Today, while driving on the interstate, I felt my '96 C4S backend wiggle. 62k miles. This happened several times. Then I noticed that if I tried to steer toward the right, there was a grinding type noise. The car has become progressively more unstable and difficult to control. The backend what to step out if it hits a bump and the alignment seems slightly off.

Tire pressure normal. Lug nuts are tight.

Seems like some kind of failure in the steering rack or suspension.

Any advice?

 

rear sway bar?

 

Grinding type noise? I'd get the car in the air and give a very close look at all of the rear suspension components. It almost sounds as if one of your toe/camber arms failed.

Another thought is that one of the strut mounts for the sway bar end links either rotated, or cracked.


Andreas

 

Jack each corner up, one at a time. With hands at 3 and 9, move side to side, then at 6 and 12, in and out. Have you had any work done? If I had to guess I am going to say left rear wheel bearing, but it would have to be really bad. I would not drive the car until you either find the culprit, or have someone check it out.

 

I think this is where I would look first.

What shocks do you have? Check the drop links and if you have aftermarket shocks make sure the drop link mount has not rotated and is grinding on the drive shaft.

 

I agree with the above. I had a failure at an AutoX with similar symptoms, it was the left front suspension.

 

check your PS fluid level

 

thanks for all the responses. the car is going up in the air today after work. I'll let you know what we find.

I believe the previous owner changed out to eibach springs and billstein dampers, other than that, car is stock.

 

+993

 

Tie rod end

 

Dropped the car by the local p-car dealer. They say the right lower rear control arm and drop link are shot. I'm told the prior owner did some auto-x and track events with the car. They claim the left side is ok and the front suspension checks out fine.

Is this a common failure? If so, is there an aftermarket or RS part that holds up better?

Should I try this repair myself? I'm a newbie to working on cars but do have access to a lift and plenty of tools.

 

Can you get pictures?

Lots of posts about the drop link mounts coming loose if a second locking collar is not added under the mount.

TRG has some upgraded drop link mounts that are supposed to be stronger, but I have no experience with them.

Good Luck with it.



EDIT: Below link is a great thread about installing a similar setup as what is on your car (origianl instructions do not show and extra locking collar below the mount but lots of info if you search drop link mount on Rennlist)

If you think you could handle this install you can do the repairs yourself but you will need to re corner balance and align.

https://rennlist.com/forums/993-foru...r-dummies.html

 

Its not a common failure on street cars unless some fasteners were improperly tightened or the car struck something and damaged the lower ball joint.

Regarding the drop link, the most common failure occurs when they are incorrectly positioned which overstresses the end of the droplink. Properly installed, these are very very durable.

The RS and RSR use the same parts,....