1997 Buick Lesabre Suspension bottoming

JOHNFJ44

MEMBER
1997 BUICK LESABRE
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
181,000 MILES

I have a hard ride on a 1997 Buick Lesabre. When the car is loaded, the car bottoms on many potholes and highway cooncreet seams that are not smooth. Shocks have been replaced (front and rear). There is also a loud squeek in the right rear quarter that is coming from the suspension assembly. Is there a bushing or similar replacement item that is needed to both stop the squeek and replace the great highway ride I once had on this car?

Sunday, March 1st, 2009 AT 4:56 PM

3 Replies

ZACKMAN

MECHANIC
4,202 POSTS

Many LeSabre models come with electronic suspension. Does yours have that? You also mentioned that all shocks and struts have been replaced? Were they the same with the original? If not, can you provide the brand and model?

The reason I ask is that I, at one time, replaced electronically controlled rear shocks with standard gas shocks per the driver's request. Three days later, he came back asking for the $700 replacement (the gas option was $130). He said the rear was bouncy and made a lot of racket.

Another thing to check is the rear ball joints, control arms and sway bar. The control arms and sway bar do have replaceable bushings.

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Sunday, March 1st, 2009 AT 9:10 PM

JOHNFJ44

MEMBER
2 POSTS

This one has the electronic ride leveling with air shocks in the rear. Rear replacements were Sears heavy duty air shocks, and work well at leveling the ride (never has been a problem). The front struts were replaced with NAPA replacements. When four people in the car (or groceries in trunk), it seems to bottom out on potholes (does not when only two in front). Hard bottom most noticeable on KY interstates where repairs are often not made. It still rides level as I never need to adjust rear view mirror (with or without load).

I guess I'll need to get the service manual (or something else) to get a picture of where the rear ball joints, control arms, and sway bars busings are locted and try to determine if I can get replacement parts and do the replacements myself. Can any of these be lubed? Any suggestions where I can get pictures of this area of the car?

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Wednesday, March 4th, 2009 AT 3:01 PM

ZACKMAN

MECHANIC
4,202 POSTS

Some factory joints can be lubed, but for the most part, no.

Get yourself a Haynes 19020 manual.

It is written using layman's term, better than Chilton, in my opinion. Keep in mind, Haynes and Chilton are both published by Haynes, but the Haynes manual is more geared towards DIY, and Chilton is for professional technicians.

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Wednesday, March 4th, 2009 AT 9:22 PM