Tire Hop Or Poor Handling

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: The tire/wheel bounce with a frequency directly related to the vehicle speed.

Did you review the general description and perform the necessary inspections? If so, proceed to next step. If not, see SYMPTOMS (SUSPENSION GENERAL DIAGNOSIS) .
Verify that the tires hop or that the vehicle handles poorly. Does the vehicle handle normally? If so, system is okay. If not, proceed to next step.
Inspect the tires for uneven wear or damage. Are the tires worn or damaged? If so, go to step 7. If not, proceed to next step.
Inspect the tires and wheels for missing wheel weights. Are the wheel weights missing? If so, go to step 8. If not, proceed to next step.
Inspect the tires and wheels for excessive runout. Does the tire and wheel have excessive runout? If so, go to step 7. If not, proceed to next step.
Inspect the shock absorbers/struts for wear or damage. Are the shock absorbers/struts worn or damaged? If so, go to step 9. If not, go to step 10.
Replace the tire/wheel if necessary. When complete, go to step 10.
Balance the tire and wheel assembly. When complete, go to step 10.
Replace the struts.
- For front suspension, see STRUT ASSEMBLY in FRONT SUSPENSION .
- For rear suspension, see STRUT ASSEMBLY .
When complete, proceed to next step.
Operate the vehicle in order to verify the repair. Did you correct the condition? If so, system is okay. If not, go to step 3.