How to check out your own car's suspension system.

[fahad186148]

hi scotty,,,i just started feeling vibration and shaking on my E36 bmw,,,today when i jacked the car up and checked the suspension by the method ur described,,,,at 16 ans 12 its was tight and alright,,,,but at 3 and 9 there was play and the cire could move back and forth little,,now what actually needs to be replaced,,ball joints or tie rod??thanks in advance,,hope ur answer helps me alot,,Good work

[scottykilmer]

@fahad186148 generally that's worn tie rods, see if they move when pulling

[criticaboutvids]

Scotty, you say bouncing is bad, but my 2000 Ford Explorer has leaf springs instead of coil springs, so I always assumed that the heavier duty suspension is what did it. Do you think my suspension might be bad?

[scottykilmer]

@criticaboutvids leaf springs are for really heavy weights, and of course, ride much rougher than springs. generally only the shocks wear out on those,not the springs.

[mygtxful]

My mechanic said my struts were bad so I asked how far they would get me. He said all the way to the scene of the accident....doh!.

[matthebest018]

it could also be the wheel bearing not the ball joints

[knightnz]

Any way for a layman to safely check the struts themselves?

[scottykilmer]

@knightnz yes, check for oil leaks onthe seals below the shafts.

[dgaleno2012]

could a bad suspencion make my RPMs go lower than before?

[scottykilmer]

@dgaleno2012 no

[dgaleno2012]

@scottykilmer what could it be then? it happen after i changed my 4 spark plugs but i checked n they were the same size n it happen to a mecanic cleaned my throttle n then he also removed them n put them so it cant be put wrong n still has the problem.

[scottykilmer]

@dgaleno2012 if it happenned after you did that work, the spark plug wires could be bad, you could have knocked a vacuum line off, or many other things, Check your work area for such problems first.

[TheGarvito]

yo scott i hear bump noises when i hit a bump in the front. and its more when the car is cold.

[scottykilmer]

@TheGarvito do these tests, and realize often that's worn struts or strut mounts.

[KiranTaker270]

could you upload a video about electric window regulator faults like my golf iv has a broken regulator cable where my car window is stuck at the bottom of my car door

[scottykilmer]

@KiranTaker270 next time I fix one that comes into my shop

[iamsupersammie]

liking the creative bomb shots

[k28gt]

your awesome Scotty, keep up the good work. I love your videos.

[pongoose77]

do shock absorbers squeak when they are bad , i think this is the problem i have lubed every other part of suspension and squeak still there ..?

[scottykilmer]

@pongoose77 they can, but so can tons of other stuff like a frame bushings or control arrm bushings. Scotty

[sunrise556]

your the best scotty... love!!!

[MrDJskillage]

When checking the ball joints the procedure can be slightly different due to the two different types of ball joints compression loaded and tension loaded. If the lower control arm is connected above the steering knuckle your lower ball joint is compression loaded. If the ball joint is compression loaded you need to support the vehicle by the frame and check at 12 and 6. When the lower control arm connects below the steering knuckle you have a tension loaded ball joint. A tension loaded ball joi

[msw600]

I also use to press on each of the four corners of the car by pushing down a few times to see if the car would rock back and forth. If it came to a dead stop I knew it was fine. (If that was correct of course). I believe the mechanic has to check the car on the lift to see if struts are leaking fluid to know if it's shot? Scotty I enjoy your videos. Can you do a video about what to look for when buying a safe car like a Volvo? As we know there are many irresponsible people who drink and drive.

[hksice200]

Nice cressida <3

[t2713dl]

Love your videos Scotty. Thank you. Your the Best!!

