Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Suspension Front and rear suspension on 95 Mystique

My front and rear suspension needs some work, really clunky and bouncy. I dont want any performance mod or anything, just a decent front and rear end. What should I replace? I was thinking front and rear struts...but is there other parts I should replace? And what should I expect to spend if I do the work myself? And I suppose I will need a spring compressor tool as well.

You and I are in the same boat at the same time... and with the same vehicle.
I have started to do what I can on my own, which is limited.

So far I have replaced the rear sway bar bushings, which is rather easy, and the front sway bar end links (a bit harder, but not bad). I cannot do the front sway bar bushings myself and I need to do more research before getting the rear end links replaced (which are in horrible condition).

If you do the struts yourself, you will need a spring compressor. Whether you are replacing the springs or not, you will still need to remove them from the strut/shock absorbers. Both spring and strut are removed from the vehicle as one unit. You then need to remove the spring from the strut/shock absorber and put it on the new one (or replace with new); then the whole assembly goes back into the vehicle as one unit. At least according to what I have read.

Also my dust boots on my struts are wasted. I replaced my front end links today and noticed the boot on the passenger side was not even covering the lower 4" of the strut inside the spring.

My car bounces and rattles like crazy, especially on my dirt driveway. I have a friend who lives about 4 miles back a dirt road... I hate driving there.

The only thing holding me back is $

As far as price for struts goes...
Monroe or KYB will probably cost $85-100 shipping included for each strut at a local parts store. Which will often beat online prices after adding shipping.
Someone on Ebay always has pairs of Gabriel/McPhearson struts starting at around $50 + $20 shipping, each auction. A good price, but I wonder about the quality.

What all makes up the strut? is there not a bearing on the top of the strut? What I need to know is to replace the suspension what are the normal items I need to buy to get the job done. Im not worried about removing the struts, and I will replace the end links for sure...but is there a bearing on top of the fronts? and whats on the back struts that normally wear out? Or should I just cost out the four struts to do the job? I got 120k on my car, and Im looking at keeping it say another 10 yrs...

After removing the front strut assembly, it should come apart into 10 parts, including a bearing:

1. nut
2. retainer
3. upper mount retainer nut
4. upper mount
5. bearing
6. spring seat
7. front coil spring
8. front shock absorber
9. jounce bumper
10. dust shield

I haven't checked about the rear struts, but I'm too drunk & tired now

You might want to shoot an email to Chris at CTA Motorsports. He has several options available including some direct replacements for stock suspension.
I know no more than what I have read in the shop manual.