Piston Slam: Blast the Parts Cannon!

(To ensure the Piston Slap series continues at high speed, I'm asking once again for questions from my readers. Do you have a question regarding your vehicle or the environment around it? Send me an email at) pistonslap@hagerty.com .)

I usually reach out to readers following their submission(s) to Piston Slap and the continuous exchanges I've had with Adam and his well-known Buick LeSabre are similar. It turns out he's in the exact position I was in approximately three months ago. Therefore, I am now required to release another update, this time focusing on the parts cannon method of automotive repair.

Prior to launching the cannon, here's what Adam said:

It's summer time, so the heated seats aren't much of an issue at the moment, but I'll consider your suggestion I'll follow your recommendation I'll heed your counsel I'll go with your advice I'll listen to what you said I'll act according to your guidance I'll put your advice into practice I'll comply with your suggestion I'll take your word for it I'll accept your recommendation And attempt to find a cheaper suspension component at the salvage yard. It's simple to replace, which is one of the advantages of this Buick. By the way, here's an update: My job has involved several long-distance drives recently, and following some disappointing rental car situations, I've begun using the Buick as my go-to vehicle for travel.

It has traveled 500 miles on days with temperatures over 100 degrees without skipping a beat, while also getting 31 mpg. I recently returned from a journey through North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Alabama. At 20 years old, it still surprises me how much confidence I have in it.

It's true that it has cost $9,216 for services and repairs during the last five years, yet this is still more favorable compared to making payments on a brand-new car such as a Nissan Versa. Recently, a knocking sound has emerged from the front section, typically when speeding up from a complete halt. This noise lasts only briefly, leading me to believe it might be related to the suspension "engaging," after which it doesn't happen again until I stop. Therefore, this will be the next issue to investigate.

Sajeev answers:

You might be correct in your assessment, but think about removing all outdated elements right now. When you take every available replacement component for a system and install them simultaneously, it's known as "firing the parts cannon." Although this method usually isn’t advisable, your Buick makes an exception. As a 19-year-old car with 113,000 miles, several suspension and steering parts have severely deteriorated. Let's proceed then.

If you're not capable of handling all vehicle tasks yourself, using the parts cannon will require additional labor expenses, yet performing the work at once is less costly compared to making repeated repairs gradually. Although certain suspension upkeep (such as air shocks and tie-rod ends) has already been done on your Buick, I believe the car has demonstrated enough value for further comprehensive system upgrades.

After finishing this project on my 1995 Lincoln Mark VIII, I can share just how enjoyable it is to operate a car with a rigid suspension, solid handling, better braking performance, and wheels that don't make noise like a bird. Although my vehicle wasn't dangerous even after driving 201,000 miles with some basic repairs (marked by areas of complete oversight), I hadn't realized how much improved its performance would be following a thorough renovation.

My wallet has lost about $8,000 after calculating all the expenses related to using the parts cannon. This covers third-party labor fees, since I have a shop I'm very committed to. If I had handled everything myself in my garage, the cost would have been 60% less, but Ford's complex MN-12 platform requires extended time for repairs for good reasons. (This is another advantage of choosing the parts cannon instead of repairing individual components.)

However, this isn't about my personal situation; instead, we should observe what occurs when the focus is placed on Adam's Buick LeSabre. I utilize Rock Auto as my source of information (both in this scenario and in reality), concentrating on components related to steering and suspension that, based on my experience, tend to be overlooked in cars ranging from 15 to 30 years old.

There's an argument for performing a brake service along with replacing the brake hoses costing around $40, but perhaps the rubber lines on the Buick can last another ten years. Therefore, we'll focus on your particular requirements.

This is a hard-to-read screenshot, and I'm sorry about that. However, my intention isn't for you to treat this picture as absolute truth. I’m simply highlighting components that gradually deteriorate with age, specifically focusing on issues related to rubber, bearings, and ball joints. Also, I haven't personally viewed Adam's vehicle, so there might be additional problems involved—(like CV axles, perhaps?)

Perhaps multiple replacement components were added during the original owner's time. Therefore, once more, this photograph shouldn't be considered definitive. Making an informed estimate based on items currently on my restoration checklist resulted in a parts cost slightly below $800. This figure doesn't include shipping, taxes, or the crucial labor fee, yet it remains a reasonable investment for reliable, comfortable, and enjoyable road travel.

The inner tie-rod ends and the rear suspension showed signs of surprising deterioration in my Mark VIII. I was shocked by the poor condition of the rubber bushings in the upper control arms—when the vehicle was lifted, one wheel moved up and down freely! Once I took them out, the wheel bearings made noises as though they contained gravel. Everything needed replacement, and I said goodbye to the components, thanking them for three decades of use as I tossed them into my... somewhat-famous pile of scrap .

I'm amazed by how effectively Lincoln's imitation European touring coupe operates with an entirely new set of components beneath its stylish exterior. Several elements can be seen behind the five-spoke wheels, and I'll admit my grin grows wider each time I glance back at them in the parking lot, gleaming right back at me. Particularly appealing are the (allegedly) finished brake calipers, the polished connection points of the brake hoses, and the famous blue/yellow units from Bilstein's suspension system. In my opinion, every penny invested was worthwhile.

Therefore, kindly avoid using the part cannon when handling such aged vehicles, particularly those used so frequently. You're likely to be satisfied with your decision!

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