bumpy ride

[Amopower]

My 1993 lesabre seems to not be handling bumps in the road too well anymore. It's hard to describe, but the best I can say is that when i hit a bump, it seems like the effects are longer than usual - I will still feel the effects of that bump, even seconds after hitting it - almost like I have no shock absorbers. They seem to be OK, as well as the sway bar links. Anything else to check? As far as the absorbers go - i did the basic "push the car down" and see how many cycles it makes before settling back to normal/stopping. Seemed like 2-3 up and down cycles and it was back to normal. (stopped).

[Airjer_]

Sounds like you need front struts!

How much air do you have in the tires?

[MagicRat]

Originally Posted by Amopower

Seemed like 2-3 up and down cycles and it was back to normal. (stopped).

Airjer's right.... this is how badly-worn struts behave.

When you get new struts, make sure they are matched to the original suspension package. That is, if your car has a firmer suspension option, for better handling, make sure you get the struts matched to this option... or else the new struts may be too bouncy, too.

Likewise, if you have the standard (soft) suspension, get the matching struts, not ones that are too firm.

[Amopower]

I just tested all the shocks again and it seems the front ones are ok, car stops after like 1.5 cycles, but the rear, it seems like i can realy get the car bouncing up and down quite easily, and i'd say it stops after 2-3 cycles of bouncig. guess the rears need replaced

[Jrs3800]

You will most likely need to replace all of the struts...

Look for Monroe Matic Plus or Monroe Sensatrac

I would do all 4 at the same time as you will have to have a 4 wheel alignment

[MagicRat]

I would agree. I have had some miserable front struts that initially seem to do well on the bounce test.
Do them all.

[big white bufflo]

you could have a broken sway bar link check those to turn your wheel all the way to one side you can see them look on the back side of the fender well

[jonegar]

I just replaced the shocks/struts on our 01 Lesabre with Sensatracs. I'm still not real happy with the ride. The new struts did help but I'm still getting a "vibration" that I can't quite tell where it's coming from. Tires are less than two weeks old as well. Puzzled...

[ChemMan]

I replaced all four struts and springs on my Buick about a year ago for the same problem. I found that the rear ones had lost their rebound, and I could move them to any position and they would stay in that same spot! The car handles and rides much better now. I also put progressive springs in the back. They really help when you load the car up with a lot of weight.

[CAMFLIGHTRN]

I have a similar ride sensation with my 93 Lesabre Limited. It has "Dynaride" on the dash. Does this have any significance that needs to be looked into or do I have to replace all four struts/shocks too?

[Jrs3800]

Dynaride is a very cushy Buick suspension, like riding on a cloud.. New struts will help, but the car will still have a very soft ride.. Chances are it being a 93, its due for new struts if they have never been replaced..