$1100 later, tires, alignment and bearing..

[cl206]

Hello to anyone still following. So recently I noticed my two front tires (which are nearing end of life) having some excessive inner wear (both front) so I took it to my local mechanic and they got me 4 new tires and an alignment (both toe was way off!). It also turned out that the grinding rumbling noise that I thought was an exhaust leak was actually the pass rear bearing failure. I think I could have DIYed that but since they got the car and they found the issue I let them do it. $1100 later the car rides quiet and awesome. Believe it or not all the suspension components are still original. I think if this car makes it to 2026 July I will change out all the front end suspension (struts/coilovers, upper and lower ball joints and control arms AND inner and outer tie rods and sway bar links) and for the rear just the struts/coilovers. Hey I noticed that Rockauto has Mevotech. Anyone have an opinion on that? they sell a complete front end kit for around $350 so I might do that. For that struts/coilover thinking KYBs. Any input is greatly appreciated! This 2000 V6 has never let me down and I will drive it to death

 

[CDsDontBurn]

Mevotech is a good middle of the road product. Their pro series, or whatever they call it, is even better.

KYB is great as an OE replacement. That stuff feels identical to OEM ride. They do have their AGX series which allows for a firmer ride, and it is (I have their AGX series stuff).

 

[cl206]

Awesome CDs! Hope you are doing well and glad you still read this lol!
Definitely don't want to spend OEM $ into the car and RA has Mevotech, I think their higher end stuff is called supreme, and yes KYB I have heard are good middle of the road. Never done suspension before and being in NY why not battle some rust. Looking to do this hopefully next summer. Spent too much money already and the shop said while the suspension is worn, it is still "tight" to use his word. But at least the grumbling screaming noise it gone!

So if the car makes it to 2026 summer I am thinking this set:
https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=13065445&cc=1366691&pt=15413&jsn=599

along with fr and rr KYB struts/coilover. I think the car deserves it for making to year 26!

 

[CDsDontBurn]

For the lower ball joints, you will have to remove the knuckles from the car and take them to get pressed out / in at a shop, FYI.

The kit itself seems legit for a front end rebuild and then coupled with the KYB struts , it'll ride nice again.

 

[cl206]

Even though I won't do this until next summer, I've been watching YT and many of them just hammer the old balljoint out. Looks fairly easy and then they use the press from autozone to press the new one in. Gonna do that most likely.

 

[CDsDontBurn]

I had a b!tch of a time getting my ball joints out, so I just took them to a shop after I couldn't get the one out. I paid them $60 for both sides to get done.

It did set me back a good 4hrs though between travel and wait time.

 

[cl206]

yeah I always have the feeling those youtubers make it look easier then they really are lol. but i feel optimistic. with the new bearing and four new tires this car better be around for 4 more years haha.

Will definitely post a before and after pics next July.
dont want to do it now bc it rides ok and just got an alignment and dont want to redo. Thanks for the tips!

also just checked and realized the rears dont have ball joints yeah!