Swaying Issue

[gap1533]

My 2001 SSEi has developed an issue over the last couple hundred miles. The car tracks straight as an arrow; however, when I hit a bump (or even a large crack) in the road, the car pulls to the right. It almost feels like I'm about to lose my back end in a fishtail. I have yet to really feel unsafe, but something definitely is not right. Any recommendations as to what to look into?

[MrJiggy716]

any known suspension issues? Id start to inspect there...

[crash93ssei]

Bad rear shocks are known to cause this exact issue as well as a broken toe link on the rear control arm.

[nos4blood70]

+1 on bad rear shocks. Very easy to replace and inexpensive.

[gap1533]

I checked shocks with the ol' bounce test and each corner returns to rest after just a couple of bounces. Is there a more definitive test I can do at home to test shocks?

[crash93ssei]

The bounce test should pretty much cover it, bounce it really hard and it should return to normal after only one or two bounces. Other then that I would look at the toe links.

[gap1533]

So, toe links appear to be good, but I got a better visual on the rear struts today and they look pretty crappy. Both have some fluid visible and the passenger side (the side which the vehicle sways to) has a lot of build-up and the "boot" on the bottom of the strut is pretty tore up. Unless anyone has any other ideas, I think I might just dive into these and hope for the best.

Before I do though... I haven't found a great way to support the back end. The only good jack points I've found are the same points where I would want to place my stands which causes an issue. I haven't found two good spots on the same side.

[crash93ssei]

I jack up and use jack stands right on the rear subframe, check this thread out for easy replacement of the shocks. http://www.pontiacbonnevilleclub.com/fo ... 39750.html

[gap1533]

Tons of help. Thanks!

Any thoughts on replacing shocks too? What about doing the back struts, but not the fronts. Issues here?

[crash93ssei]

That is for the rear shocks

[gap1533]

One more thought before replacing the struts....

Since they operate on compressed air, would I be able to diagnose bad struts by unnecessary running of the compressor system? The compressor is working well. The vehicle levels and adjusts occasionally, but does not run more than it should. This leads me to believe that all is well. Is this reasonable?

[crash93ssei]

The rear only uses air to level the car not for shock absorption. The air bladders could still functionally be fine but the shock itself be wore out. Front suspension uses struts while rear uses shocks on the 2000+ Bonnevilles.

[gap1533]

Very interesting. Thanks for being patient with me, as I am learning as I go. Also... just clarified the difference between a shock and a strut via a YouTube vid and things are making a bit more sense. Thanks again!

[crash93ssei]

No problem at all, that is why this place exists don't be afraid to ask any questions you may have, we all started somewhere!

[gap1533]

Finally found the time to replace the rear shocks and Bonnie drives like a new machine. I'm keeping my fingers crossed, but from a test drive along the very roads which used to make me feel like I was riding waves, all is well.

Thanks Ryan for the replacement video and for the product suggestion. I ended up using the KYB SR1002 shocks as well. This project was certainly worth the $77 and 2 hours of my time!

If any issues arise or persist, I'll share with you all, but otherwise assume all is good!

[crash93ssei]

Glad to hear it went well for you!