Replacing front/rear suspension -questions

General discussions about the Pontiac Vibe & Toyota Matrix. New members, introduce yourself here!
Post Reply
clearlyjames
Posts: 8
Joined: Thu Dec 08, 2016 1:58 pm

Replacing front/rear suspension -questions

Post by clearlyjames »

05, FWD, 170k miles
Suspension work not been done on this before. Though it's been a couple years since I've helped a friend replace his struts, I'm confident that I'm capable of doing these myself. This stemmed from a recent visit to the local tire place to have alignment done. They said they couldn't align due to lower control arms and struts needing replaced - ~$2200. I laughed. Took it to my regular mechanic, who said other than the dust boots, the struts looked fine.

Fast forward 3 months later, and I'm actually experiencing some rough ride / suspension travel noise. At this point, I'm figuring replace whatever could possibly need placed.

List at this point:
MOOG K80595 Ball Joints
MOOG RK640360 control arm
MOOG RK640361 control arm
KYB SR4118 strut assembly
KYB SR4117 strut assembly

Through rock auto, this ends up being ~$410 with shipping.

Anything else I should consider? I want to do the rear struts as well - doesn't look like there is a strut assembly for those, so I'll have to fight with that. Anything else I would need for the rears?

thanks in advance
User avatar
vibrologist
Posts: 1598
Joined: Sat May 10, 2014 8:24 am
Location: Iowa

Re: Replacing front/rear suspension -questions

Post by vibrologist »

Sway bar links.

And have a look at the tie rod ends.
Vibrologist
'05 Vibe

"It is important to know the difference between 'accurate' and 'precise' even if you are neither!"

viewtopic.php?f=30&t=43476
ehoff121
Posts: 756
Joined: Mon Feb 26, 2007 12:19 am
Location: Conn.

Re: Replacing front/rear suspension -questions

Post by ehoff121 »

MOOG makes a front end kit that includes the tie rod ends, control arms, and ball joints- FWD: KIT510, AWD: KIT511

It does not include the stabilizer bars or bushings, sold spearately.
2005 Pontiac Vibe AWD - Platinum
clearlyjames
Posts: 8
Joined: Thu Dec 08, 2016 1:58 pm

Re: Replacing front/rear suspension -questions

Post by clearlyjames »

ehoff121 wrote:MOOG makes a front end kit that includes the tie rod ends, control arms, and ball joints- FWD: KIT510, AWD: KIT511

It does not include the stabilizer bars or bushings, sold spearately.
Which bushings are you referring to? The control arms in the kit look to have bushings. Wasn't aware there was a kit - looks like that saves $10 buying it together.
ehoff121
Posts: 756
Joined: Mon Feb 26, 2007 12:19 am
Location: Conn.

Re: Replacing front/rear suspension -questions

Post by ehoff121 »

clearlyjames wrote:Which bushings are you referring to? The control arms in the kit look to have bushings. Wasn't aware there was a kit - looks like that saves $10 buying it together.
The stabilizer bar has a rubber bushing, not sold with the bar. Neither are included in the kit. Those would be the only other parts in the front suspension not already mentioned on your replacement list.
2005 Pontiac Vibe AWD - Platinum
clearlyjames
Posts: 8
Joined: Thu Dec 08, 2016 1:58 pm

Re: Replacing front/rear suspension -questions

Post by clearlyjames »

Any suggestions for the rears? Current plan is to use the KYB quick struts on the front, monroe quicks for the rear. For the price difference of the individual parts, doesn't seem worth it to fight with spring compression vs buying the quick strut.

Any other parts on rear to get while I'm at it?
Cookie
Posts: 12
Joined: Tue Oct 29, 2019 7:20 pm

Re: Replacing front/rear suspension -questions

Post by Cookie »

How did the job go? Did you like the KYBs?
07' Pontiac Vibe Salsa Red
SSizler
Posts: 144
Joined: Tue Jan 21, 2020 7:06 pm
Location: Urbandale, Iowa

Re: Replacing front/rear suspension -questions

Post by SSizler »

Last year I installed replacement quick struts, KYB fronts and Monroe rears.
I am happy with the struts.
Job was straight forward.
Definitely need the sway bar links if you have any rust at all.
I had to cut my old links off the lower control arms..
2003 Vibe Base / Frosty Mono / Moon & Tunes / Auto / 206k mi / Total Loss 1-23
2006 Vibe AWD / Lava Mono / Loaded w/Leather and Sport Pkg / 150k mi
Many other 2 & 4 wheel toys :mrgreen:
40 years with a wonderful woman / 2 adult kids
Post Reply