ndutzie

Hey Guys,

First of all, I have a very limited knowledge of car (although I'd love to learn more), so please bare with me as I may not use the correct term

Here's my question:
Lately I feel that my car's handling is a little bit strange. First of all, it feels quite harsh when the car accidentally steps on a hole - I remember when it was soft enough to handle holes. The other thing happens is that when it got on a bigger hole accidentally, the steering wheel vibrates a bit, causing a little difficult to control on some road conditions.

I was thinking that it may be that the shock is problematic, but I'm not sure that's actually it, and if it's the cause of both issues. What's your recommendation of checking what's causing what?

Some logistics:
My car is '02 Civic Si Coupe. I bought it used condition and did not experience above problems at the time of purchase. From my understanding everything is OEM.

Thanks in advance.

dreamr

I would suggest u take it to a trust worthy mechanic or knowledgeable friend and have your front end checked out.
It could be any number of things and quite honestly not something to be neglected.

Good luck!

D.T.P

The whole vibration thing is probably caused by worn out tie rod ends. I doubt you will be doing the repairs yourself, so go get it checked out by the mechanic. Front end play is nothing to joke about...

MPR

Could be a combination of worn out bushings, tie rod ends, ball joints...

ndutzie

Thanks all.
Do you have recommendations of trusted mechanic. And also what's the cost range usually for this kind of stuffs?

chris_v2

01-05 civic front end's have a ton of common problems.

Lower control arm bushings always rip and eventually fall out.

Sway bar bushings/endlinks always wear.

And the shocks are pretty weak from 70k+.

You may have a combination of problems, or just worn struts (in which case you'd be recommended to change all four). Replacing four struts/mounts/ is in the neighbourhood of $1000-$1200 depending on what quality of part is used.

MPR

Also, for signs that your shocks are going or gone, look to see if they are leaking (fluid). You'll also notice when you hit a bump the car will continue to "bounce". A shock's function is to prevent continued bouncing.

ol Dusty

iTrader: (2)

plus one^^

and the stupid torrington bearings up top since Honda switched up the front suspension in favor of the cheaper design.