Suspension seems to have no travel when hitting potholes or bumps

[Turnipseed]

My 2005 Mustang GT seems to have no travel when hitting bumps or potholes. When I hit a small pothole or small bumps in the road, all I get is a jarring jolt as if the suspension is bottomed out. It this a sign that I need to replace the struts and springs? I do the old test for shock absorbers being worn out of pushing down on the fender and I get a little travel and there is no 'bounce'. I bought the vehicle last September and it has about 114,000 miles and I have no idea whether the original suspension parts are still on the vehicle. I was also told by the previous owner that it is because of the aftermarket bushings on the sway bars. Thanks for any replies.

 

[AHaze]

I can't see that being caused by poly sway bar bushings. Any chance the car was lowered and still has the stock shocks/struts and bump stops?

 

[JC SSP]

Put the car up on a lift and do a suspension check.

 

[moooosestang]

Simply look under the car and see how far the axle sits from the frame in the rear. i'd bet good money the stock bump stops are completely gone in the rear and the metal axle is hitting the metal frame. post a side shot of the car, i bet it's lowered quite a bit.

 

[eighty6gt]

I talked to vorschlag about this, guy said to buy a BMW. These cars ride rough, they're cheap!

 

[yote0]

My 2005 Mustang GT seems to have no travel when hitting bumps or potholes. When I hit a small pothole or small bumps in the road, all I get is a jarring jolt as if the suspension is bottomed out.

No travel? You have too much travel. You likely need new struts, strut mounts, shocks, and bump stops. Whatever springs you have now should be fine. The sway bar bushings have nothing to do with this issue.

 

[Ret]

I saw this entry and I'm experiencing the same problem on my 2012 Mustang GT. On the highway no problem but when I go down a bumpy country road it sounds as if the spare tire is bouncing around. I already, have an appointment to have it put up on a hoist and see if anything obvious shows. I'll gladly take suggestions for things to look for. I have checked the spare, it's solid.

 

[psycho bob]

I just replaced the rear upper control arm. The axle side bushing was trash. Even tiny bumps it would be banging around. When I drilled out the rubber it was so dry rotted it turned to powder.

 

[MrBhp]

I talked to vorschlag about this, guy said to buy a BMW. These cars ride rough, they're cheap!

Terry is a worthless p.o.s.

 

[DieHarder]

I just replaced the rear upper control arm. The axle side bushing was trash. Even tiny bumps it would be banging around. When I drilled out the rubber it was so dry rotted it turned to powder.

View attachment 95158

I replaced that w/a prothane kit. No issues since.

 

[lwarrior1016]

I replaced that w/a prothane kit. No issues since.

I just replaced the rear upper control arm. The axle side bushing was trash. Even tiny bumps it would be banging around. When I drilled out the rubber it was so dry rotted it turned to powder.

View attachment 95158

Did you guys just change the bushing or did you change the upper arm as well?

This is the last piece of suspension that I need to change on my 07. Been chasing bumping and banging ever since I got the car, it’s better now, but still kind of there.

 

[DieHarder]

I changed out both. The diff has a rubber bushing on the top of it that should be changed out if it's trashed (replace the rubber only; keep the shell). Otherwise, you can get away with just changing out the UCA if you want (I went w/J&M due to how it articulates freely - cost, around $100 - $130). There are lots of manufacturers out there to choose from.

If you still have a two-piece driveshaft might also be time to replace the rubber carrier support bearing with this:

Ford S197 Mustang Driveshaft Center Support Bearing Carrier Upgrade — JXB Performance

Performance driveshaft carrier upgrade keeps your driveshaft perfectly aligned, reduces drivetrain slop, and doesn't sag or crack over time. 2-piece design doesn't require removal of the driveshaft and installs easily without any special tools.

www.jxbperformance.com

I ordered one but it hasn't arrived yet.

 

[lwarrior1016]

I changed out both. The diff has a rubber bushing on the top of it that should be changed out if it's trashed (replace the rubber only; keep the shell). Otherwise, you can get away with just changing out the UCA if you want (I went w/J&M due to how it articulates freely - cost, around $100 - $130). There are lots of manufacturers out there to choose from.

If you still have a two-piece driveshaft might also be time to replace the rubber carrier support bearing with this:

Ford S197 Mustang Driveshaft Center Support Bearing Carrier Upgrade — JXB Performance

Performance driveshaft carrier upgrade keeps your driveshaft perfectly aligned, reduces drivetrain slop, and doesn't sag or crack over time. 2-piece design doesn't require removal of the driveshaft and installs easily without any special tools.

www.jxbperformance.com

I ordered one but it hasn't arrived yet.

I like that carrier bearing. Why would you do this over a one piece driveshaft?

 

[DieHarder]

I like that carrier bearing. Why would you do this over a one piece driveshaft?

The driveshaft itself is okay and I'm only using it on the street. That said, less than 1/3 the cost of a new driveshaft (not to mention labor/hassle unless you do it yourself). I'm at retirement age and in my situation so much easier not to have to fight with all of the components necessary to change out a driveshaft vs a two-piece carrier bearing that doesn't require me to remove the driveshaft - I'll take it.

 

[psycho bob]

Did you guys just change the bushing or did you change the upper arm as well?

This is the last piece of suspension that I need to change on my 07. Been chasing bumping and banging ever since I got the car, it’s better now, but still kind of there.

I did both, but also already had the adjustable uca and new bracket. The bushing in the stock 150k mile uca were actually still good. I just used a rubber replacement so I removed the entire bushing and metal housing and replaced it.

 

[86GT351]

When replacing everything that you have replaced, have you verified proper torque/tightening sequence? With components that move by going up and down, if they are over tightened they can't move freely. That can possibly cause an issue for you a well.