[xgrapher]

Why are you so mad? Take it or leave it - that's the whole point of comment boxes provided at almost every website. Why would I ever call a wonderful guy like you names? I'm just saying about what impressions people can get. If you think my comments are correct and you can improvise on it, do it or drop it if not. I'm proud of your sons too! Take it easy

[scottykilmer]

@xgrapher  comment boxes are not for idiots to comment on free great mechanic advice. Please refrain from future comments. Scotty

[xgrapher]

u need to cut down them hand gestures - it sure gives an impression of overacting and gives a little bit of faggy effect. u know what i mean

love ur videos and wish they were only a bit more detailed

[scottykilmer]

@xgrapher Ah, another complainer. You get free expert info, and still complain. Takes all kinds to make the world go round. Can't say you should call someone faggy though who has two sons, one of whom is in the 101st airborne. You should keep your opinions to yourself. scotty

[DarkAlex174]

@scottykilmer Don't get pissed off at these idiots. I've gained huge amounts of knowledge from your videos alone. I really thank you for this.

[XDarkR3aperX]

@DarkAlex174 +1 scottykilmer rocks :P

[Phillyphil13139]

go Scotty I got myself an S2000 and I'm in highschool, and a bunch of us modify our own cars for fun. I don't care if it ruins the reliability or anything because I got this car really cheap, low miles and its a honda so it is pretty reliable anyways. can you post a video or explain how I am to lower my ride height, and adjust the camber? and to do that do I need a different suspension system or can I use the stock? thanks!

[CaMaRo1RoC89]

i fuking hate commercials!!!!!

[scottykilmer]

@CaMaRo1RoC89 Ah, you want everything totally free and not to pay for it.  I HATE cheap people. Scotty

[urx44]

scotty my 2001 s10 is lowered and i bought it that way i push down on the front fender bbut the truck but it doesnt bounce its stiff as hell and on the road i feel every bump raeally bad some guy said they might have heated the springs but could really use your help

[scottykilmer]

@urx44 AH, yet another reason I advise people never to modifiy suspension systems. They often ride like hell, nothing you could do put put it back to factory specs to get it to ride better. Scotty

[rizegraymon1]

@scottykilmer but modify suspension = better handling ...:D

[spunisphun]

im fairly competent with mechanic work but havnt tackled this (or googled it ) but watching this video gave me an idea. How hard is it to remove one leaf from a leaf spring suspension on a 1970 dodge d100. im thinking of removing a leaf or two from the front and rear to lower it a bit and soften the ride up.

[scottykilmer]

@spunisphun It's REA:LLY hard, those things rust on and often break when you mess with them. Scotty

[13FravelJ]

Hey scotty, I just got a 2006 Ford Ranger and it seems to have a stiff ride, if there is no weight in the bed of my truck. but then if there is 150- 250 pounds in the back it has a smoother ride (it bounces more). Is this a problem or is this symptoms of new shocks, struts, and or leaf springs.

[scottykilmer]

@13FravelJ that's how small pick up trucks ride, period. Live with it. Scotty

[deanopresley]

Hi i have a peugeot 307 and its a 2003 plate.it recently had suspentionspring done on passenger side rear as it had snapped off.now the problem is i keep looking out window at car and to me it looks uneven.its higher up one side i think.would that be suspention?

[scottykilmer]

@deanopresley Yes, something is amiss if it's crooked. Any good suspension mechanic can check it and at least tell you what's broken on the low side. Scotty

[DrCOLOSSUSSS]

THIS IS AMAZING

[scottykilmer]

@jperales29 Yes, then replace it. scotty

[scottykilmer]

@jperales29 many things can creak, start with the bushings. Scotty

[chamblizi]

dear scotty i have a clunking sound from one of my tires at the.... 9-3 position and 6-12 what i need to do to it its on a ford f250 1989

[scottykilmer]

@chamblizi Perhaps you have more than one problem, like bad ball joint and bad tie rod. But of course, check the wheel bearing, it will allow play at all angles. Scotty

[chamblizi]

@scottykilmer its only play at those two angles but i do have one tire that does more then the other i was gonna do the tie down ends... the ball joints and the shocks at once

[chamblizi]

I EXPECTED SCOT TO BE IN TRUNK O_O ether way hi scott my pickup truck sits to low in the front do u think i need new shocks and struts?

