KinLoud wrote:This is based on my experience with my s/s GTZ and driving other s/s cars with worn s/s joints. If you need to replace superstrut components talk to Mr Revhead as he can help you out with a very good price.
Checking superstrut suspension:
- Jack up front of car, remove front wheels.
- take hold of the spring perch (where the bottom of the spring sits) with both hands.
- try to twist the strut.
If the strut doesn't twist, the superstrut joints on that side are ok.
If the strut twists (you should be able to see movement in the short s/s arm joints)....
- 1-2mm (measured at the edge of the spring perch) means it will probably pass a warrant but will need replacing quite soon. You might be able to just notice the car wandering a bit when driving over changing road camber or when braking/accelerating.
- more than 2 mm it will probably fail a warrant, it will need replacing. The car will wander over changing road surfaces and change direction noticably when accelerating or braking. You will know something is wrong!
S/S joints have a huge load on them, from accelerating, braking and going over bumps. The front s/s control arm has a short arm that connects to the suspension strut. The suspension strut has a ball joint that locates the top of the steering knuckle/hub. If the joints at either end of the short arm become worn the suspension strut can rotate. If it rotates it causes the top of the steering knuckle to move forwards or backwards (due to bumps, accelerating or braking). This causes the wheel to point out a bit or in a bit, causing the car to wander left or right without you moving the steering wheel. This can be very dangerous!
Other suspension noises can be caused by worn swaybar links, small stones getting stuck between the swaybar and the swaybar mounting brackets, loose bolts etc.
Ken
Hamilton
021 408 863
yo man.. do you know anyone in auckland will check my S/S for me and give me good advice on what i shoud do with my S/S ? coz my is making funny noise too..
