alignment problems??? Possibly struts

[TSI4Life]

Ok so I know im a complete knewb for asking this, but I want some expert opinions. When im driving and take moderate to severe bumps/cracks/holes in the road my talon likes to jump from right to left on the back end. To much camber to one side? When I drive on smooth pavment there is no pull or lean or drag. Iv neglected this problem for a while now only making it worse. Anyways, should I do a four wheel alignment and see where that puts me or go ahead and replace all four struts at the same time because they like to knock every bump I hit. By the way, this all stock suspension with stock steelies.

 

[DSM1G90]

Before you go crazy on spending the dough for struts, do the simple bounce test: Go to a corner of the fender and push down on that side of the car. The corner goes down, then comes up and stops immediately, that strut is good. But if you push down that corner with the corner going down, then comes up and then keeps bouncing, then you know that strut is a goner.

Also, you could have bad lower control arms and that's gonna be a pricey task..

-DSM

 

[TSI4Life]

hmm, never thought of that, thanks! I know its not either of the control arms because they both have been replaced along with both drive axles.

 

[talon_swift7834]

I would really check the struts before you decide to spend the money on all new shocks/struts. I would also double check the ball-joints....one might have prematurely failed.

 

[Deschamps]

There is alot of things to factor in with an alignment issue. Look and your springs, struts, ball joints, any bushings, tie rod ends even check for any bent suspension componants , it dosent take much to throw out an alignment.

 

[TSI4Life]

did the bounce test... n it wasnt pretty. All four struts are goners. The back bounces almost endlessly, the front not so bad but still bounces. Also, put it up on the rack checked the ball joints, tie rods, wishbones, and bushings. All appears to be fine so im gonna go ahead and replace the struts then have it aligned. Also, any suggestions on what type of struts to go with? OEM? Any input would be helpful, thank you.