[scottykilmer]

@chamblizi sitting too low is usually worn springs, not shocks. Scotty

[zerohunter64]

i just checked both wheels and they moved side to side and back to foward xD

[scottykilmer]

@zerohunter64 bad wheel bearing then. Scotty

[zerohunter64]

@scottykilmer thank you ^.^

[jasonmangal]

thoses arent mcsperesons in that honda its double wishbones or multi link! :) there a different way to check those. you have to load the ball joint...

[scottykilmer]

@jasonmangal OK, be picky, but the change out just like mcphersons. Scotty

[benny5825]

Ok thanks again for replying.

[benny5825]

Check them both ways scotty and found no movemant,but i still have a clunking noise from the front wheels when steering is on full lock when moving,thanks.

[scottykilmer]

@benny5825 check to see what's clunking, like the steering u joint where it connects to the rackand pinion. Scotty

[AirCanadaA55555A]

Nice vid!

[Fifthgear08]

hi i have a vw golf tdi 1996, the front driver side is sitting lower and when driving makes a noise.

i jaked it up and the suspention looks ok so i dont no could you help me please thanks

Ibrahim

[scottykilmer]

@Fifthgear08 sinking suspension systems are worn parts, often bad springs on the struts. Scotty

[DjTommyKx]

@Fifthgear08 sounds like you need strut tops done mate *im a vw dealership mech*

[TheRover620]

How are you doing Scotty? I watch your stuff on you tube from over in England.You talk a lot of sense and give easy down to earth advice.I've checked many a problem and had it sorted thanks to yours truly.Nice one mate. Andy.

[200twistatwista]

At 01:51 that cars back window has some bubbly Tint : P

Needs replacing the glue has worn out : P

[reap62]

make sure you tell them to put the jack in the right spot struts get lifted on the frame and conventional or SLA get jacked on the control arm for proper checking of worn ball joints

[jtherock7]

Great job Scotty!!

[Matthew55904]

scotty i was told to ask a mechanic on this question so here goes what is the needed parts for a lift kit as i want to lift my deawooo but i know NOTHING about lift kits and am clueless on the parts to buy

[doug2bitemore]

Hahaha I love it, thumbs up!

[1ownjoo2]

Scotty on my Grand Cherokee, i lifted the front end up and wiggled the tires like you said, and i didnt have a clunk clunnk, however at 3 and 9 my wheels kept turning like i was moving the steering wheel. I looked at the long arms that connect the wheels and they moved slightly turning the wheels when i pulled or pushed. Is this normal ?

[THECONNMAN2]

i like, if not love you scotty kilmer.

[The18Jake]

the way they use to check the shocks and struts back in the 70's and 80's was by pushing down on the cars front or rear, and usually if it bounced more than 2 times then they needed replaced,I have a 1984 lincoln town car and I did that test and they actually do need replacing,it didn't really require it on the rear since its an air ride suspension back there and they were good

[Pinin500]

Most car maintenance videos are dull, these videos are addictive and also very

useful, keep up the good work.

[JimmyRaygoza]

I'm working on a isuzu rodeo, the rearend shakes violently

[maxu104]

does this apply to checking ur car suspension before something like autocross?

[scottykilmer]

@maxu104 sure , Scotty

[rodrigomex0717]

THIS VIDEO HELP ME ALOT THANKS MR.

[Mindbendersmith]

Im going to fill my tires with concrete instead of air. Can you help me or do the job for me? Thanks in advance.

[scottykilmer]

@Mindbendersmith that's a new one on me. the tires wouldn't hold up and would way so much the car would accelerate like crap if you could do the job. Scotty

[JLchevz]

@scottykilmer not to mention your spine would be demolished

[urbex2007]

If he stopped trying to be like Barry Scott with his "cillit bang" advert, it might be interesting. Standing shouting is a rubbish technique and doesn't get the message over.

