rzj90059

Ok so I have been procrastinating for a couple months now about repairing the suspension on my car. Primarily because I don't know where to start. I have read threads on trailing arms, struts, shock absorbers, etc. I am lost! Whoever can give me some advice on where to start, I will gladly appreciate it.

Symptoms of car:
-I feel everything on the road, even on a flat newly paved road!
-High vibrations at high speeds.

I am not looking for a sport tuned suspension, just for something to help from looking like a bobble head in my own car.

92 ES 300
161,XXX Miles
3rd Owner

Budget: up to $350 on necessary items, up to $600 with reccomended items.

rzj90059

Can anyone help?

Slooooooow

iTrader: (1)

1. Determine parts that need to be replaced OR
2. Commit yourself to replacing any/all parts associated with your suspension system to include but not limited to:
   • Dampers (Struts/Shocks)
   • Springs
   • Dust Boots
   • Shock Mounts
   • Bushings
3. Consult the Hall of Fame Links Sticky Thread and the "2nd Generation ES300 Suspension Reference" thread therein for parts and vendors.

It doesn't sound as though you're going for performance/handling or aesthetics; it sounds like you're pleased with the stock ride, or would like to get back to the comfortable stock ride from where you're at presently. Is that a correct perception?

llcoolpass

buddy, it's those large *** rims you got. the only way you can reduce all of those negative effects is to change to a smaller wheel, bigger profile tire. keeping those wheels and tires, you can only negate some of the effects within the stock configuration -- new struts and different springs -- preferably something someone else has tried before with wheels of similar size and mass, on the same car.

best thing, you'd get some 16 or 15 in wheels and tires, new struts and mounts, and youd be luxury riding asgain .. and you'd only have to sell those probably expensive wheels and tires and break even!!

rzj90059

LOL I agree with you. I bought the car as is and ever since I enjoy the way the car looks but after driving 42-50 miles daily it doesn't handle well. I remember seeing all these different threads here in CL before. Slooooow mentioned the Hall of Fame, can some one provide a link?

I think I'd be comfortable with the OEM tires, so thats an option.

rzj90059

Yes Sloooow, I want to get as close as possible to OEM.

Slooooooow

iTrader: (1)

The only way?
Even though I completely agree that the high diameter wheels and low profile tires contribute to ride harshness (been there, done that, currently back on OEM 16s myself, ahhhh there's the Lexus comfort ), I'm not comfortable saying it's the 100% "only way" until he gets the rest of his suspension components, alignment, and even tire balancing checked out.

RZJ90059, since you just bought this car and you don't know what's been replaced/neglected/etc. get that car on a lift and check out the suspension and braking systems (or have someone you know and trust do it for you).

If you'll take a look at the thread "New member (on ES Forums) 01 ES300 Coach Edition Timeline" you'll see many of the activities Carbong went through to ensure that his new ES was ship-shape before he settled into it. So far, the handling is all that you've noticed; there could be other less-noticeable things that need to be taken care of as well.

Sticky: Official ES HALL of FAME links thread (Newbies and O.Gs come inside)It's inside there, about the 5th or so link down. Get good and familiar with the threads inside that Hall of Fame thread. There's awesome information in there for you.
Awesome. Let us know what progress you're making as you repair and restore that pretty white '92. She looks to be in good condition in that one picture you've provided. Give us some more pics, inside and out, as we love to see our ES pics in here.

And as you run into issues and questions, if you can't find the answers with the Search function, there are plenty of good folks in here (like LLCoolPass above and many others) who are happy to help you. Since these cars have been out there SO long though, I bet 90+% of your answers are already sitting here in one or more threads.

Good luck and welcome to the ES forum.

rzj90059

Sloooow, thank you for all your help. I am awaiting my mechanic's response. In the meantime, I am also on the borderline of buying another car, a 2005 CTS. Well see what the quote for fixing, then I'll compare it to the CTS. Will keep you posted.

rzj90059

Ok just for an update, I purchased the struts today. Will install them tomorrow afternoon. Stay close for updates.

mlogue84

...where's the update buddy?

rzj90059

I did the install, wasn't very hard.

Since then I have traded the big rims in for a set of OG Es300 wheels, however, I still have steering wheel shaking.

mlogue84

Right on! too bad for the shakes though :/

rzj90059

Idk what that can be though.