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[Colin G]

Hi Guys & Gals
Have just bought a 96 CDX Estate which drives as sweet as a nut however, it seems to sit a little too low particualrly at the rear to the point where it is bottoming out on the dreading speed bumps.

I do know the car was previously owned by a disabled driver and wonder whether it is likely that the suspension was lowered.  Handling wise the car is fine.

I did see a thread on here comparing the heights but I don't seem to be able to find it anymore.  Is it simply a case of replacing the rear springs with "oringinal" or will the shocks need doing as well?

I don't see any leakage from the shocks and don't think I have the self levelling suspension on this vehicle.

Cheers for any assistance

Col

[MV6Matt]

Are the shocks adjustable (might have been put on for the previous owner?!)
replacing might be the best way to be absolutely sure - can you check them to see what sort they are?

Could be shot of course!

Good luck

[Colin G]

Hi,
Have just had rear wheel off drivers side.  The shocks are GM originals and I didn't clock any pipework going to the shock suggesting there was any self levelling.  The springs don't look too bad and I counted 5 "coils" - whether this is relevant or not.

[pauldmackay]

If you've not got self leveling shocks, and as you say the car sitting low, it can only be the springs.

The springs are what set the ride height on your car as they take the weight of the car not the shocks(exception of course to self-leveling omega).

If the car been carrying a lot weight reguarly then the springs going weak isn't uncommon, you could though have broken rings on the springs at either the top of bottom of the springs, again this is common.

Change your springs.

[Colin G]

Okay, have changed the springs - they were shot - broken coils.  However, it still seems to be sitting too low.  My only real issue is that the car doesn't ride over speed bumps as I expect it should - i.e. it scrapes.

I've measure from the floor to the bottom of the wheel arch across the centre of the wheel and it measures 630mm - could someone check their estate and let me know if this coreect or what the actual measurement should be.

Cheers

Col

[steverubberduck]

I don't know if this helps, but this is a side on pic of my estate...
I haven't done anything to the suspension, not yet anyway.

[KillerWatt]

Well that pic shows the back end of your's to be a lot lower than mine, although your front end appears to have the same clearance that mine has.

For reference (using your measuring method)...

670mm on the front
700mm on the rear

January 2000 (V plate) 2.5 CDX Estate.

[Colin G]

Thanks guys.

hmmmmmm, bummer, wonder if I've got bought crap springs - ebay purchase as that's nearly 3" difference in old money.

BTW, love the look of your's Steven

[jonathanh]

post up the brand and part number: we'll check it out for you

[Colin G]

There doesn't appear to be a brand name on them however, this is the link to the ebay item.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&item=330278241662

[JezInBrum]

My last saloon had a similar sounding problem. It was the subframe bushes that had started to fail. After thet were changed the ride hight was greater.