[scottykilmer]

@urbex2007 Hey, I'm half deaf, that's how I talk. It's not a "technique." If you don't like em, don't watch em. Millions of people like em, complainers like you should make your own videos, fat chance of that. Some people do, some complain. so why don't you just shut up. Scotty Kilmer

[2vv1]

@scottykilmer I love when "stand", "Shout", the message gets in better! you remind me of my mechanic instructor back in vocational training, he too would make the complex looks simple and they are most of the time! Don't change, you're perfect this way!

[MusicforMe123]

@scottykilmer Keep up the good work Scotty, you are doing everyone a service. Two thumbs up from me. Thanks for the postings.

[jaundist]

Hi scotty kilmer would u be so kind as to vew my video and resolve my query of making my suspensions and the surrounding surface shine like brand new car's do. thank you

[scottykilmer]

Oh, I didn't get the gyst of your video, so I'll answer your question here. It's all just plastic stuff and it just gets dirty being on the road. But if you want to clean it, hose it down and let it dry. Then spray any type of plastic cleaner, like Armor All on it and wipe it down. but it will just get dirty quick from driving and when it rains dirt will splash everywhere. That's why they are called splash pans. it's rather futile trying to keep that area clean. Scotty Kilmer

[Cantona1893]

he sounds like butters from south park

[donperry1]

Nice education. I feel some jerks in my steering (maybe column) over some bad roads. Not sure it is normal. Will check it out like u showed me

[buloy881]

hey scotty do u know wers a good site to buy new shocks or struts for a honda civic 99

[scottykilmer]

Personally I buy shocks and struts locally here in Houston, I find bartering for parts I know are good is a better deal. Especially since you often get the wrong parts sent to you using the net. I have used the net a few times to buy parts, and often the wrong one arrived, so I only use the net for hard to find parts on really old vehicles that I can't find locally. But you might go to some Honda forums and see what they suggest. Scotty Kilmer

[TheBadBaron]

One of the most evil suspension problems has to be my trucks track bar, the bushing is shot, so I get death wobble now and then, I just gotta get time to change the bushing

[scottykilmer]

That's actually a pretty easy job to do IF you jack up both sides of the vehicle when you do it to take the tension off the bar. Scotty Kilmer

[rbu2m]

Will a ball joints cause the vehicle to front end to shake like the tires are out of balance. I try the 12 to 6 method and only one side has a small play on it on the front passenger side.

[scottykilmer]

You've got it, any play in any direction on your front end can cause front end shake. And 12 and 6 generally show bad ball joints. I'd change the one side with play. Scotty Kilmer

[rbu2m]

Hey thanks Scotty. Should I change upper and lower ball joints.

[scottykilmer]

If one is worn, odds are the other is close behind. Change em both out. Scotty Kilmer

[kokisthegangsta]

love him, hes the king;)

[buhrrito]

what movie are those clips from?

[scottykilmer]

The BEST movie of all time, Stanley Kubrick's "Dr. Strangelove, (Or How I Stopped Worrying And Learned How To Love The Bomb.)" Scotty Kilmer

[hacker1462]

i got a 2000 ford escort zx2 and it feels a

little rough in the front end going 65 mph

and today i noticed when im stoped i move the sterring wheel right to left

i hear a clunk and when i go over a bump

slow i can hear a clunk a buddy said my struts are shot i can hear it in the right front im hoping its not the steering cause

that gets a little spendy

[scottykilmer]

Yes, something is wrong from your suspension, it could be the strut or something else like a worn tie rod or ball joint. So jack up the car and check for play by pulling on the front wheels. If you can find no play, odds are it's the strut. If yo find play, replace the part that has play in it when you pull the wheel. Scotty Kilmer

[scottykilmer]

When you get a rough ride, the first thing to do is to replace the struts or shocks. They wear out over time, and you've got a heavy vehicles that wears them out faster. Scotty Kilmer

[mtlh05]

Hey Scotty - My 2003 Ford Crown VIc 87k miles is riding rough and I get almost no bounce from the front end. It also makes noises when I go over bumps. Guy at the shop did the wiggle on tire test, but said everything seems fine, might need shocks replaced. What do you think?

