What causes sagging of suspension?

[bonez]

I'm getting some sagging in the rear suspension of my TI.

It looks a bit lower than it use to. I was under the impression that it was the springs that control the resting height and the shocks that control the damping... so does that mean my springs need replacement?

I'm still on the stock suspension on my 98 sport (~80k miles) and they ride alittle softer than they use to, but they aren't bouncing all over the place (yet) so I've held off on replacing them.

Any ideas?

[DustenT]

A couple guys on the yahoo list mentioned that their springs broke. Jack up the car (use a jack stand while you are under it) and check out the condition of the springs. There are several people on the forum (Including myself) that will sell you a set of stock springs for cheap if you need them.

[newagecustoms]

My 96 sport is doing that also, i really dont want to replace the stuff right now, but if i do should I just use something after market like the Bav Auto springs?

[kelso]

my guess would actually be the shocks or struts. if theyre blown or worn out they will make the car sag and drive pretty ****ty truthfully. say like if you hit a bump, the car will still be going up and down a few seconds later instead of like 1 or 2 sags

[moku]

It's probably your shocks. Springs don't sag as they're made to hold the weight of your car. But when your shocks blow out or are starting to leak, you'll notice your car will ride lower and the travel is much more severe.

You can test this by standing at the corner of your car and pushing down on it. If your car goes up and down easily, it may be time to replace your shock(s).

If you were thinking about upgrading your springs in the future, you may want to try to do it at the same time as your shocks. Saves on time and labor.

[pdxmotorhead]

Hmm, I'd have said the oposite, shocks should not affect ride height very much unless really high pressure gas. I find the spring rate drops over time and eventually the springs lose about 15% of thier capacity. If your shocks are bad it can prematurely age the springs...

Dave

[moku]

Originally Posted by pdxmotorhead

Hmm, I'd have said the oposite, shocks should not affect ride height very much unless really high pressure gas. I find the spring rate drops over time and eventually the springs lose about 15% of thier capacity. If your shocks are bad it can prematurely age the springs...

Dave

It could be a combination of both. I just know that when I blew one of my shocks, I noticed that the car sat a little lower on that corner.

[aceyx]

If you're on the stock dampers, they need replaced.

While the springs do carry the bulk of the load, the dampers hold a small percentage of the weight.


But do check the springs first. Mine went in the first 100k.