Front Suspension

[gravesyt]

I think my gal is starting to feel her age ( 98 , 75k ) the problem is when driving at 55 to 70 it feels like the front tyers are deflated checked presure all spot on also theres a knocking noise o/s/f top which i think is the top mounts bearing. Now is it the shocks and drop link bars or something more serious ^_^

[dave21]

common problem on galaxy assuming your shocks r not gone replace top strut mounts and possibly bearings and drop links not that expensive parts abot fifty pouds all in check wishbone bush and ball joints when your thier

[sparky Paul]

Change the ARB drop links before you do anything else, it's the cause of most of the suspension knocks and rattles on Galaxys and it's a cheap fix.

 

As for the feeling of deflated tyres, I'm not exactly sure what you mean... is the steering sluggish, suspension wallowy, car wandering, or something else?

[gravesyt]

hi sparky paul the tyers feel as if they are grouding out on the rims as for the suspenion it seems to dip more than normal

[sparky Paul]

Have you checked the springs? Are they complete and intact? Pay particular attention to the very top coil where it sits in the shocker top seat, as these can snap off. If the car is pitching excessively, the shockers could also be worn.

[gravesyt]

hi sparky springs are fine so going to replace shocks . top mounts and drop links this wk end it should fix the problem hopefully

[sparky Paul]

Before attempting the shockers, have a good read of the various threads about removing front struts... it can be a job and a half, the top nuts are usually rusted solid and the hub pinch bolts are prone to shearing.

[steve alan]

took your advice and searched for removing front struts but search comes back nothing found ,care to direct me to the topics or post directly please

[sparky Paul]

If you search "front suspension", it should bring up some useful topics.

[Bigjeeze]

common problem on galaxy assuming your shocks r not gone replace top strut mounts and possibly bearings and drop links not that expensive parts abot fifty pouds all in check wishbone bush and ball joints when your thier

 

 

In fact this is a common misconception - Many people have changed these bearing unnecessarily because MOT testers don't read their own instructions. It is actually quite rare for these bearings to be shot. It is far more likley to be either track rod steering rack or bottom joints - or even the arb bushes.

[steve alan]

mine make a right noise when turning side to side, problem is the top nut is well rusted,so want to check out post to see any ideas as to getting the nuts off to replace rubbers & bearings,replaced all the other stuff just these left,was thinking of just cutting tho the shock near top and lifting out might save some time ,then just replace with new shock

ps. thanks sparky for the reply going to search now

steve

[sparky Paul]

I've just had to replace the top bushes again, I changed the front shocks, springs, top mounts, bushes and bearings only a couple of years ago.

 

I've been noticing a bit of spring twanging on full lock, it turned out that the top bushes were collapsing - the bottom of the bushes were rubbing on the top spring cup restricting them from turning. On further inspection, the top mounts were obviously protruding from the suspension turrets too much, due to the bearing pushing the centre of the bushes upwards.

 

They were Febi-Bilstein bushes, so I would avoid those.