Classic/Antique Car Repair/1996 Cadillac STS

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Expert: - 3/11/2008


Question
"I have a rattle in the back of the car.  The mufflers are secure as well as everything else under the car is nice and tight.  Also, the car seems a bit low and should ride a little higher.  How much money should it be to replace the rear shocks?  Is it a big job? Can you help?  Any idea how much money we are talking?   Thanks"


Answer
Hi Steve:
A rattle do not necessarily mean shocks. The best way to tell if you need shock, is to park the car on level ground, then push the rear up and down several times really hard. When you stop see if the car continue to bounce on it own. If not, you don't need shocks. If it does, the you may need shocks or springs. However, unless you have hit a really big pot hole or have carried a heavy load for a long period in the car, I don't think you would need springs.

Back to the rattle. A rattle would point me in the direction of (of course) something loose. If when you hit a bump or pot hole, it rattles, that could be a broken shock or spring or it could be just a loose quarter panel. Pinpointing the rattle is important to solving the problem.

Rear shocks usually run around $300 to $350.

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Vern Bullock

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Visit my website at: http://www.classytransportation.com/ I can answer most questions about autos built in the 60's 70's and 80's. Specifically, Lincolns, Rolls Royces and the Excaliburs. Mechanical issues and technical questions are my expertise. I also have a general knowledge of most older automobiles. Keep in mind, I can only provide answers if the questions are very specific and complete. Without details, I can only speculate and that's not good for solving your problem.

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I have owned and maintained Silver Shadows for over 10 years now. I find most mechanics and even Rolls Royce mechanics have very little knowledge about these automobiles. I have researched these cars in quite a bit of detail and can pretty much tell you what is wrong, if you can describe the behavior in detail. I have saved quite a few RR owners a lot of money and aggravation due to improper diagnosis. I am the owner of Classy Transportation, LLC a luxury limousine service specializing in antique cars, classic cars, vintage cars and exotic cars.

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All around the Internet

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I hold a BS degree in computer science and a MS degree in mechanical engineering.

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I regularly compete at car shows and average around a dozen awards annually.

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