Hello everyone. I've got a '96 I30t, and for the last couple thousand miles I've started to notice that the car doesn't feel as safe as it should going 80mph on the freeways anymore. Right when I pass 75mph the steering wheel starts to feel like it has too much freeplay and anything over 50mph going over a bump the steering wheel moves side to side and the car just doesn't feel stable as it used to. I've changed my front shocks with KYB GR2 5 thousand miles ago, but I have a feeling that the links and joints are worn down there at 120K miles. What are your suggestions to do/check/change after seeing that there is nothing loose down there with the steering rack?

Thanks

 

The GR2's are probably causing the poor ride quality.
Get the car up on a lift and inspect the tie rod ends and ball joints for play.
Check the sway bar end links as well.

If you want that "like new" I30 ride back, get a set of Tokico Blue struts and rear shocks. Slap on some new rubber and make sure you have the front end alignment checked.

Should ride like new after that.

 

Definately all about the suspension. Look into replacement, maybe tires for you depending on current wear and climate but regular suspension maintainence is everything.

 

check the bushings on your traverse links , check the ball joints, tie rod ends as well as everything else mentioned.

 

I was thinking that an allignment would help.

 

i have the same struts... i dont think its from them because when i replaced oem ones to the kyb i gained NO improvement in ride quality.. and i have new balljoints, swaybar links, control arm bushings.. pretty much everything.. and it still sucks

 

I've had a front and rear alignment done less than 1 month ago along with all four wheels balanced. I guees it's just the characteristic of the car due mostly to it's age and the fact that I haven't upgraded the suspension.

 

Exactly my point, think about that for a second. You basically have a new front end, yet the ride isn't good. Let me guess, it's a little harsh on bumps..... Hello, the strut is to blame.

Ride control and quality comes from the spring & strut. Springs don't go bad, per say, it's the struts that play a huge role on ride quality. KYB's don't ride to good because they are very stiff units. They do make the car handle well, but the trade off in comfort is aparent.

 

check all hoses and alignment and youre shocks.if that dont help ur *** has diflated.

 

It's not the struts. Or at least they wouldnt be the source of the steering wheel going side to side when you hit a bump. I've had GR2's for about 2 years now and im just starting to get the unsafe feeling going high speeds. I think it might be the ball joint or any other part that bears a load and has been worn out.

I would like an explanation why KYB struts would be the source of the problem?

 

When I changed out my control arms, there was a definite improvement in ride confort--I didn't expect any at all. The two worn/trashed control arm bushings were likely responsible for that. Cornering was less sloppy (ball joints likely worn) as well. Worn ball joints can also cause highway instability, but your selection of tire may also cause tramlining that you may be feeling. If you have a 95/96 or have a lot of miles on the car, I can definitely recommend replacing the control arms (bushings, ball joint) to regain that "new" car feel.

 

I will look into how much I can get the new control arms done for (bushings and ball joints like you said)...Thank you everyone.