[xixero303]

"If you wiggle at 12 and 6 and you're car falls off the jack! then your screwed!"

[u2bed1]

hahaahahhaahaha!

[6Camel6Finger6]

@xixero303 then dont but a jack thats made in china

[jjchargerboy16]

@xixero303 That's why they have them on "JACK STANDS" for extra support dumbass!!

[abody348]

thanks.

[skateforeverb]

Thank you!

[lol23q]

Hey scotty can you help me out in something i got a toyota supra 1994 model everytime i cruise it like 20-30km i can hear a clunk noise under my car underneath in the rear but on humps i CANT hear anything i dont think its my shocks can it be my cv's or the sway bar bushes? wat can it be?

[b3r3tta95]

how do you adjust the cambers. i have a 96dakota and staring the truck in the face the front tires lean slightly to the left.

[scottykilmer]

You really can't do it on your own, because the adjustments have to be done in thousandths of an inch., A front end shop uses machines to measure the correct angle to adjust. And actually, they don't point exactly straight, they do have some angle to them. It's a pretty simple job for alignment guys with the right equipment. Most charge less than a hundred bucks to do such a job. Scotty Kilmer

[scottykilmer]

That's right, here away from the ocean in Houston things come apart easily. BUT, forty miles away, in Galveston (or what's left of it) they rust even ten times worse than yours in Sweded (unless you live on the coast with salt water.)

[louieinfamous]

you didnt mention strut mounts in this video couldnt those be bad as well

[scottykilmer]

Hey, I can't cover Everything in a short two minute video. Scotty

[fogelstrom]

It makes me somewhat jealous to see how all nuts and bolts come off so easily on your cars on the other side of "the pond". I live in Sweden and are in the progress of changing all shocks on my '88 Volvo 760 GLE. Last weekend we spent a whole night trying to get the shock out of the strut itself (i believe it's called a cartridge type shock) and the d**n thing was so rusted of all salt they put on roads in wintertime here so we had to beat, grind, torch that sucker before it finally came off :/

[PirloXXX]

nice video. congrats

[oxygemz]

I have a 2006 LANCER ES, and when run over 90mph my front tire in the driver side it makes a bit noise.. sounds like the tires hitting the shock, because I change my tires into 17inc. sorry about my english hope you'll understand, so you can reply me and explain what's going on to my car..

[scottykilmer]

Yes, when you put larger tires on a vehicle, the clearance often is too small and you'll get some rubbing. You'll have to figure out if it's side to side rubbing, or up and down rubbing. If it's side to side, you'll just have to go back to a smaller tire. If it's up and down rubbing, you could raise the vehicle up higher with air shocks or higher suspension springs. Scotty Kilmer

[westboy601]

Not necessarily all vehicles rub if you put bigger tires on it. An example, something like a lancer shouldn't have rims bigger than 18 inches, i seen lancers come stock with 17 inch tires so its not rubbing, its something else thats wrong.

[siver1080]

funny how the civic has double wishbone in front.. not macpherson strut but anyhow.. good tips!

[nissanshift20]

couldent be the wheel bearing also -.-

[scottykilmer]

If it was the wheel bearing, then it would have play at EVERY angle of the entire circle of the wheel. So that's pretty easy to check also. Scotty Kilmer

[hyoung888888]

Great lesson. No mechanic would teach a customer that.

[Davaith]

Yeah This is why he is the best!

[shehabc]

thx you v m

[Leon112006]

Good video, I was charged £25 (scotland) for wheel alignment, my car was pulling to the left. it still is. i went back 2 times complaining they said it could be a suspention problem or other component.

[011180russell]

It could be a steering alignment.