The Complete Guide to Excel Suspension Parts: Upgrades, Replacement, and Maintenance

If you own a Geo, Chevy, or Hyundai Excel, you know that maintaining its suspension is key to a smooth ride and safe handling. Over time, suspension components wear out, leading to bouncy rides, uneven tire wear, and poor steering response. Whether you're replacing worn parts or upgrading for better performance, understanding Excel suspension parts is essential. This guide covers the main components, common issues, how to choose the right parts, and practical advice for replacement and upgrades.

Understanding Excel Suspension Components

The suspension system on an Excel is relatively simple but includes several parts that work together. The main components are:

Shocks and Struts

Most Excel models use struts in the front and shocks in the rear. Struts are a structural part of the suspension, while shocks are separate. Both dampen vibrations and control spring movement. Worn shocks or struts cause excessive bouncing, nose diving when braking, and reduced traction.

Coil Springs

These support the vehicle's weight and absorb bumps. Over time, springs can sag, especially in older Excels. Sagging springs lower ride height, cause bottoming out, and accelerate wear on other parts.

Control Arms and Ball Joints

Control arms connect the wheel hub to the frame. Ball joints allow pivoting for steering. Worn ball joints cause clunking noises and loose steering. Inspect them regularly.

Sway Bar and Bushings

The sway bar reduces body roll in corners. Its bushings wear out, causing rattles and excessive lean. Replacing sway bar bushings is a cheap upgrade.

Tie Rods

Tie rods connect the steering rack to the wheels. Worn tie rods cause steering play and uneven tire wear. Alignment after replacement is critical.

Bushings and Mounts

Rubber bushings in control arms, sway bars, and strut mounts deteriorate with age. Polyurethane bushings are a popular upgrade for better handling.

Common Suspension Problems in the Excel

• Front-end clunking over bumps: Often worn strut mounts or ball joints.
• Rear bouncing or sway: Worn rear shocks or broken leaf springs (older models).
• Uneven tire wear: Could be sagging springs, bad shocks, or misalignment.
• Steering wheel vibration: Worn tie rods or out-of-balance wheels, but check suspension first.
• Car leans to one side: Broken or sagged spring.

When to Replace Excel Suspension Parts

General guidelines for replacement intervals:

• Shocks/struts: Every 50,000–80,000 miles, or sooner if leaking or bouncy.
• Ball joints: Inspect every 30,000 miles; replace if loose or torn boot.
• Tie rods: Replace when steering feels loose or alignment can't be achieved.
• Springs: Only replace if broken, sagged, or rusted.
• Bushings: Replace when cracked, dry-rotted, or causing noise.

Check your owner's manual for specific recommendations, but your driving habits matter too. Rough roads or heavy loads accelerate wear.

How to Choose the Right Excel Suspension Parts

OEM vs. Aftermarket

Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts match factory specs. They're reliable but expensive. Aftermarket parts offer variety—from budget to performance.

• Budget driving: Stick with reputable aftermarket brands like Monroe, KYB, or Gabriel for shocks and struts. They meet or exceed OEM quality at lower prices.
• Performance upgrades: If you want better handling, consider struts with firmer valving (e.g., KYB AGX or KONI), or lowering springs from H&R or Eibach. Note that lowering springs reduce ride height and improve cornering but stiffen the ride.
• Polyurethane bushings: Prothane or Energy Suspension offer kits for control arms, sway bars, and transmission mounts. They reduce flex but transmit more road noise.

Compatibility with Excel Generations

The first generation (1985–1989) and second generation (1990–1994) Excels have different suspension designs. Check the year and model variant. Some parts interchange, but always verify.

• Front struts: 1985–1989 uses a MacPherson strut; 1990–1994 uses a similar but updated design. Many aftermarket struts list both years.
• Rear shocks: most years use twin-tube shocks; some early models have leaf springs.
• Control arms: all generations share similar ball joint patterns, but check bolt patterns.

Always use your VIN or specific year/model when ordering.

Complete Strut Assemblies vs. Individual Components

A complete strut assembly includes the strut, spring, mount, and boot. It simplifies replacement—no spring compressor needed. For DIYers, this is safer and faster. Individual parts allow mixing and matching (e.g., aftermarket strut with OEM spring), but require more labor.

For the Excel, complete assemblies are available from Monroe Quick-Strut and KYB--both are excellent choices. They cost more upfront but save time.

Practical Tips for Replacing Excel Suspension Parts

Tools Needed

• Jack and jack stands
• Spring compressor (if not using complete assemblies)
• Socket set, breaker bar, torque wrench
• Ball joint separator or pickle fork
• Penetrating oil (for rusted bolts)

Safety First

Work on level ground. Support the vehicle with stands, not just the jack. When compressing springs, follow instructions carefully—springs can kill.

Step-by-Step Overview for Front Strut Replacement (using complete assembly)

1. Loosen lug nuts, lift vehicle, remove wheel.
2. Remove brake line brackets and ABS sensor if present.
3. Unbolt strut from steering knuckle (two bolts).
4. Remove top mount nuts under the hood.
5. Remove strut assembly. Install new assembly, torque bolts to spec.
6. Reattach brake lines, install wheel, lower vehicle.
7. Get a professional alignment—needed after strut or tie rod work.

For rear shocks: simpler—usually just two bolts top and bottom. No alignment needed for shocks only.

When to Do Alignment

• After replacing struts, control arms, tie rods, or any component affecting steering geometry.
• Even if you only replace struts, alignment is recommended because ride height may change.

Maintenance Tips to Extend Suspension Life

• Inspect boots on ball joints and tie rods when you change oil.
• Keep tires properly inflated to reduce stress on suspension.
• Avoid severe potholes and speed bumps at high speed.
• Lubricate grease fittings if your model has them (some Excels do).
• Wash underside regularly in winter to prevent rust on springs and mounts.

Final Recommendation on Excel Suspension Parts

For most Excel owners, replacing worn shocks and struts with quality aftermarket parts (Monroe, KYB, or Gabriel) provides the best balance of cost and performance. If your car has high mileage (over 150k), consider replacing all suspension components at once—struts, springs, mounts, ball joints, tie rods—to restore like-new handling. Complete strut assemblies are the easiest way to do front work.

If you plan to autocross or want sportier handling, a mild lowering spring (1–1.5 inch drop) paired with KONI struts can transform the car without being too harsh. Just be aware that ride comfort decreases, and you may need camber bolts to correct alignment.

Before buying, double-check fitment for your exact year and model. Use online part lookups or ask a knowledgeable parts store. Investing in decent suspension parts not only makes driving more enjoyable but also keeps the Excel safe for years to come.