Suspension - what and when to replace? Where to buy?
#1
Suspension - what and when to replace? Where to buy?
What dies and when? We live in an area where there is an ongoing road construction project with a completion date of something like 2018. The roads are so bad the town should give a property tax waiver for vehicles to all residents within a few zip codes to offset the additional cost of suspension maintenance due to pot holes and rough roads. (end rant)
That being said, we have a 2012 Escape XLT AWD with roughly 53k miles on it. I can already feel something in the front-left as I back out of the driveway. Tires are worn about 50% so it could be balance (which I will check soon) but I can also feel a slight vibration or shimmy at about 65-70mph on the highway.
Everything seems fairly tight still but I can tell things (ball joints especially) are about to start to go. What should I be on the lookout for and when I go to replace these things where is best to purchase parts from?
I'm a bit OCD about putting non-OEM parts into cars so I'd only use a non-Ford part if it is considered OEM or better quality. For example, I would buy a non-Ford brand name shock or bearing only if I knew that the manufacturer also made that same part with a Ford sticker on it... OR, I would buy parts from manufacturers that are generally considered better, last longer, more reliable, etc. Are there people who sell dealership parts at less than dealer prices? Are dealership parts considered the best route?
I come from a BMW world where there are many online and paid/for-purchase resources to access the Elektronikteilkatalog (BMW factory service manuals, exploded diagrams with part numbers, electrical schematics, etc. it's like a Haynes manual on steroids.) Are there resources like that available to consumers for the Ford Escape so I can call up a dealer or 3rd party distributor and provide part numbers and quantities?
That being said, we have a 2012 Escape XLT AWD with roughly 53k miles on it. I can already feel something in the front-left as I back out of the driveway. Tires are worn about 50% so it could be balance (which I will check soon) but I can also feel a slight vibration or shimmy at about 65-70mph on the highway.
Everything seems fairly tight still but I can tell things (ball joints especially) are about to start to go. What should I be on the lookout for and when I go to replace these things where is best to purchase parts from?
I'm a bit OCD about putting non-OEM parts into cars so I'd only use a non-Ford part if it is considered OEM or better quality. For example, I would buy a non-Ford brand name shock or bearing only if I knew that the manufacturer also made that same part with a Ford sticker on it... OR, I would buy parts from manufacturers that are generally considered better, last longer, more reliable, etc. Are there people who sell dealership parts at less than dealer prices? Are dealership parts considered the best route?
I come from a BMW world where there are many online and paid/for-purchase resources to access the Elektronikteilkatalog (BMW factory service manuals, exploded diagrams with part numbers, electrical schematics, etc. it's like a Haynes manual on steroids.) Are there resources like that available to consumers for the Ford Escape so I can call up a dealer or 3rd party distributor and provide part numbers and quantities?
#2
Could be alignment issues as well. Most suspension components (ie. shocks and struts) should last around 70-80k miles. Check for worn shocks and struts by pushing down on a corner of the car. The vehicle should bounce once or twice and stabilize. Anything more than that means those components are worn out. Also, if your car wallows through turns or is excessively bouncy after a large bump it could indicate your shocks and struts are worn.
I also try to use OEM parts where possible but have had good experience with both KYB and Monroe components. RockAuto.com has never let me down for sourcing parts.
As for ball joints and other components I recommend taking your car to a good, trusted, mechanic to have those checked out.
I also try to use OEM parts where possible but have had good experience with both KYB and Monroe components. RockAuto.com has never let me down for sourcing parts.
As for ball joints and other components I recommend taking your car to a good, trusted, mechanic to have those checked out.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
sea2seajt
Brakes, Steering, Suspension, Tires, & Wheels
6
06-14-2013 06:03 AM
cyborghunter
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
6
01-09-2012 01:53 PM
Charlie57
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
8
11-30-2011 08:56 PM
conradcliff
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
35
09-19-2009 09:13 PM