So I recently got a 1995 960
Very well maintained, all the service, one oner that sort of thing.

its got 119,000 miles on it at this point
in running 215/55/R16 tires

The smaller problem I am having is that going over medium sized dips or bumps the tires rub. I know they are a little wider than stock, but thats what I had (the old ones were 205/55/R16 so I did not think this would be a problem)

The main problem is that there seems to be excessive front end travel. Its pretty easy to to the "bounce test" on the front and its actually quite stiff on the back side. The car does not bounce much, it will dip once and then level out indication that the struts are probably alright. However the whole front end just feels super soft.

Is this normal, should I change struts, springs, other?

 

Is the distance between the front tire and wheel well the same as in the rear? If not, the struts could still be worn.

 

looks to be the same via visual inspection. maybe + or - 1/8"

 

At this point I have become obsessive with figuring this problem out on a budget, however it looks like I will be doing some front end suspension work. What do you guys think?
If i do the "Bounce test" on the front drivers side strut its super easy and the car dips, however it still levels out fine

The front passenger side however is almost as solid as the rear springs and resists the bounce test a lot, and then levels out fine

Could one bad strut make the whole spring assembly that much softer? I have never changed out a strut, aside for some coil overs so my understanding in this area is limited.

 

Think about how a strut works - the shock part of the strut is responsible for the "bounce" and the spring part is responsible for how the car sits. My money says your strut is shot. Hit a wrecking yard if you want to save.

 

That will be it then, I will replace the shocks. While I am in there would it be a good idea to replace the springs with some heavier ones, or is stock pretty much the best option on these older cars?

 

I have heard that the dealer shocks say MONROE on them. I also heard that the shocks that Monroe sell on the aftermarket are made in Europe (was it Spain?). I haven't seen any other aftermarket ones - pity, 'coz i've got Bilstein HD on all my other cars and like them so much.

 

Thanks for the tip on Bilstein, Ill do some more research on them. Monroe have a great warranty though.

 

Unfortunately Bilstein list nothing for this car last I checked options seem to be dealer, or monroe.

Rockauto have the Monroe parts.

Rear OE seem to be Sachs. I don't know what to do if you have the "Nivomat" in the rear. I think you would only find this on certain wagons though.

Also did not notice that you went "a size larger" on the tires. I really can't believe that +1cm width will cause a problem, or the associated diameter increase keeping the 55 profile. Our sedan has factory original shocks, and we acquired it with 205/60/16, and was not a problem.

 

Ive noticed that there is a slight rub mark on the front struts. However most of the trouble is from the tires coming into contact with the top of the wheel well. Another note would be that all 4 bump stops in my care are completely gone. The rear ones are easy enough but the front ones fit over the strut if I am correct. I guess if I have it all apart I might as well change the struts and the seats then.