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ride quality older car

I have an older ('87 Chev caprice Wagon). I want to keep it for at least a few more years. Runs good, no rust, power everything and it all works. The front suspension is tight and it steers fine on the road. So what's the problem? The ride quality has really gotten bad. It feels as though there is no suspension as it hits every seam or bump in road like a solid axle toy wagon. It has also gotten very noisy inside with road noise. I got to wandering what contributes the most to such a deterioration in a car. Is it suspension bushings, body mounts?

It takes driving a new car to see just how annoying this car has become. This is a serious question and I welcome all suggestions. I have worked on cars all my life, so I am very familiar with them. Thanks for any input. Feel free to e-mail me or post here.

Gerry

Reply to
Gerry G
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I'd start with shocks and while under there, see if the bushings are pretty much toast. PITA to replace some of them, but usually worth it.

Reply to
Lon Stowell

Sounds like a classic case of worn out springs. If you want the car to ride like new, replace the springs (all four) and shocks. You'll be glad you did.

Reply to
noone

Once I had a 10 year old car and replaced the struts, all 4 tires, had them balanced and aligned and already had fairly new brakes. When it was done the car rode and handled and braked like it was new. My guess is that you would also need springs though.

Reply to
Childfree Scott

My guess is a badly worn shock / strut which is either totally frozen or rusted so badly it'll hardly move.

Try bouncing on all 4 corners and see if one is much harder to move.

Reply to
kgold

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