pmesfun

I'm trying to figure out what's going with the rear suspension on my 04 with 90K. The ride, in the rear, is really rough or stiff. It seems like the rear suspension can't articulate correctly. I looked over all the components and found no issues. The passenger rear strut does has have some seepage. Before I put the wheels back I put a 2X4 and a floor jack underneath the knuckle and raised and lowered the suspension a few times while looking for any problems. I did this on both sides and after putting the wheels on and going for a drive the ride was nice again. This lasted for a few days before the ride was rough. I used the floor jack to raise and lower the suspension and the ride was nice and compliant for another few days. Not sure what the issue is, alignment is good, control arms are good, ride height seems correct. Maybe the struts are bad and seizing up somehow? Appreciate any input.

Johnhav430

Totally different setup (beam axle) but this happened to me when I replaced my rear shocks to KYBs on my Nissan. Like the springs could no longer travel at all and then the rear deck reverberated when hitting strips on the highway etc.

Here, leak = replace because I live in a state where that fails a safety inspection--it has to change the characteristics of the shock when x amount of fluid is gone. Could be the piston gets damaged and can't travel as it should.

pmesfun

I think I will just replace them. Most likely with Monroe OESpectrum struts. I was never happy with aftermarket KYB struts on other cars.

pmesfun

I believe I fixed the issue. The subframe was out of alignment from an accident last year. I loosened the four bolts securing the subframe and the two lower strut nuts to the carrier and re-centered the subframe. I used the same points from the body to the subframe and measured the same distance and added blue loctite and torqued the four bolts. Also I think the bushings in the control arms were in a bind so I loosened them jacked up each side of the suspension a few times and torqued everything once the weight of the was on the suspension.

I did replace the one leaking strut but soon discovered after a test drive that both rear strut mounts are bad. I couldn't hear the noise with the seats and rear deck lid installed. I have new strut mounts on the way, and a No. 2 right side control arm to correct camber alignment. The car drives much nicer now even with the alignment being off.

Bocatrip

Once you mentioned leakage from one of the struts, regardless of your current ride status, it is recommended to have both rear struts replaced. I would also suggest OEM to avoid any further issues. Good luck.

pmesfun

Yes I plan to do that. I just wanted to eliminate the leaking strut as being the main reason for the rough ride. I used a cheap gabriel strut to test with, it is not a quality part. I decided to give KYBs another try and will replace both struts and mounts.