My car sags on one side only, looks like it was drop on one side, what is the cause?

Question

99 civic original OEM suspension. 95K miles. Not really quite a car expert, but whats the difference between shock or strut. What type of suspension do I have, and what is a good suspension brand, that is not too expensive. What is the average cost for labor of struts, coils installed. Live in NJ. Thanks

Answer 1

sounds like support springs are broken. Shocks and struts only dampen the ride they don't support. To replace springs they run around 45 bucks a piece and you HAVE to replace both left and right (Tire wear problems) to install would run around 450 including the springs. Add 15% for Jersey unless you have a good shop to go to. Lighter cars really have sub standard springs in them. I replace them all the time and it is cheaper than a strut job which your vehicle has front and rear.

Answer 2

Definately time to rebuild the vehicle's suspension! Your car has shocks, so that's what you should be looking for. The cause could also be a worn spring coil, so purchasing a new set of those may be in order. Try to AVOID going to the dealership, they will definately take advantage of your lack of knowledge about the suspension system, and take you for your last penny!

I am in the process of rebuilding my suspension after many years of driving around on a lowered car (bad idea). I ordered Tockico Struts and Springs, Tockico being a very reputable company in the suspension industry. They make shocks specifically for your application so you know that they will fit properly and have no issues with ride quality. I plan on changing out the struts myself, as I am used to working on my own car and posess a good supply of tools. I do need to rent a set of spring compressors though to be able to compress the spring to get the strut off safely.

But, If you don't feel comfortable doing this job yourself, I would reccommend taking your car to a reputable car care chain like Meineke or Tires Plus, places that offer a warranty. I remember being quoted $150 a long time ago for labor, which isn't bad for the amount of work to be done.

Either way, Good Luck!

Answer 3

What you have are struts, they differ from the type of mounting position that they have: Shocks are dapeners, but set in an 'empty' location. Struts actually comprise a part of the suspension location maintaing a location of the suspension.

I have seen many Hondas lean on one side. It may be from prior damage or wear from suspension. I would try to eliminate all of the variables by checking tire pressure, alignment, and have the car sitting on level ground.

Best aftermarket upgraded suspension for the money would be ground control coilovers with Kyb, tokico, or blistein non adjustable struts. You can adjust these springs to make the ride appear even and the aftermarket struts will help dampening. A set up like this may cost anywhere from ($200 used - $600 new)

Hope it helps you,
KC

Answer 4

A strut is the whole suspension together, the strut mounts to the spindle. The shock is made inside the strut and the spring is around the spring, then the whole thing mounts to the strut tower. I would say u have stock suspension but some good after market suspension's are Koni, or Tokico,or New speed and lots of others.About the prices I don't know because I always do my own work. I would say u should get your struts changed and it would fix the sag.

Answer 5

Your car has struts in the front and back. If your car is sagging one of the springs is probably broken. You can probably get 4 KYB struts for under $250 and about the same or less for the springs. If you replace the springs you MUST replace the struts as well. If you dont they will blow within a month of changing the springs. If you want aftermarket springs Neuspeed is really good for Hondas or Eibach are also good.

Answer 6

you have strut suspension. and the best place to get your struts changed is a place like sears, or a local garage with a good rep.
the average cost for something like this, is about $65 per strut, and you need 4 of them. add the alignment, and the labor, and your looking at about $400 tops. hope it helps. and if you have any more questions, try www.superhonda.com they people are very knowledgeable.

Answer 7

sounds like something broke your car has struts front and rear that kinda of car has alot of options for suspension so you need to surf the web and call your local auto parts store for more details the cost who knows it may cost 1000$ to 1500$ parts and labor thats what you get for owning a honda civic good luck buddy

Answer 8

You have already answered your question. You need to replace a strut or a shock. That depends on what car you have and what your car has. Take it to the dealer to answer your question.

Answer 9

could be a broken spring, shock, strut, or an axle

Answer 10

Divorce her.