Newbie here with a few questions.

Bought a '90 GXL yesterday (5sp with normal/sport suspension switch).

Cruising at 70+, I noticed that on a rough surface (bridge bumps, road patches, etc) the rear seemed to want to jump to the right. A mild effect, but a bit unnerving.

Switching from Sport to Manual was little difference. The car has the original suspension and under 80,000 miles. I haven't looked seriously at the suspension yet, and I'm hoping that someone can give me some insight on what I might look for.

Also looking for a cupholder - anyone know of a really good aftermarket piece?

Thanks for your help

 

Hmm, seems like the stock DTSS system is going out. You can get DTSS eliminator bushings to take care of that.

 

my 88 GTU does the same thing, and it got worse when I got aftermarket springs and shocks.

 

well.... if you look in your glovebox you should have 2 cupholders....
check all your bushings some may be worn out cracked or blown out... it's an old car regardless of the miles... maybe your dtss bushings are shot or swaybar endlink bushings... does it feel sloppy around corners?

 

The car seems to track fine around corners, and at lower speeds I don't notice anything. I thought the busings might be dried out, since I know the car sat for a few years. I haven't had it in the air yet, but I assume the bushings will probably need to be replaced.

What's the DTSS system?

 

I can't remember the what the actual acronym stands for, but it's the rear steering bushings. They flex enough to allow your rear wheels to track just a little bit for added handling. The eliminator bushings are solid and will get rid of that feature. You will end up with more predictable handling once you eliminate it.

Zach

 

Dynamic Toe Steering System(i believe) as BoostedRex says, you will have much more predictable handeling if you install the DTSS eliminator bushings. they are $40 from mazdatrix, but kind of a pain in the *** to install.

link to the bushings, if you want it http://www.mazdatrix.com/h6_86-92.htm

 

Do those actually cure the "jumping rear end" problem? Mine does that on occasion as well.

-=Russ=-

 

If not, a full bushing set will, if not... umm... something's bent.

 

im not sure exactly what the "jumping" you are describing feels like, but from my experience, i would describe it as the rear end "steps" out on you...less of a bouncing around feeling, more of a stepping out to the side feeling. i find it very noticable when it happens, and annoying.

 

My rear end steps out to the right quite a bit if I brake too hard.

 

When you were braking were you in the process of turning?? If so its called weight transfer... "brake too hard" but if you were in a straight line and braking and your read end is sliding out who knows...?

 

I agree with them, try the toe eliminators and see if that solves your problems. I just installed them on my car. You'll need a vice or a press to install them. Took about 15 minutes per wheel for me.

 

Jumping to one side generally implies some suspension troubles, either a bad strut/spring, or simply worn out bushings/etc on that side. A good thing I do, is I'll go out and try to 'bounce' the rear end, (push down let it come up, then push down again), and get it going pretty good then stop, if it bounces up and down after you stop, chances are the shocks bad, if it just jumps up to height and stays there then check other things. (Though, this doesn't always work)

 

Thanks for all the insight. It isn't really a radical movement. I'm used to driving a 944 which is very stable at speed, and this as someone suggested, this just 'steps out' a bit.

It was just a bit uncomfortable, but not dangerous and I was curious if this was a typical handling characteristic, or if something was worn or broken. I've been under the car and nothing looks bent or disconnected. The bushings aren't the best and I'll replace them when I'm inspired (but not day 2 of ownership!)

The DSS link replacements sound sensible, and the price seems worth it if it'll add stability.

 

Where is this switch that you are referring to? How can I tell if my 90 FC3C has it? Working on the interior now, and this information would be helpful to me.

PEACE THE DOG

 

don't get the rear-steer DTSS system and the auto-adjusting shocks mixed up. The rear-steer system is on every 2nd gen but the auto-adjust is only on the GXL. The two systems aren't really related to my knowledge. The switch for AAS is in the center next to the power mirror controls.

 

DTSS=Dynamic Tracking Suspension System. Just thought I'd clear that up .

 

Basically all cars come from the factory with understeer to some degree (older 911's are a notable exception). This is where you lift off the gas and the front tucks in, while over steer is where the lift off and the rear steps out. Over steer in indicative of something wrong with the suspention, or past bald tires. I'm gonna go with a DTSS system thats not functioning properly myself.

 

To answer this question, it was straight line.

If it helps anyone with answers, it is MUCH more prominent when the roads are wet. I can be traveling in a pretty much straight line, slam the brakes and start to get sideways if I hold the brakes long enough.

I'm actually thinking that the rear passenger pads are more worn than the rear driver, making the rear passenger slower to brake. Is this a possiblility or am I just retarded?