Rear end slides when going over a bump

[Tonglebeak]

As stupid as this may sound, my rear end will slide sideways slightly when going over bumps. This causes a temporary (very temporary) loss of rear end control and I don't know where to start troubleshooting. Shocks rebound after 1-2 oscillations (doing the bumper tests). Tires are at 35 PSI, etc etc...

[jeffreyclay]

For cars with a coil spring rear end there is a connecting link called a "panhard bar". It attaches to the rear axle frame and the body frame. If yours has a wornout bushing or possibly broken it would cause the symptom you described.

[Tonglebeak]

You mean that bar that runs diagonally? I'll have to check that when I get some daylight. Thanks.

[jeffreyclay]

Yes, it is a diagonal connection.

[turbokinetic]

For cars with a coil spring rear end there is a connecting link called a "panhard bar". It attaches to the rear axle frame and the body frame. If yours has a wornout bushing or possibly broken it would cause the symptom you described.

X2 - had that happen to my 86 T-Type. The panhard bar was creased in the middle and would "buckle" when cornering one way over bumps.

[Duke George V]

I got t-boned in the blue 6000 a while back and it weakened the stabilizer bar. I went over a speed bump a bit quickly later on and broke it. It then did exactly what you are describing—felt like the ass was gonna kick out. Welded it back together with a piece of 3/4" steel rod in the channel for support and it was better than new. Definitely check that bar.

[Tonglebeak]

I looked at the bar. It's not broken, and the bushings are still in one piece. Whether or not they're any good, I have no idea. Perhaps AZ has some bushings. Are they hard to swap out?

[Jet]

I doubt they sell the bushings separately. I recently installed a new track bar on my car, it was only about 40-something bucks thru RockAuto.com.


After checking their site, the Spicer brand is 34.79 plus shipping, and you get a free backpack with the purchase! Can't beat that with a stick!

[Tonglebeak]

Just want to ask a dumb question: is a track bar the same as a sway barr?

And before I go and buy one, is there an actual way of testing this (short of road testing and hoping that a new bar will fix the problem)?

[Jet]

Just want to ask a dumb question: is a track bar the same as a sway barr?


No, two different things here...

[LordDurock]

drop the bar and take a good look at the bushings if there heavy cracked there bad

[Prospeeder]

Napa Part number 272-4129 about 45 bucks. I just replaced mine too, really stiffens up the rear end.

[jeffreyclay]

Back your car unto some ramps. Crawl underneath and have a friend push the rear bumper down to compress the rear suspension. Keep your eye on that diagonal bar, you'll figure it out pretty quickly.

[Tonglebeak]

Actually, I was just about to post something. If I push the car up from underneath, the bar moves as well in that direction (kind of like a scissor effect if you understand). Is that supposed to happen or no?

[Prospeeder]

oh and to answer your question, a Track bar isnt a swaybar, but it does the exact same thing, its basicly our cars "sway bar"