Hi all,

I really hope someone can help me on this question.

Recently bought a '99 Excel (Accent) in Australia, after previously owning an MVi in UK.

Driving this one around, the suspension seems really, really bouncy, almost unsafe at times. I have driven over a short, tall speedbump and the front suspension copes fine, but the rear seems to bounce badly, almost a ripple effect when it hits the bump.

Driving the car, it bounces all over the place on just about any small bump or dip in the road, feels like the suspension is made of rubber....

The Mvi was a solid little thing that handled like it was on rails, like a dream, this is a very different experience. Can anyone suggest what this might be, or if it just a characterisitc of the car I am not aware of? I know the Mvi had different springs and suspension setup to the standard sold Accent, but I have to say this suspension doesn't feel right at all.

Would appreciate any help, thanks a lot!

the most obvious cause of this is worn out shock absorbers, get thease checked out first

As posted above, definitely the place to start.

In Victoria at least - (I think its international) there is a Suspension outlet/chain called Pedders - amoung others. They offer an obligation free suspension check for the godly sum of $14.
Best $14 you will ever spend - if you subsequently engage them to do some further work for you the $14 comes off the price. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/banana.gif)
OR you can do it youself once you know what is recommended.

You will get a written report based on a 'computer' analysis of each corner of your suspension.

You can then make an informed descision based on reasonably factual analysis of your car as opposed to an (albeit informed) guess by someone like me who has not seen your car and can only go by what you tell us.

I have taken advantage of the service on a number of occasions and have always received good advice/recommendations.

Suspension is vital to safety on the road - at such a minor cost why not get the best advice available

But do be sceptical of their 'reports'. The person who owned my excel before me had his tyres replaced and they did a free suspension check which it failed and they said the suspension needed replacing. The next time he went in for something he got them checked again and it passed and they commented that it was good he got it replaced. He hadn't had the suspension touched at all so it failed once then passed.....not reliable at all!
I have driven a tonne of other cars and the excel is softer than most, sounds like yours is worse than normal though. My front and rear suspension is apparently buggered and about to be replaced so mine should feel like your describing but I don't find that much at all. Higher speeds around corners I'm finding less grip and some shaking and bouncing but maybe I'm more used to it than you.
Best of luck but if in doubt take it to a few places to ensure its not just one place trying to rip you off.

yeah, my 95 Excel (Accent) has major suspension issues. The back right seems to stick down, so I'll be walking away from the car and suddenly it pops up.

Depending on quotes, I'm going to change them myself with shokies from Supercheap and a lot of research on these forums/HMAService.com/youtube.
It will also depend on if I need special tools and ramps etc.

I've never done anything like this so it will be a **** of a ride.. and there is risk it will cost me more, but that extra cost is 'tuition on car servicing'

You'll need a jack, axle stands (safety first!), basic ratchet set, and a spring compressor (the only specialty part I think you should need.) I haven't actually looked at the back too closely, but that is the generic situation for most suspensions. The alternative is to buy a pre-assembled spring/strut assembly so you can avoid messing with the spring, but they are much more $$$.

NB: Springs are REALLY DANGEROUS. Know **** well what you are doing before doing it. If in doubt, this may be one of those projects to find someone who knows what they are doing / going to a pro shop to do it.


In addition to struts, you may want to check out other suspension parts, eg bearings to make sure everything is moving well etc. It may not be the strut at all but something that is rusted/seized.