Squiggly rear end

[The73vetteman]

Well I can't think how else to describe it. Just occasionally - but it's becoming more frequent - as I make a turn I feel the rear of the car want to slide out from under me. I've looked carefull all around the back end and can't see anything obvious. Any suggestions as to what I should look for?

John

 

[78SilvAnniv]

Loose side yokes?
Warning: Girly-Description coming up: The strut things that hold the rear wheels upright?
U-Joints?
Trailing arms?

 

[Bob Chadwick]

The car oversteers when the rear suspension doesn't keep it's geometry due to old suspension parts.

I had the same problem. It went away with rebuilt trailing arms. My bushings were bad; one was actually wore through on one side.

Grea description for the strut rods Heidi.

 

[78SilvAnniv]

Looks like I got it half right, at least! :L
h

 

[BarryK]

I'd check your rear spindle bearings to see if they are worn. When worn they allow a lot of excess play and makes the car feel exactly as described.

Jack up the rear of the car so rear wheels are off the ground (or put her up on a lift). grab one of the rear wheels with your hands at 12:00 and 6:00 and see if you get any movement of the wheel. Excess movement will indicate worn bearings.

My '65 developed a very similar feeling last summer and the problem turned out to be twofold. One, the rear bearings had gotten worn, and two, my alignment shims had come out on the rear left side and that allowed movement of the trailing arm assembly.

driving the car like that was a very disconcerting feeling but everything tightend up and felt good after repairing both areas and having a new 4-wheel alignment done.

 

[The73vetteman]

Strut Rod Bushing Options?

Sorry, it took me a while to check out your suggestions. Looks like the strut rod bushings are my start point. They look completely shot. Good suggestion Heidi.

Any comments on the merits of the Ecklers split poly bushings versus the stock original style?

John

 

[68Roadster]

Whichever ones you go with order a couple of extra...they aren't the easiest things to get going in straight.....been there, done that, had the black fingernail to prove it.......

Good luck vetteman!

 

[gedmeyer]

I think I have this problem too. It only happens when I'm going around a turn quick. The slightest little bump makes the back end "feel" like it wants to go around. I actually had it kick around on me once in an intersection on a major road.... I got on the gas a little hard, hit a pothole and then I was facing in the other direction!

My strut rod bushings look pretty beat, so I plan on replacing them over the winter (along with all of the rear suspension bushings). All of the suspensions bushings that I've seen/replaced so far, have been completely shot to the point of crumbling.

The front end tightened right up after replaced the bushings.

-Tim

 

[gmjunkie]

Whichever ones you go with order a couple of extra...they aren't the easiest things to get going in straight.....been there, done that, had the black fingernail to prove it.......

Good luck vetteman!

Me Too!! More than once,Make's tear's run down your leg!! I hate it when that happens!! junk!!

 

[vette-dude]

Me Too!! More than once,Make's tear's run down your leg!! I hate it when that happens!! junk!!

Them ain't tears Junkie!!! You forgot your depends again!!!!!!!!!:eyerole

Randy