trailing arms - time for rebuid? - symptoms?

[ruby76]

What are the symptoms for needing to rebuild/replace the front bushings in the trailing arms? Here are my two symptoms:

On the interstate if the lane has "grooves" from traffic in the lane, my 76 feels like it is on ice, can't keep it going straight for anything. it feels like it is the rear end of the car "sliding" into the grove, then getting out of the grove becuase the front isn't in it etc. very scary, happend this weekend at 70mph, had to slow down to about 50 to feel like I was in control again.

2nd symptom, if in 1st or second gear I floor it, the car will accelerate fine, straight line etc. But as soon as I let off the gas completely (still in gear 4 speed) it pulls hard to the right.

If I jack it up to have a peek, what am I looking for?

Jeremy

 

[John Ulrich]

A new idler arm helped (not cured) my "drifting" in grooved roads.

Later,
JU

 

[GTR1999]

You may have several problems causing this. You really need to get the car up in the air and look over the suspension for looseness,cracked bushings, and rear end yoke end play.
My 69 was like that and I knew I had to rebuild the rear suspension. The bearings were good but the arms were rusted and the yokes had over .125" play. I could feel the rear of the car sway on the highway drvign about 65 mph.
I rebuilt everything myself and it was like driving a new car.

Gary

 

[ruby76]

You may have several problems causing this. You really need to get the car up in the air and look over the suspension for looseness,cracked bushings, and rear end yoke end play.
My 69 was like that and I knew I had to rebuild the rear suspension. The bearings were good but the arms were rusted and the yokes had over .125" play. I could feel the rear of the car sway on the highway drvign about 65 mph.
I rebuilt everything myself and it was like driving a new car.

Gary

rear bearings are supposed to be new (from previous owner) so I think they are ok, any special tools to do the rest?

 

[Scott Winebarger]

A new idler arm helped (not cured) my "drifting" in grooved roads.

Later,
JU

That will cause the problem you have described and its a relatively easy fix

 

[JohnZ]

The "pull" under accel/decel is in the rear suspension - either the trailing arm pivot bushings are shot, or you've lost some toe shims between the bushings and the inside of the frame pocket, allowing the front of a trailing arm to move laterally, which changes the toe and "steers" the car.

 

[ruby76]

The "pull" under accel/decel is in the rear suspension - either the trailing arm pivot bushings are shot, or you've lost some toe shims between the bushings and the inside of the frame pocket, allowing the front of a trailing arm to move laterally, which changes the toe and "steers" the car.

That is what I envision it is. I'll report back once I get a chance to jack up the car. Im out of town this weekend, so maybe I'll get a chance tonight, Thursday or Friday I hope.

 

[The73vetteman]

.......... which changes the toe and "steers" the car.

If the toe is out, which it will be if you've lost some shims, I would expect to see some uneven tire wear. Specifically, look to see if the rubber is being lifted alongside the grooves in the tread.

Another thing to consider is camber. The strut rod bushings wear out (like everything does), so check them too.

And finally ........ don't overlook the influence of worn shocks. These can give some 'funny' effects too.

John