Bouncing over bumps - suspension?

[StefForester]

Hello Everyone,

I have a 1999 Forester with 168K miles, relatively new tires (which I
keep properly inflated), and which runs well.

My concern/problem:
Lately the car seems to oscillate(?) when I encounter a bump around 3"
tall and higher. I get the sense that something keeps bouncing, perhaps
3 times, after the initial bump, or that something is slightly loose
about the suspension. I'm having a hard time defining it - sorry.

Any hints or advice? Does this ring any bells for anyone?
Thanks!

 

[Hachiroku $B%O%A%m%/(B]

Hello Everyone,

I have a 1999 Forester with 168K miles, relatively new tires (which I keep
properly inflated), and which runs well.

My concern/problem:
Lately the car seems to oscillate(?) when I encounter a bump around 3"
tall and higher. I get the sense that something keeps bouncing, perhaps 3
times, after the initial bump, or that something is slightly loose about
the suspension. I'm having a hard time defining it - sorry.

Any hints or advice? Does this ring any bells for anyone? Thanks!

If it's abounce, it's probably shocks. Do you remember when they were last
changed? And if they were, what you changed them with? A lot of companies
like KYB and Koni have a Lifetime warranty for as long as you own the car,
so if you can find the receipt, they might be free for parts.

If it's a <BUMP> and a bounce, check springs and suspension bushings as
well.

 

[1 Lucky Texan]

If it's abounce, it's probably shocks. Do you remember when they were last
changed? And if they were, what you changed them with? A lot of companies
like KYB and Koni have a Lifetime warranty for as long as you own the car,
so if you can find the receipt, they might be free for parts.

If it's a <BUMP> and a bounce, check springs and suspension bushings as
well.

Yeah, time for struts. And KYB would be a good choice (I think they
make the OEM struts.)

You might try doing them in pairs to spread the $$$pain$$$ out a
little.

 

[S]

Hi Stef!

Hello Everyone,

I have a 1999 Forester with 168K miles, relatively new tires (which I
keep properly inflated), and which runs well.

My concern/problem:
Lately the car seems to oscillate(?) when I encounter a bump around 3"
tall and higher. I get the sense that something keeps bouncing, perhaps
3 times, after the initial bump, or that something is slightly loose
about the suspension. I'm having a hard time defining it - sorry.

Any hints or advice? Does this ring any bells for anyone?
Thanks!

As others have said, this sounds like bad struts. What you are likely
feeling is the front end, but at 170K, probably all four are due. I
replaced them on my '99 Forry at about 110K, but it's had a hard life.
My wife has an '02 Forry with close to 160K of mostly highway, and
hers will need to be replaced this summer.

Easiest way to check them is to jack up a corner and remove the wheel.
Examine the top of the strut body where the shaft enters. There is a
plastic dust cover you will have to move to get a good look; use a
screwdriver or stick to lift an edge, and a flashlight. You'll see
what I mean when you get that far.

If everything here is reasonably clean and dry, the strut is probably
OK. If you see a dirty/oily coating, the strut is starting to fail, if
this area is wet with oil, it's history.

I too recommend the KYBs. You should be able to get all four from ebay
or other on-line stores for under $300. Installation, alas, is not a
real easy DIY project. Not impossible, but it does require some tools
not generally found in the domestic tool box. I would imagine you
could get the job done for around $400, plus the struts, but if you
feel adventurous, or have someone you can task with the job, write
back and I'll tell ya how to go about it.

BTW, don't wait too long on this one, as bad struts will eat up those
new tires . . .

ByeBye! S.

Steve Jernigan KG0MB
Laboratory Manager
Microelectronics Research
University of Colorado
(719) 262-3101