What to replace W/ Shocks

[cccpman]

I have a lower pitched squeak from the front passenger side of my car, I suspect it has something to do with my Shocks being really old. To that end I have ordered some new shocks, I would like to know what other parts would be good to replace at the same time

The squeak may be related to the 'upper links' - im not a car guy but im sure its nothing impossible for a new DIY'er. What parts exactly am I going to need to replace this, I found the 'upper link' for the front suspension on Joe's site - is that all I need for a fix or do I need more parts to repair it?

Thanks

[maxnix]

Replace both upper links and probably tension rod bearings, as well as any worn rubber, like anti-sway bar mounts, end links, steering rack mounts, and of course the shock covers/bump stops.

[elwesso]

Replace both upper links and probably tension rod bearings, as well as any worn rubber, like anti-sway bar mounts, end links, steering rack mounts, and of course the shock covers/bump stops.

agreed on all counts.

The upper links are an EXTREMELY easy replacement. They put a dot on the new upper link and if I recall correctly that indicates which side should go in. They will only fit one way.

You can probably do both in 20 mins.. As with any suspension work, have your breaker bar and penetrating oil handy...

Tension rods can be a pain sometimes when the bolt wont come out of the hole, as theres no room to pound it out.. Be careful using an impact gun because if the bushing is torn, then it will tear the rubber and you'll be in a world of hurt to get the bushing off.... Dont ask me how i know.

Save yourself trouble and put grease on the bolt prior to install.

[cccpman]

can anybody help a fool find these parts from Joe. Translation problem here

Upper link - Found it because it has the same name (Upper link, right - q45 w/o active susp, 91-94 - Q45 W/O ACTIVE SUSP, 91-94) (and of course the one for the left )

tension rod bearings - Is it the Tension strut, Tension strut bushing or the Front wheel bearing ?

anti-sway bar mounts - Strut mount, or Stabilizer bar? Maybe the Link, Braket, or bushings?

end links - gosh I have no idea

steering rack mounts - again no idea

shock covers - uh

bump stops - once again, no idea

I hate to make a request but maybe I need to be patronized. I try the search function there but none of the names are the same - I would try the whole contact us system but it seems Joe and I have a lot of communication problems - for example a part I ordered was not in the catalog (over the phone of course) so I add it to the comments like requested and never get the part, then another part gets canceled by him for some reason and they call to tell me they wont ship it. To avoid the problems I rather sort things out here where people seem more understanding and helpful (No offense to Joe, I already made a second order and this will be the 3rd)

[96Qowner]

Just ordered new front struts and sway bar end link bushings from Joe, myself, a half hour ago.

1. Tension rod "bearings" = bushings. Bushings need to be pressed into the old rod - you can also just buy a whole new rod with bushings = tension strut.

2. anti-sway bar mounts = Stabilizer bar, and you'll want the "stabilizer bar end link bushings".

3. Dunno - not usually a reported problem.

4. shock covers = boots

5. bump stops = come with the boots. Also get the strut mounts (another $90/pr).

Call 1-888-216-5328 and ask for him = good guy, very personable and knowledgeable, best prices. He'll translate for you.

[Edit] 5. You might also want to take a good look at your tie rod ends.

[cccpman]

What a nice productive day - 96Qowner thank you very much, thats exactly what I needed. I was able to inspect some of the parts, the front suspension is in A LOT worse shape then the rear, although the upper links appeared new and in good shape (oh well new ones on the way)

Ended up making the order for the upper links w/ Mike, along with sorting out some previous misunderstandings (miscommunication) and getting the bolts/screws I need to replace some more parts ordered up.

Just a little surprised at how expensive the whole fix is - but im sure the quality of the ride will remove that feeling. I think I have a decent grasp after a couple hours of poking around on how the suspension works (glad I don't own an active!). Can't wait to get to work - hopefully in two weeks or less the car will be running something like it did over 150k miles ago

[szh]

Just as a reference point. On my 1991 and 1995 Q45's, I replaced the upper links at about every 25k to 35k miles (well, actually, I did not DIY ... had somebody do the work, although it is supposed to be easy).

Shocks/struts should last at least 60k miles (if they are not damaged or leaking), but mine went closer to 100k miles. The rubber boots above the shocks should last at least 100k miles, I'd think (based on what I saw on my cars).

Z