1997 Buick Park Avenue After market shocks.

1997 BUICK PARK AVENUE
13,800 MILES • 6 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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HALFPAC5
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I have poted prior about my rear end of my Park Avenue as becomming very stiff and uncomfortable. Through trying all different types of air shocks, replacing the compressor and sensors, I have searched online for aftermarket conventional shocks. I came across www.strutmasters.com and ordered them for my car. I am just wondering if the authors of this site have heard of or have any experience working with these shocks. The ride is no good still. I am just wondering if replacing the springs would help? the ride dosent bob and bounce at all, just very stiff, and read and talked to guys at Midas about how the spring is meant to give some give to the bumps in the road.
May 2, 2009 at 2:31 AM
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MMPRINCE4000
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There are many things you could do. Try softer springs or struts with a softer rate.

Springs generally do not get stiffer with age, they generally get softer.

If you want the original ride back, get GM struts and springs. Also have the suspension components inspected, i.e. control arms, bushings.

If equipped with air ride, you may have a stuck valve or solenoid causing the bags to overinflate.

Have dealer of trusted garage check for "B" body or "C" chassis codes in the ride control computer
May 2, 2009 at 7:43 AM
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HALFPAC5
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Alright, thank you for your response! I have conventional shocks on the park avenue, and i have noticed, the first time i push down on the back end of the car, it bounces nice, but then after it comes back up, it becomes very stiff and unable to bounce. What causes this with shocks?
May 3, 2009 at 11:16 PM
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MMPRINCE4000
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Either the shocks or air bags. Some performance shocks have a progressive rate, it which case they would firm up after use.
Some shocks are adjustable for firm/soft ride.

I would still have the air ride checked.
May 4, 2009 at 6:08 AM