[robb257731]

I'm new to Cadillacs...my first car was a 1977 Volvo, which was like a tank with a really solid feel to the ride.

I've had my 1992 Brougham D'Elegance since September 2008, and drive it mainly on weekends...love the smooth ride and 'floaty' feel. My question to seasoned Cadillac owners is this....how soft is too soft when it comes to ride? The car drives like it's on a cloud, however sometimes the thing really bobs up and down (albeit gently) if I take it over a slight bump or change in pavement surface. If I lean on the front end and let go, there is a slight rebound...should it be stiff?

 

[jey]

It shouldn't be stiff (the soft springs is what gives you smooth ride) but it shouldn't bob up and down either. The struts' job is to prevent that and it's likely that they are old. Unless you are getting excessive bob they're probably not completely blown, but it's unlikely they are performing as they did when they are new - some new struts should really clean up the ride.

Another good test is to take it over a speed bump. I was always told if it bobs up and down more than three times it's definitely time for new struts...

 

[96Fleetwood]

Front shocks are super cheap for these cars, under $40 for the pair of Monroes.

www.rockauto.com

 

[sven914]

One test that any good technician would preform is a bounce test.

Put your knee on the bumper an lean on it until the car wont go down any further. Quickly get off the bumper and count how many times the body bounces. It should go up and down ONCE and then slowly return to its position. If it continues to bounce then the shocks/springs are bad and should be replaced. Do this to both the front and rear shocks.