car is 2002 protege5. stone stock except for the stereo. 138,xxx miles.
anyway, I believe that it is now riding harsher than when I purchased at 112k. honestly, I can feel the paint strips at intersections.
it still has the original struts on it. im wondering if they are on their last legs, therefore getting firmer? I see no fluid leakage evident. tire pressure has not changed, nor has tires.
usually, when I think of dead struts, I think of smacking the bumpstops all the time. this doesn't seem to be the case, and tire wear is even. tires are shot and due for replacement.
I have no reason to believe there are any other bad components, but it seems like the struts are almost seized. I can feel the suspension cycle over large dips in the road, and now have more evidence of wheel jerk in one wheel bump.
am I thinking properly?
and im in the middle of NC, with a middle of south Carolina car, and not a speck of rust anywhere. so the suspension hasn't rusted together.
what say you, GRM hive?
maj75
Reader
5/8/14 8:29 p.m.
How have the tires not changed? Are they not in contact with the ground?
Assuming your tires wear, that can result in a harsher ride. Less tread can make a tire noisier and ride poorly.
It could be possible that the fluid in the struts and shocks is going bad with age. If it is getting thicker due to heat and contaminants it would make the ride worse.
on the tires, I meant I have not changed brands, size, etc. they are just about shot. wanting to solve any suspension issues before investing in new tires. rather not chew up good rubber.
and jimbbski, that's kind of what I was thinking, but then again my best thinking has gotten me I a LOT of trouble over the years. that's why I ask now....
I can't come up with a scenario that would make suspension harsher with age. As springs wear, they get weaker, making a softer, floatier ride. As the fluid in the shock breaks down it get's thinner, making the shock damp less motion, making for a floatier ride. As bushings wear, the joint gets sloppy, making for a less controlled ride.
I can't come up with a scenario that would cause what you are describing.
