QuestionMy 94 Integra needs new shocks. It is really squeaky. I was told I may as well get springs as the same time (they are still stock.) Is this true? What should I get? Im not gonna be racing it, so dont need anything as crazy as Tokico's but what's a decent brand for less money? And if I wanted to lower it at the same time, should I get adjustables or how does that work? Is it better to buy it as a package? And if I find shocks and springs seperately at a good price, how will I know they work together? Thanks
AnswerHi Courtney,
Purchasing smaller springs to lower your suspension will lower it, but at the cost of tire replacement every few months as well as other, more in-depth and more expensive repairs that will happen as a cause of the suspension angles.
To lower the suspension properly, you'll need to replace the entire suspension on all four corners of the car. This involves not only shorter springs and struts but also involves spindles, control arms and the strut bearings. If it is not done properly, axle and transmission damage can also occur due to the odd angle of the driveline.
I've got to tell you though that I've been doing repairs for quite a number of years and have yet to tell a customer they need new shocks/struts because they are 'squeaking'. That's definitely a new one. Your shocks and/or struts may indeed need replacement, but the squeak has nothing to do with them.
The squeak you are hearing is DRY bushings on your front suspension. Control arm bushings and stabilizer bushings as well as strut bearings and any other rubberized or Neoprene parts tend to make a squeaking noise when they dry out. there is an easy way to tell. Get a spray bottle and put about a half-of-a-cup of liquid dish detergent into it and fill it the rest of the way with warm water. cap it and shake well. Peek under the front of your car and start squirting ANYTHING rubber or neoprene. Soak them real good, use the whole spray bottle. Don't forget to get from the top of the struts to the bottom of the control arms and everything in-between. Soapy water will not harm ANYTHING under there so don't be scared, GO NUTZ! I'd bet that takes care of the squeak, I'm not sure if your shocks/struts are bad or not, if you want to know how to test them, check some of my past answers or ask me a follow-up.
Monro is probably the best shock you'll find for a decent price. You want the expensive ones, the gas-charged.
Thanks for the question, I hope this information was helpful to you.
Fred
www.knucklebusters.us
570-453-0910
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