Name : Steven Shearouse Location : Clermont, FL Joined : 2012-02-07Post Count : 1 Merit : 0
Subject: Hello all.... Tue Feb 07, 2012 10:26 am
I rescently needed a new daily driver (my F250 was eating my lunch @ 70 miles per day comute) and was lucky enough to find a 1997 Riviera. It was garage kept, 56,221 miles from an old retired dentist. So far it has been excellent. I did loose the tension pulley (bearing siezed) on the accessory belt and had to hbble home and start getting educated. My next issue is suspension... it really bounces a little too much and 'squeeks' at front both sides when going over a spped bump or dip in the road... I am assuming the struts are gone and I have one leaking rear shock. I will post some pictures soon. Looking forward to harvesting the knowledge you have here and adding some as I learn (usually the hard way).
AA Administrator
Name : Aaron Age : 47 Location : C-bus, Ohio Joined : 2007-01-13Post Count : 18452 Merit : 252
Subject: Re: Hello all.... Tue Feb 07, 2012 11:12 am
Nice find, and welcome! The pulley is a common problem most of us have to deal with eventually. Suspension isn't too bad to fix on these cars. Check the write-ups and FAQ. I bet you'll be able to fix all 4 wheels for less than $500 if you DIY.
'70 Ninety-Eight Holiday Coupe 455cid • 116k miles ^^^ SOLD ^^^
gmann3001 Fanatic
Name : Glenn W. Peck Age : 50 Location : Orland Park, IL. Joined : 2011-11-16Post Count : 389 Merit : 9
Subject: Re: Hello all.... Tue Feb 07, 2012 7:43 pm
I agree with Aaron, check out RockAuto.com they have a discount code here if you search the topics oh yeah Welcome !
DEMonte1997 Aficionado
Name : Rick Age : 46 Location : CT Joined : 2009-03-03Post Count : 1429 Merit : 37
Subject: Re: Hello all.... Tue Feb 07, 2012 9:36 pm
I saw Delco struts on rockauto for a darn good price. The mount kits were a little pricey but livable.
Welcome!
Hometown Hero Junkie
Name : Klix Age : 46 Location : Barrhead, Alberta Canada Joined : 2009-11-18Post Count : 807 Merit : 16
Subject: Re: Hello all.... Tue Feb 07, 2012 9:52 pm
Welcome aboard Steven! Great choice for a replacement commuter vehicle. If its a highway commute you should save a bundle at the pumps. Enjoy the forum.
rk0ehn Enthusiast
Name : Christian Rolf Köhn Age : 35 Location : CD Juarez, MX Joined : 2011-08-11Post Count : 148 Merit : 14
Subject: Re: Hello all.... Tue Feb 07, 2012 11:12 pm
ybnrml wrote:
it really bounces a little too much and 'squeeks' at front both sides when going over a spped bump or dip in the road...
Hello and Welcome!
I think that the 'squeeks' that you hear are from the Control Arm bushing being worn out if not already loose; I'm telling you this because I have the same problem with mine and yes if it bounces too much like 2 bounces when going through a bump then your shocks are already out. you might want to take a look underneath the car and watch for those bushings. Also take a look at the tire's thread if they are a lil bit worn out from the outside only, it's definitely your control arm bushing and shocks. What I'll do is get the whole control arm and replace it, both of them, because they already come with new bushings AND a new ball joint besides the ball joint is "attached" to the control arm itself so everything for 60 dlls each at RockAuto.com will be fine for me, and you avoid the hassle of taking it to a shop so they can compress the new bushings in if you decide to buy the bushings separately.
You got yourself a very nice car and low miles keep it in good shape and you would want keep it forever
ghpcnm Aficionado
Name : Dave Age : 72 Location : FLORIDA / The Stand Your Ground State Joined : 2011-02-21Post Count : 2044 Merit : 23
Subject: Re: Hello all.... Tue Feb 07, 2012 11:14 pm
Welcome...you're in for a fine ride !!!
albertj Master
Name : Location : Finger Lakes of New York State Joined : 2007-05-31Post Count : 8687 Merit : 181
Subject: Re: Hello all.... Wed Feb 08, 2012 1:33 am
ybnrml wrote:
I rescently needed a new daily driver (my F250 was eating my lunch @ 70 miles per day comute) and was lucky enough to find a 1997 Riviera. It was garage kept, 56,221 miles from an old retired dentist. So far it has been excellent. I did loose the tension pulley (bearing siezed) on the accessory belt and had to hbble home and start getting educated. My next issue is suspension... it really bounces a little too much and 'squeeks' at front both sides when going over a spped bump or dip in the road... I am assuming the struts are gone and I have one leaking rear shock. I will post some pictures soon. Looking forward to harvesting the knowledge you have here and adding some as I learn (usually the hard way).
leaking rear shock = replace them both. Delcos, or Monroe MaxAir MA822's. Summit Racing has KYB air shocks.
front too bouncy? the stock front struts are way too soft, IMHO anything will be an improvement. My favorite for ride is the Gabriel strut (I have run new OEMs, Monroes, now running KYBs). The KYBs are a very good ride but not as firm as I'd like - that said they have a long, long service life.
robotennis61 Guru
Name : robotennis Age : 63 Location : las vegas Joined : 2007-12-17Post Count : 5562 Merit : 143
Subject: Re: Hello all.... Wed Feb 08, 2012 1:37 am
flyineagle96 Junkie
Name : James E Age : 55 Location : Dalton,Mass Joined : 2009-12-21Post Count : 915 Merit : 23
Subject: Re: Hello all.... Wed Feb 08, 2012 9:37 am
robotennis61 wrote:
what is that?
robotennis61 Guru
Name : robotennis Age : 63 Location : las vegas Joined : 2007-12-17Post Count : 5562 Merit : 143
Subject: Re: Hello all.... Wed Feb 08, 2012 10:47 am
haha! that'sAndrew Dce Clay & Rob Englund( Freddy Kruger) in "Ford Fairlane" lol best movie of all time!ZooZoo petals,fuhgehtabouhtit!
besides the ball joint is "attached" to the control arm itself so everything for 60 dlls each at RockAuto.com will be fine for me, and you avoid the hassle of taking it to a shop so they can compress the new bushings in if you decide to buy the bushings separately.
keep it in good shape and you would want keep it forever 
