Hey...
I am trying to figure out some suspension issues with my brother's car.
Car:
2000 Sunfire with 70 000kms. Everything is stock.
History:
2 years ago the car had RK sport coil sleeves installed onto the stock struts. About 6 months ago they were removed and new stock struts and the stock springs were put back on. From driving it in the snow, the front driver side wheel hit a curb, bending the wheel. The tire and wheel was replaced.
Problem 1:
The car rides very rough. There is a lot of noise coming from the front suspension area, clanging sound. The car is also pretty bouncey, especially when going over bumps at high speed. This is probably some sort of bushing, but I am not familar with this car so I don't know what one(s).
Problem 2: The camber on the front wheels is out of spec. Negative camber, the inner area of the tires are wearing away quick. Seems to be more so on the driver side, possibly bent tie rod??
Problem 3: With the steering wheel set straight, the front wheels are slightly turned still.
Solution:
Ugghhh, this is where you guys come in.
I took a bunch of pictures of each side of the front suspension. Hopefully somebody can figure something out. If you want any more specific pictures I can get them.
http://photobucket.com/albums/g260/4cefed6/
Check out each album.
Please help! I just want to get this car fixed! I am able to do all the work myself, I am just no familiar with this car, or FWD setups for that matter. I am used to my Supra...Any advice is appreciated!
Thanks!
Adam
First off get an alignment, it's possible from that bent rim in the winter he messed up a few things. That's ur best bet to start with.
Ryan1
Yea no point in getting an alignment if something is broken.
it will have to be fixed and then get an alignment once again...thanks though.
Alright I think I see sometihng.
On this picture, do those welds look like they are OEM? They don't look it to me. After that side hit the curb and bent the rim it was taken to a shop and they "said" nothing was bent and they were supposed to only replace the wheel/tire. Looks like they did some bending/welding to the LCA....
tie rods deal with toe and i can almost gaurentee ur tie rods seized up. from the factory there are no camber adjustments what u have to find is a cam bolt kit which will allow you to adjust ur camber some. my advice is check auto parts store for cam bolt kit. (and the rear to adjust ur alignment u will need full contact shims go to auto parts store also.) and also ur lower motor mount looks shot. there is a crack from what i seen. well told ya what i seen and think good luck with this.
MY 2003 SUNFIRE 15.63@87.86mph
"A N/A ecotec is not gonna give Honda's and Mitsu's that much of a run for their
money unless their blown or bottle fed.GM is still smokin crack!"
~1QWKZ24
www.streetracing.org, 08/2001
Ok so it is the tie rods.
With the steering wheel set straight, the passenger side front wheel is correct in the straight position but the driver side front wheel is turned outwards slightly. If I adjust the steering wheel so that the driver wheel is straight, the steering wheel is half a turn to the right, and then passenger wheel is now not straight (obviously).
The tie rod doesn't look bent in the area I can see, but the inner area under the rubber boot where it connects to the steering rack I can not see. What are the odds of it buckling right there?
And is there an online service manual somewhere where I can see some service diagrams and part numbers of the front suspension? Thanks!
that is some rusty @!#$. jack the car up wiggle is left and right.. up and down that will give you an idea of whats wrong.
Well from looking at those pic, i would replace your tierod ends, your entire brakes the control arm bushings.
I live 50Ft from the water, salt water, and my car doesnt rust like that. That car as been abused, having such problems with it does not surprise me. Alittle late to try and catchup on normal maintance huh?
Yea I know what to replace now, thanks.
It is rusty from Canadian winters, and it has also been parked for the past several months.
I was just wondering if there is an online service manual for this car?
2000 sunfire.
Looking for detailed diagrams and part numbers of the front suspension...
its not just ur toe. the individual toe settings being off will mess up ur sterring wheel. but the way ur tires are worn ur camber is messed up also.
MY 2003 SUNFIRE 15.63@87.86mph
"A N/A ecotec is not gonna give Honda's and Mitsu's that much of a run for their
money unless their blown or bottle fed.GM is still smokin crack!"
~1QWKZ24
www.streetracing.org, 08/2001
