Harsh front end ride

My car has a very rough/harsh ride over bumps.This is limited to the front end as I am running a fiberglas leaf in the rear.On rough road surface the suspension hits very hard and the car reacts by bouncing all over the road,and produces excessive shaking in the steering column/steering wheel.The front end was already done when I bought the car so my knowledge of what was done is limited,but I do know it has new springs and was redone with all poly bushings.On smooth roads it handles like a dream.Is the poly my culprit,and if so what else could I do without undoing whats already been done.Is there anything else that could be causing this.I notice that my power steering stabilizer(?) is seeping slightly.What is the function of that stabilizer and should I consider replacing it.Any/all suggestions would be appreciated.I have driven alot of muscle/sports cars(not convertibles tho) and am familiar with that ride quality,but this seems excessive,especially the steering wheel shake.

|UPDATED|3/18/2003 7:36:55 PM|/UPDATED|

Harsh ride over uneven road surface is usually caused by the shocks . I cannot be sure from your description of your symptoms . Please explain a little more about how the steering wheel reacts ie does it shimmy or shake back and forth in your hands . I run the poly components and they will not cause your type of problem .

C3's are a bit on the flexible side so to speak ,,,, it is a wise man that chooses suppl suspension components . Give us a bit more info ! I,m not sur about this steering damper you are mentioning ,,,,, perhaps it is the power assist cylinder ?

geo

On the "Smoother Ride?" post you mentioned that your composite spring rode well but it seemed a little bouncy. That also sounds like bad shocks.

Thanks for the replies guys!I'll try to be more descriptive about the steering column/wheel.On uneven/bumpy road surfaces the column/wheel shakes very quickly in my hands.I can physically see it moving back and forth about an inch or so.Not sure if it would be considered a shimmy or a shake,but if you can tell me the difference I will reply.I am in the process of putting new tires on the car and was considering new shocks as well,but they did not appear to be that old and looked good on exterior.I can definitely agree with the bounce in the rear being shocks,but unsure about the harsh ride up front.Sounds as if I should just replace them.Also glad to here that it is not the poly.Also,what does the steering assist cylinder do and how would I know if I should replace it.Please give me more input. Thanks

Hey Bute ,, take a look at your upper control arm bushings and the cross shaft that runs through them . The lower bushings are harder to see but should be checked . If there is anything worn or loose it can cause the specific condition you are experiencing as the caster setting could be wrong .If you have ever pushed a shopping cart in the market and the front wheels tended to wiggle as you moved it ,,,, thats because of caster probs . You could also have the guys at the tire place take a look see .

Geo