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Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 3,867
Hard-core CEG'er
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Hard-core CEG'er
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 3,867 |
Originally posted by pupet89440:
Originally posted by Jason43:
Sounds like you have some issues with the rear suspension. I'd concentrate on fixing that, instead of simply lowering the front to match the problem in the back. Maybe try a strut/spring kit such as the BAT euro kit.
Ok stupid question do springs wear?I know they wear over time, but over 4-5 years?
I wonder if its only a struts problem or would i need a strut&spring kit to fix the prob?
Springs wear, but I don't think they'd be worn out on a 99. There have been issues with broken springs on these cars, though. Could be your right rear spring is broken.
If you have to replace springs, it might be a good time to replace struts. If you plan to lower the car and run 18's, you might as well get struts that will handle the extra stresses of lowered, uprated springs and big, heavy wheels (Koni, Bilstein, BAT, spax).
Function before fashion.
'96 Contour SE
"Toss the Contour into a corner, and it's as easy to catch as a softball thrown by a preschooler." -Edmunds, 1998
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Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,228
Hard-core CEG\'er
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Hard-core CEG\'er
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,228 |
Originally posted by RogerB:
Originally posted by pupet89440:
My car seems to be lower in the back than it is in the front (and even lower on the right rear). Im wondering is this the cause of bad struts in the back. If the lowered rear is common on our cars i was wondering has anyone just lowered the front and what are the cons to doing so.
Im thinking about putting 18s on my svt but concerned about rubbing. Since it seems to be most common to rub on the rear wheels it seems to make logical sense to just lower the front on the car to give it a more agressive stance. if this is possible what springs/struts would you guys suggest to compliment the rear stock system.
HELP PLEASE...
OK. The car's ride height really is set by the springs, so if it's sitting funny, it's a spring issue. Whether you replace your struts or not depends on what springs you end up using.
But the struts are pressurized and do give a little lift. A blown strut would allow one side to settle more.
My name is Richard. I was a Contouraholic.
NOW: '02 Mazda B3000 Dual Sport, Black
BEFORE: '99 Contour SE Sport
Duratec ATX Spruce Green
PIAA 510's, Foglight MOD, K&N Drop-in
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Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 3,867
Hard-core CEG'er
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Hard-core CEG'er
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 3,867 |
Originally posted by Contouraholic:
Originally posted by RogerB:
Originally posted by pupet89440:
My car seems to be lower in the back than it is in the front (and even lower on the right rear). Im wondering is this the cause of bad struts in the back. If the lowered rear is common on our cars i was wondering has anyone just lowered the front and what are the cons to doing so.
Im thinking about putting 18s on my svt but concerned about rubbing. Since it seems to be most common to rub on the rear wheels it seems to make logical sense to just lower the front on the car to give it a more agressive stance. if this is possible what springs/struts would you guys suggest to compliment the rear stock system.
HELP PLEASE...
OK. The car's ride height really is set by the springs, so if it's sitting funny, it's a spring issue. Whether you replace your struts or not depends on what springs you end up using.
But the struts are pressurized and do give a little lift. A blown strut would allow one side to settle more.
I've heard of this with high pressure gas struts (such as Bilstein), but all of our US Spec OEM struts are not of this type. The damper will settle wherever the spring allows it to.
Function before fashion.
'96 Contour SE
"Toss the Contour into a corner, and it's as easy to catch as a softball thrown by a preschooler." -Edmunds, 1998
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Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,228
Hard-core CEG\'er
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Hard-core CEG\'er
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,228 |
Originally posted by RogerB:
Originally posted by Contouraholic:
Originally posted by RogerB:
Originally posted by pupet89440:
My car seems to be lower in the back than it is in the front (and even lower on the right rear). Im wondering is this the cause of bad struts in the back. If the lowered rear is common on our cars i was wondering has anyone just lowered the front and what are the cons to doing so.
Im thinking about putting 18s on my svt but concerned about rubbing. Since it seems to be most common to rub on the rear wheels it seems to make logical sense to just lower the front on the car to give it a more agressive stance. if this is possible what springs/struts would you guys suggest to compliment the rear stock system.
HELP PLEASE...
OK. The car's ride height really is set by the springs, so if it's sitting funny, it's a spring issue. Whether you replace your struts or not depends on what springs you end up using.
But the struts are pressurized and do give a little lift. A blown strut would allow one side to settle more.
I've heard of this with high pressure gas struts (such as Bilstein), but all of our US Spec OEM struts are not of this type. The damper will settle wherever the spring allows it to.
From Ford Service CD:
Quote:
The struts are gas-pressurized which results in them being fully extended when not restrained. If a strut does not fully extend, it is damaged and a new unit should be installed. Check the overall length. If the strut does not meet the overall length requirements, there is a good indication something internal is out of specification and a new strut should be installed.
With the strut in the normal upright position, compress it and allow it to extend three times to purge the pressure chamber of any gas that may have been introduced during handling.
Most struts are gas pressurized to reduce foaming. Some are high pressure, others, like Koni's, are low pressure. But a blown seal would allow a little but noticeable lean.
I haven't ever seen a non-pressurized strut. Shocks yes, though less frequently nowadays. I am sure if there are any unpressurized, it was from years ago. The pressure really improves the capability of the strut.
My name is Richard. I was a Contouraholic.
NOW: '02 Mazda B3000 Dual Sport, Black
BEFORE: '99 Contour SE Sport
Duratec ATX Spruce Green
PIAA 510's, Foglight MOD, K&N Drop-in
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