Hi All,

Just picked up a 2001 Camaro with a V6. Got some miles on her (150,000) but shes clean and straight. What should I expect to pay to get the shocks/struts changed (it seems to bottom out and "thunk" going over speed bumps). Also when she first starts up its a little rough. What should I be looking for ? I am going to spend this weekend getting it fixed. Any suggestions ? I have to replace the drivers window motor but I found the FAQ for that.

BTW its my wife's car and I dont want to leave her stranded on the side of the road so any advice will be appreciated.

Cheers,

dk-

 

Welcome!

As for an Extimate on Suspension replacement, I've seen them between $350 - 600. Depending on what it consists of.

Any CEL (Check Engine Light) Codes?

She would probably like a Tune-up, considering the mileage, if it hasn't been done by a previous owner.

 

Welcome to the world of a project car! haha my buddy told me before i bought my car that id really need to love it because id put a lot of work into it.... he was right haha

 

Congrats on the car.

 

Thanks for the replies. It shows no codes or lights also ran my sons scanner on it. Changed the serpentine belt, new oil change (Just in case looked good but you never know),a new K & N Air Filter (old paper filter had some sand in it), Rotated and balanced the tires (Good rubber on the car already) Its running pretty good although she’s grumpy when it’s cold (sounds like a exhaust manifold leak but goes away in about 10 seconds). Had the schools auto shop Professor take a look at the front struts he said the right front is leaking. Got an estimate for the fronts of $850.00 (I should be able to get it done cheaper). The question I have now is what kind of struts do I really need. A good ride and handling are important for my wife. There are a truckload of struts out there and I don’t know where to start.

Any Thoughts ?

Cheers,

Dk-

 

as long as your not racing or taking turns at 45mph .... i would just go with the ones from autozone lifetime warranty on them so next time they go bad pull em off take em down there and you get a new set for free =P and other posts have had good response though i cant think of the name of the brand at this moment

 

Holy Cow !!!!


My wife and I grew up there. Went to basic and vo-tech. Had a bad a$$ 74 RS primer black with red fattie racing stripes (they call that murdered now. I called it poor then) till I ripped out the pan on the damn RR Tracks on gibson racing against my buddys 74 long nose stang (I still won).

Cheers,

dk-

 

Since you're not racing or anything and she needs a safe ride go with a set of Monroe shocks and struts. I replaced mine and absolutely love how my car handles. It's like it just drove off the showroom floor and it has almost 140,000 miles on it.

The rear shocks are pretty stright forward to replace. Just a bolt off/bolt on sorta deal. The only downside is you gotta pull the carpet up a bit to get to the top bolts of the shocks. Shocks run about 15 bucks a piece for camaros if i remember correctly

Struts are a pain, but with the right tools they're doable without a lift. If tools or knowledge are limited just have someone you trust install them. I payed roughly 120 bucks for my struts. If you want to tackle the job, just let me know and ill write out a detailed procedure.

Another good idea is to replace the sway bar endlinks (very cheap). this will cut down on road noise when you hit bumps. You will need an alignment after the struts are replaced.

 

Thanks KawasakiJ14,

I think I can tackle the rears but I will take it to a shop to do the front. On the sway bar endlinks what do you suggest.

Cheers,

dk-