Suspension Question, Need Serious Help

[Michelle L.]

Hi,

My husband's 1996 ETC is having major issues. He was getting a creaking sound when going over speedbumps, etc... from the right front side. He took it to be checked at a local mechanic who is trustworthy and has done good work on his car and my Merc Sable. The mechanic said he needed new rods, etc... (can't find paperwork, husband not home, so cannot be 100% on what was done), anyway something was done to the front end and he got 2 new tires because the 2 were shot and car wabbled. Oh and also the mechanic told my husband that the struts or whatever the ETC has were fine and that he should be very thankful because they cost $1500 each. So everything was fine for maybe a couple weeks then guess what???? creaking back! So husband took again and now was told the strut (or whatever it is called) was going out and he needed a new one. Well we don't have $1500 and on top of that when I drove it I would have sworn I heard the noise at the left too, but I know that could just be sound distortion. Husband says the creaking is now getting worse.

How urgent is this, what options do we have??????? Do we have to go with the same kind of parts that came with the car? Are there alternatives? I know something has to be done soon, if we really should have the $1500 part(s) then we will have to try to get a loan and do it right. If we can get off alot cheaper somehow it would be great.

I'm beginning to wish he never got this car. We don't have a cadillac budget so these expensive repairs are not something manageable here!

Please help, if more info is needed about exactly what has been done mechanically to his car, I can ask him and fill you in.

Thanks alot!

Michelle L.

 

[Michelle L.]

OH, and also I was thinking we should take it to the Cadillac dealer to get checked out and for a 2nd opinion of what is going on in it's entirety. That's probably a really good idea before we proceed, wouldn't you say?

Thanks!
Michelle L.

 

[MAC1]

It sounds like the Control Arm bushings could be worn. Bushings sell for about $16. Try rockauto.com. The bushings are generally pressed out with a hydraulic press. There will be some fair amount of labor involved but I would be surprised if it costs anywhere near $1,500. It sounds like the loose front end could be the result of worn bushings. I would check that out first as it just might save a whole lot of money and aggravation.

What trouble codes are there, if any? Don't necessarily believe everything a mechanic tells you no matter how reputable. Many of them have no clue as to what they're talking about and just do a lot of guesswork. One minute it’s one thing and the next it's something else. You'll may end up pouring money down the drain on nonexisting problems.

I suggest you have the control arm bushings checked first. And don't hesitate to bring the car to a reputable Cadillac dealer for a second opinion.

 

[Michelle L.]

Hello,

Thanks for the reply. I will definitely have him go to the Cadillac dealer and have the bushings checked. Oh, and there are not any codes appearing at all. So are you saying that if these "air strut" things were malfunctioning and/or needed replacement that there would definitely be a code? If so then that wouldn't be what is wrong after all.

Michelle

 

[ALBUNDY]

If thats not the problem there is a passive strut replacement for the very expensive air shocks. The ride maynot be the same but it might be good enough for you as well as less expensive. My friends seem to have no complains and when my air shocks go I will also do the same. BTW if you look to the top right of your screen the advertisment maybe there.

 

[taylor414ce2003]

if your car drives straight and handles properly and your tires are worn evan I would not rush out and fix the creeking noises -I would get it looked at either the dealership or evan a Midas shop but someone who is trustworthy.if you do need struts and shocks the passive suspension is a lot less $s and you probaly will not notice much of a differance in the ride-see ads on this site
ps how many miles are on your car?