Rear end still leans toward passenger side

[williamm_c3]

I've posted on this before, did some corrective action, but problem still persists. I have an 81 with a composite mono-spring. I installed a new mono-spring to replace one that was starting to fray (sp?), originally thinking this is the cause of the leaning problem. However, after installation, new bolts, bushings, etc., I still have a leaning vette. What else could be the problem? Could it be the trailing arm or the strut rod? I even took it by a suspension shop and they couldn't tell me...HELP!!

Thanks in advance,
William

 

[jdp6000]

Bad shock??? Twisted frame? Have you had any work done on the pinion spindle or U joints lately...not all are the same size???

Jim

 

[waterboy1976]

I would tend to think a shock.....What are the measurements between the top of the tire and the outer wheel well lip......?? Compare those....have you also check the body mounts.....Ive seen them where the one side has completely rusted through.........Good luck....

Rob

 

[black_81_vette]

Well unless your running coil over or air shocks they dont help support any weight. all shocks do is supress spring movement simple as that.Id say if its leaning id look at aftermentioned body and or frame mounts bent controll arm ect. If its been this way since youve owned it id be lookin at a possible bent frame and make sure the differental is mounted square to the frame. Remember any thing is possable!!

 

[Bob Chadwick]

Are your spring end nuts the same distance from the end of the bolts?

 

[74bigblock]

I feel your pain

 

[williamm_c3]

It was level at one time. I've had to jack the car up several times and it was after this that I noticed the leaning. I did do one measurement, which is from the top of the control arm (where the mono-spring is attached) down to the ground on both sides, ground is level. There is about an inch and a half difference. The drivers side measures about 8 7/8", where the passenger side measures about 10 1/2". To me, this would rule out the shocks. I haven't wrecked the car or anything like that, this is why I'm so stumped. Is there anything I can look for for a bent control arm other than doing a side to side comparison? I don't know why, but I seem to be stuck on the control arm, most likely because of the measurement distance.

 

[jdp6000]

Keep messuring upwards. Measure up to the next connecting point. Find the difference of 1 5/8 inches. Look at both sides. Are all the components the sames size?

Jim

 

[jdp6000]

I had a similar problem but not to the same extreme. My passenger side yoke was worn out. The passenger wheel angled out a bit and the car sat a little lower.

Jim

 

[williamm_c3]

I'll keep measuring, comparing the two sides and try to find the difference. I'll report back my findings. Thanks for all the information!

 

[82X-FireVette]

If the car is lower on one side than the other, it is most likely the spring bolts being tightened unevenly. The nut should be tightened until the cotter pin can just be inserted into the hole. Don't tighten it any further. Do each side the same.

 

[williamm_c3]

I did this as well. I event tried to put more turns on the high side, but there's not enough threads.

 

[Vettehead Mikey]

I did this as well. I event tried to put more turns on the high side, but there's not enough threads.

More turns on the high will make it worse, not better. In any case, you shouldn't have to resort to bubba fixes like this to solve the problem.

One thing that nobody has mentioned is that a lot of Corvettes came 'crooked' right from the factory, either by having the body offset laterally on the frame, or having one side riding higher than the other.

My car came with both 'characteristics' and I gave up trying to fix it.

 

[williamm_c3]

Thanks Vettehead! I just might resort to your suggestion. I did do some other measurements; however, so far they have come up identical.

 

[socor7]

I have had a simular thing happen to me yesterday.

I tore the whole trailiering arm assembly apart and found that my bearing was shot. so I am getting some parts and hopefully have it back together this weekend.


Drew

 

[jdp6000]

That could be it. I know when my yoke went it caused the tire to angle slightly outwards and made the car sit lower on one side.

Jim

 

[williamm_c3]

That could very well be. Like you say, it was fine one day and then I noticed the leaning. Looks like I'll be hitting the shop manual through the weekend to see what I can find.

 

[williamm_c3]

socor7, which side was leaning and which side did you find the faulty bearings on?

 

[williamm_c3]

ok, I took both rear tires off and supported the vette with stands. I noticed a couple of things. First, when looking at the rear, the drivers side disk had more of an angle than the passenger side. Second, if I grab the brake caliper with one had and the bottom of the disk with the other, I can wiggle the back and forth a little. When doing this everything moves including the drive shaft. It appears to be pivoting at the frame and control arm connection. The only reason I metion this is that I tried the same "test" on the drivers side and it does not move at all.

So, for a first question, when there is no load on the wheels, are the wheels suppost to be at the same angle or can they have different angles? Second, does the movement I described on the passenger side warrent warn bearings or some other problem? The disk does not move when I push and pull on the disk. I don't want to be a pain in the ass about this, but I just don't want to be going down the road, go over a bump, and have my wheels pass me up!

Thanks again for letting me pick your brains!
William

 

[jdp6000]

The angle should be identical. Your dirverside is loose and if I recall your driverside was lower....logical. You obviously have a worn part. The question is what part? Do a visual. How is the yoke, spindle, U joints, etc.

Your getting close....