rodan

I HAVE A 1998 MALIBU LS AND MY GIRLFRIEND HAS A 2001 GA SE AND HER RIDE IS MUCH SMOOTHER THAN MINE. FOR EXAMPLE MY DRIVEWAY IS COVERED WITH ROCKS LIKE FROM A TRAIN TRACK AND I'LL GO OVER IT IN MY MALI. AND FILL EACH ROCK AND ITS MAKES MY STRUT ASSEMBLY MAKE A RATTLE LIKE SOUND AS IF ITS LOOSE BUT IT'S NOT. BUT IN HER GA THE ROCK ARE UN NOTICEALE AND THE SOUND IS SOLID. THE SAME WITH SPEED BUMPS IT SOUND LIKE THE ASSEMBLY MAKE MY MALI. SLAM HARD OVER THE BUMP BUT WITH HERS ITS EASY GOING. MY QUESTION IS CAN I SWITCH WITH THE LATE MODEL GA AND GET THE SAME RESULTS AS HERS? Why does Grand Am suspension seem softer and quieter than our Malibu's.


Sorry about the caps lock

DoctorSpeed.com

It's probably because your car is three years older than hers. You are correct that the suspension is very similar, but yours has three more years of wear and tear on it. Springs and struts wear out and ride quality deteriorates over time.

DaYtOnAt2

Struts and mounts are the same all around but the springs are different rates between the two cars. The malibu has more of a GA GT susp. you're comparing an SE model where the thing is meant more for granny going to the store driving. Check the torque on the upper strut mount mounting nuts and bolt. Revised torque spec on these is now 34ft/lbs. and can cause some really weird noises/ clunking if not properly set. (use a torque wrench, too much is not better). good luck