120k miles; want stock-like suspension again

[trasko]

My '97 Contour SE is feeling pretty "loose" / tired these days. It feels like the struts are toast -- rough ride and doesn't feel planted over uneven surfaces like it used to.

This is my daily driver, so I'm just looking for stock-like handling/performance. I looked over the FAQ and did some searching but didn't find anything that mentioned this in particular... I guess I could go with stock parts as replacements, but I wanted to ask before I did that.

Now keep in mind, I will spend a little more money for something that will last longer or give better handling while retaining the ride quality.

So first off, are the struts / springs what I should be looking at? Or is this likely something else? If I go with new struts / springs, should I get new strut mounts as well, or is that something I can get by without given that I'm not really pushing my car all that hard? I'd like to just get back that "like new" feel to the suspension w/o breaking the bank -- I haven't ever done any serious work on a car so I'll likely be shelling out the dough to have it done, if that factors.

Thanks for any help.

[Auto-X Fil]

There are a lot of rubber bits that can go and hurt ride and handling as well. Things you might want to look at:

Strut hats
Front control arm bushings
end links

The main culprit is probably struts. Stock are pretty good, but a set of after market struts will of course firm things up a bit.

[Goonz SVT]

BAT kit is best for stock height with a minimal drop..

[Big Jim]

The very first thing to check is the tires. Often struts are sold with new tires and the improved ride is attributed to the struts even though there may have been nothing wrong with them. If it is nearly time for tires, do them first and see how it rides and handles. If it still isn't satisfactory, look at the struts.

[trasko]

The very first thing to check is the tires. Often struts are sold with new tires and the improved ride is attributed to the struts even though there may have been nothing wrong with them. If it is nearly time for tires, do them first and see how it rides and handles. If it still isn't satisfactory, look at the struts.

Tires are nearly new, so I can cross that out. Sounds like I should replace the struts with some more OEM ones, ehh? Is it a given that I should replace the springs, too?

[Auto-X Fil]

Nope, springs don't really wear out. Struts and rubber bits (and a good alignment) should bring things back to stock for not much money.

[trasko]

Nope, springs don't really wear out. Struts and rubber bits (and a good alignment) should bring things back to stock for not much money.

Ah thats great news... Should I expect a shop (that I am not real familiar with) to be able to determine what rubber bits should be replaced and which shouldn't? I'll get in touch with some shops later today and see about getting the struts + rubber bits done...

Is there anything else I should have looked at while they're in there?

[Lou3]

If I go with new struts / springs, should I get new strut mounts as well...

I'd replace the strut mounts while you already have the struts out. With 120K miles on them, the mounts probably aren't as solid as they once were.

[trasko]

I'd replace the strut mounts while you already have the struts out. With 120K miles on them, the mounts probably aren't as solid as they once were.

I replaced them... Thanks for the advice.

[CSVT985]

My '97 Contour SE is feeling pretty "loose" / tired these days. It feels like the struts are toast -- rough ride and doesn't feel planted over uneven surfaces like it used to.

This is my daily driver, so I'm just looking for stock-like handling/performance. I looked over the FAQ and did some searching but didn't find anything that mentioned this in particular... I guess I could go with stock parts as replacements, but I wanted to ask before I did that.

Now keep in mind, I will spend a little more money for something that will last longer or give better handling while retaining the ride quality.

Wow, when I first read your post all I could think of:


My wife is feeling pretty "loose" / tired these days. It feels like the lovin' area is toast -- rough ride and doesn't feel planted over uneven surfaces like it used to.

This is my daily woman, so I'm just looking for virgin-like handling/performance. I looked over the FAQ and did some searching but didn't find anything that mentioned this in particular... I guess I could go with hookers as replacements, but I wanted to ask before I did that.

Now keep in mind, I will spend a little more money for something that will last longer or give better handling while retaining the ride quality.

Am I evil?