corvette06

Hi All, I have a 1997 ES 300 with 190,000 miles. Car runs great.
I have noticed with passengers in the rear seat that the car will bottom out on speed bumps if I do not take them slowly.
I had the rear struts, strut mounts, and knuckles replaced in 2010 at 132,000 miles.
I do know that my rear sway bar links and bushings are in need of replacement.
Can the need to replace the sway bar links and bushings be the cause of the bottoming out or should I look for another cause.
Thanks to all for your help.
Mark

Oro

Yep, that is not how it works.

Your springs control the ride height and support the weight of the vehicle. The shock absorbers ("strut cartridge) dampen the spring action for a smoother ride. If the car is sagging, the component to look at is the springs. The springs in these are known to be fairly soft. Ours in an 02 were pretty shot by 200k, even with moderate use (light loads, good roads). Moog makes an affordable aftermarket replacement for your year, I think the p/n is cc273. Take the struts out and replace the coils with the Moog units. You can replace the sway bar end links at the same time (and exam the sway bar bushings as well before you order the parts).

PFB

You may have a broken rear spring, or possibly even both. It's the rear springs. That usually break first.

Patk the car car on a level ground and check its stance. Best however is to lift the car and look for broken or missing coils. Usually at the bottom of the spring.