Will new struts all around help?

[FeistyFesti]

My Festiva is fun to drive on city streets but on the freeways above 55 mph it feels so unstable and somewhat squirrelly. Would brand new struts all around help it feel more stable? The tires are brand new in front and about 70 % in rear. Front lca's are ok, but driver's side lca bushings and sway bar bushings could use replacing.

[Safety Guy]

How old do the struts look? Are they leaking? When you bounce each corner of the car does it bounce more than once?

I'd say your bushings are likely more to blame unless you really need struts. Depending on how much you want to spend, it may be time for an Aspire suspension swap, possibly using some Rio parts too. A mix a used and new, depending on what you can get and afford.

If money is tight, start with some new blue Moog bushings first. You'll need two pair to do both sides. That might be enough.

If not, see about getting a good deal on some 2001 or 2002 Kia Rio front struts. People are often parting these out after they neglect to change their timing belts. When the belt breaks, the top of the engine eats itself up and Rio engines are in demand, so kinda expensive. You may be able to get a deal on struts. See the custom suspension section for Rio parts info.

Essentially, you'll get Rio struts and strut mounts, take them apart, and use either cut Rio or Aspire springs to get the height to match what you need. You could do this without using Aspire hubs, too. Just swap front struts.

Karl

[FeistyFesti]

Thanks Karl, great answer. I know the struts are pretty worn and old, not leaking but definitely could use firmer struts. I've got some nice bushings, just need to find time to replace them.

[Team Lightning]

My Rio struts were 35 each at the JY complete inc springs and mounts

[Safety Guy]

Also remember the Rio strut mounts have real bearings in them, which may really improve your steering if your old flat plastic washers (Festiva/Aspire) have worn out.

The stiffer cut springs will handle better.

If the struts are in good shape that will match the stiffer springs.

With new stabilizer bar bushings, you can't lose!

Karl

[zoom zoom]

I've recently removed my rear struts and when I push them down they don't go back up, at all. The fronts were about the same. Springs weren't sagging so I assume they are fine but arty said the struts need to fully extend after you push them down by hand or they need replaced. If the ride is really bouncy id say that's a likely candidate for worn struts. If the car sags its springs.

[FestYboy]

a proper alignment will help with straight line stability as well... you'll typicaly notice bad struts when in sharp highspeed turns (feels like your riding a wave, and the car doesn't want to take a set)

[windy1]

do i need struts

i bought a 91 festy,a year ago. same problem,as yours. i replaced a arms/ball joints/tierods/ sway bar bushings/strut rod bushings/all new wheel bearings,on all 4 wheels ,then i did all 4 struts. [monroes,sensetrac] then i got it realigned,and put 4 new 155,r 12 tires on. 1200.00$ in parts. if u,love your festy,and plan on keeping it, replace entire suspension. itll drive beautifully. sounds like u,need to do the same.

[TominMO]

If you do go with new struts and have skinny rear tires, go with the KYB GR2s all around.

[stonemaster]

mine did exactly what urs did I replaced LCA'a, bushings and ball joints, problem solved

[denguy]

Might as well check your motor mounts too. And your steering rack.