Rear Suspension Woes
08-22-2002, 10:39 PM
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Rear Suspension Woes
Help! Help! Help! Pleaseeeeeeeeee!
I need diagnoses help with sagging rear end, and tires that lean inward at the top of the tires. Ok here goes. I have a sagging rear end. (Yes, the shark's rear end).
I noticed the rear end has started to sag alot, about 3" into the wheel wells. When the shark hits a minor crack or such, it feels like the rear end of the car is about to swing out to the side.
Was about to jack the shark up and investigate the springs and such. I walked up and noticed the rear tires (more of the right tire than the left tire) tips inward towards the center of the car at the top of the tires. Any ideas? Springs and shocks for the sag? Wheel bearings for the tire leaning problem?
Would like to fix this problem before she goes to the body shop for front end damage due to a nice next door neighbor who rammed my shark.
Once again, TIA
John D.
I need diagnoses help with sagging rear end, and tires that lean inward at the top of the tires. Ok here goes. I have a sagging rear end. (Yes, the shark's rear end).
I noticed the rear end has started to sag alot, about 3" into the wheel wells. When the shark hits a minor crack or such, it feels like the rear end of the car is about to swing out to the side.
Was about to jack the shark up and investigate the springs and such. I walked up and noticed the rear tires (more of the right tire than the left tire) tips inward towards the center of the car at the top of the tires. Any ideas? Springs and shocks for the sag? Wheel bearings for the tire leaning problem?
Would like to fix this problem before she goes to the body shop for front end damage due to a nice next door neighbor who rammed my shark.
Once again, TIA
John D.
08-23-2002, 02:02 AM
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Hi. Did the accident affect the frame? Any noticable problems shutting the doors or rear hatch? I never heard of a car sagging rapidly, only over a long period of time. Is the front of the car pushed upward? <img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />
08-23-2002, 05:09 PM
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The sagging and tire problem are not related to the accident. I briefly talked with DR today. He suggested it might be out of alignment, and check the flex ring.
How about someone chip in and give me some pointers to help me check these things out. I would appreciate it. Thanks.
My vacation starts Monday, and I would like peace of mind by then. Besides, I would like to know how much the pocket book is going to be hit.
John D.
How about someone chip in and give me some pointers to help me check these things out. I would appreciate it. Thanks.
My vacation starts Monday, and I would like peace of mind by then. Besides, I would like to know how much the pocket book is going to be hit.
John D.
08-23-2002, 11:39 PM
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You could string it. This way you can compare rear wheel toe side to side. Use a carpenters square to compare rear wheel camber. All you need is two sticks and a screw to measure ride hieght.
As was mentioned already how high up is the front. Because if the front is higher than prescribed the rear will be lower.
It may be time for some intensive inspection of deformed or wornout components. What knid of milage do you have on the springs (see don't last forever) and shocks for that matter.
As was mentioned already how high up is the front. Because if the front is higher than prescribed the rear will be lower.
It may be time for some intensive inspection of deformed or wornout components. What knid of milage do you have on the springs (see don't last forever) and shocks for that matter.
08-23-2002, 11:54 PM
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You were right about the shocks. I was planning to replace them. Matter of fact I am waiting on shocks to arrive.
I am planning to wash the suspension parts of grease and dirt tonight with degreaser. Then inspect the components for wear tomorrow.
I know now That I can measure ride height. Seems simple enough. Any other suggestions on measuring or detecting worn out components? A-Arms? Ball Joints? Camber? Caster? Toe in and Toe out?, etc...
Thanks for the responses so far.
John D.
I am planning to wash the suspension parts of grease and dirt tonight with degreaser. Then inspect the components for wear tomorrow.
I know now That I can measure ride height. Seems simple enough. Any other suggestions on measuring or detecting worn out components? A-Arms? Ball Joints? Camber? Caster? Toe in and Toe out?, etc...
Thanks for the responses so far.
John D.