Suspension Issue

[robpopper]

Riding over a bumpy road, my '05 Bird shakes and rattles a bit more than I think think it should. Is there any knowledge of suspension issues? Any suggestions for suspension improvement? Car has less than 24k carefully driven miles. Any thoughts on the subject will be appreciated. Thanks for looking...

[DavidA]

Re: Suspension Issue

The early 2002's had X-frame torque bolt issues. We gound that if the bolts holding these x-frames weren't tight, the car showed unresonable cowel shake.

It was an easy fix ... just tighten the bolts at each end and most of the shake was gone.

I haven't heard of this problem on later cars, but it is certainly worth a try. Just get the car on a hoist and start tightening them. If memory serves me, there are a total of 8 bolts on 2 x-frames.

[steelblue5505]

Re: Suspension Issue

What about those threads on the brake lines hitting against the rear tie rod ends?
Could there be something going on in that area?

[tbird6t4]

Re: Suspension Issue

The early 2002's had X-frame torque bolt issues. We gound that if the bolts holding these x-frames weren't tight, the car showed unresonable cowel shake.

It was an easy fix ... just tighten the bolts at each end and most of the shake was gone.

I haven't heard of this problem on later cars, but it is certainly worth a try. Just get the car on a hoist and start tightening them. If memory serves me, there are a total of 8 bolts on 2 x-frames.

One of our members recently told me that he had this issue with his 2004 Retro and it was the loose bolts in the X-frame. He took the car into the dealer and they tightened the bolts and the shaking stopped and the ride and handling improved noticable.

I would get that checked out. It seems occasionally these bolts were not properly tightened on the line.

[FEsTbird]

Re: Suspension Issue

Check your tire pressure first before you get too involved. If it is too high, you will have a rough ride. Best is the recommended 30psi.

[robpopper]

Re: Suspension Issue

Sorry for any duplicate posting. I couldn't find the thread and posted again to the Tech forum. Car is due for service and I will ask the dealer to check the X-frame bolts and tire pressure, (haha I can do that myself). Thanks for the heads up. I will post back early next week.

[bottomtime]

Re: Suspension Issue

One of our members recently told me that he had this issue with his 2004 Retro and it was the loose bolts in the X-frame. He took the car into the dealer and they tightened the bolts and the shaking stopped and the ride and handling improved noticable.

I would get that checked out. It seems occasionally these bolts were not properly tightened on the line.

What is the torque of these bolts??

[PaulD]

Re: Suspension Issue

What is the torque of these bolts??

46 Ft-Lbs

[00mustng]

Re: Suspension Issue

.....there have been posts regarding suspension bushing deterioration on this site.....might want to take a peak underneath?....would'nt suggest this to a dealer for he would be just rubbing his hands at that thought!

[bottomtime]

Re: Suspension Issue

46 Ft-Lbs

Paul - Thank You for the torque setting........Bottomtime

[AZTB]

Re: Suspension Issue

One of our members recently told me that he had this issue with his 2004 Retro and it was the loose bolts in the X-frame...I would get that checked out. It seems occasionally these bolts were not properly tightened on the line.

In addition, be sure they do not OVER tighten the bolts. When our dealer had to remove the x-brace to remove the tranny, upon replacement they over tightened one bolt and stripped it. If I hadn't gotten under the car after getting it back and checking these bolts for myself, I would never have discovered it. I took it back to dealer and they had to repair that one bolt.