

..... I can do the upper links, you can, to... just jack up the car, support it well, take off the tire... and unbolt the two bolts in the upper link.... it pries out pretty easily....

I got the parts from Scottsdale...seems like about 220 for the pair or something close to that....

[jackjones]

Now, I'm really getting frustrated. My mechanic told me today that it is one of the bushings but he can't tell which one. He told me it would have to get worse in order for him to find out which one is bad. How much worse will it have to get? He said to replace all six bushings, it would cost around $600. My main concern here is that I don't want anything else to get damaged as a result of a bad bushing? After all I just spent $7000 on the car. Should I let the bushing get worse (if so how much worse) or should I replace all six? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[Q45tech]

Well if you think about it people spend $50,000 on cars and every 70-100k all the suspension parts [with bushings] need replacing to return it to brand new [[part of why the car depreciated to less than 25% of its MSRP]]..........some things like upper links sacrifice themselves at 30k so other things last 60-100k.Lots of it depends on the roads you travel, tire balance, local heat and salt...........plus how often you treat the rubber with antioxidant dressing.