Aged suspension

[KuaiThunder]

Hi all,

I have a 2001 S Tip with 88K+ KM on it and I own the car for 4 years now. Recently when I go downhill and do a full left turn (it is a RHD car) the front right wheel would be hitting the tire wall. Most of the time this happen when going into or getting out of parking garage.

I bring the car for an inspection and been told it is because the front shock is aged. No leak or noise from the shock and the car drive ok. I know it is a 16 yr old car now and the shock is probably time to go. My question is can the shock just get aged and not working without leaking or any sign of failure? The mechanic says it not a safety issue and it's up to me if I want to replace it or not.

Many Thx

[Deserion]

What size tires are on the front?

When struts/shocks wear out, generally the ride will become more harsh, and in some cases it will bottom out (full compression) more readily, especially if the bump stops are gone.

[Gilles]

Kuai, I had the same issue and it ended being a worn control arm.

[KuaiThunder]

Originally Posted by Deserion

What size tires are on the front?

When struts/shocks wear out, generally the ride will become more harsh, and in some cases it will bottom out (full compression) more readily, especially if the bump stops are gone.

The tires are standard 225/40 18. I don't feel anything wrong with the ride. I try some hard breaking and seems normal. I would expecting I would feel something if the shock is wear out.

[KuaiThunder]

Originally Posted by Gilles

Kuai, I had the same issue and it ended being a worn control arm.

I never suspected the control arm would cause this. Do you feel any different when you driving it before you replace the control arm?

[Gilles]

Originally Posted by KuaiThunder

I never suspected the control arm would cause this. Do you feel any different when you driving it before you replace the control arm?

Hello Kuai,
Yes, the car felt much better than before, but please note that my car had almost twice the mileage and also the fact that I replaced the entire suspension (F/R control arms and "coffin arms" as well) it was pretty pricey even with the discount that Brad Roberts kindly help me to get for the OEM parts.

Hopefully you will be able to find the Lemfolder or TRW brand that are as good as the OEM parts but with lower cost.

Remember that after replacing the control arms you will need to get the car aligned
Good luck.