BFGRX7

iTrader: (2)

Can someone describe to me the motion the RX has when the trailing arm bushings go bad? Toe links? The reason why I ask is because when I accelerate, I’m finding that the rear end is exhibiting a “twisting” motion as I step on and off the accelerator. I know what the next step of this issue will be. I just want to make sure that I'm diagnosing the issue correctly. TIA

~Mike

adam c

iTrader: (2)

Hi Mike,

I suggest that you put the rear of the car on jack stands, with the suspension hanging freely, and get under the car. From there, you can start wiggling each of the suspension components to see what has slop, and what doesn't. If everything checks out OK, I would get the alignment checked next.

Hope that helps, Adam

dgeesaman

iTrader: (7)

Would the PPF or bad diff bushings be a possibility?

Dave

BFGRX7

iTrader: (2)

Thanks guys. I'll be installing sound deadener as well as roof mounted antenna this weekend. I guess I'll have time to pull off the wheels. If there are any other ideas, let me know.

~Mike

2GSLSE

iTrader: (6)

Check the air pressure in your tires.It sounds dumb but the fd is the only car I've owned that would try to turn one way under accel and then hook the other when you let off or shift gears

Howard Coleman

iTrader: (6)

1. check air pressure... 30 front 28-27 rear set cold... if it is air pressure it would most likely be uneven across the rear.

2. have the car aligned... 1.2 degrees negative camber front and rear, less than an 1/8th toe in front and rear zero thrust angle. be sure to ask for a print out before and after.

3. rear bushings..... if you are getting rear steer on and off the gas it would be the large rubber bushing at the front of the lower longitudinal link. generally a bad toe link or pillowball bushing in the rear latitudinal link makes a click but does not result in rear steer.
BTW, the large rubber link is the link that most should replace w solid nylon.

4. powerplant frame a likely suspect. you will need to remove and inspect for cracks. watch your shifter as you get on and off the gas. does it move laterally?

5. finally, your driver side motor mount.

keep us informed.

howard coleman

BFGRX7

iTrader: (2)

Thanks Howard. I had an alignment done no more than two months ago. Ive have this issue since I have owned the car (a little over one year). I check air pressure every week (sun). Camber is set to -1.3 degrees f&r. Just from past experiences, I'm thinking it's the large rubber bushing at the front of the lower longitudinal link. I'll know for sure Saturday. Thanks guys.

~Mike

JConn2299

I had a similar thing happen, only it was the tires themselves. I put one new tire on the rear and when i would accelerate the rear end would steer the car to one side. this happened even though there was only 10k miles difference between the two tires. i put a 2nd new tire on the rear and the problem went away. i can only think that the torsen LSD is very sensitive to any difference in the tires.
you might want to look into it. i always like to start looking at the simple things first before i start spending a lot of $$$.

Try measuring the tread depth, or if front tires are more even, switch them to the back and see what happens.

BFGRX7

iTrader: (2)

Jconn,

That's a good point. Unfortunately, I have a staggered set up (long story), so I can't try that. It could be the tires. While new, they are after all, gulp, NITTOS NT555 (again, long story). I'll check the air pressure and see what I get.

~Mike

JConn2299

Yeah, there are all sorts of things you could do. You could temporarily switch rear wheels/tires with another FD owner. (Buy him lunch, or something.) Test drive your car down the freeway and see if the problem goes away. If it does, you know the source. Cheaper than replacing parts by trial and error.

DaveW

Howard, I've got a question for you, based on your post:

Why doesn't play in the rear toe or lat. link result in rear steer switching directions between accel and decel? I would have thought it would.

BFGRX7

iTrader: (2)

Dave W,

In all seriousness, they do play heavily into the rear steer characterics of the 7. Just riding around this evening, I noticed the same issue. This was after checking the air pressures. I had the same issue on the stock wheel/tire set-up. The chassis has 64K city driven miles on it, so I know it's about time to replace some bushings. The movement I'm getting is a consistant torquing to the right for the full accel. It doesn't isossolate during accelaration. That's other reason why I'm now ruling out air pressure issues.

I have some other test I'm doing in the morning on the way to a frame straightness check but it looks like some new trailing arms are in order.

~Mike

J.S.J

Mike,
I have the same problem as you talked about. I haven't resolved it as yet but my thoughts are with howard, the bushing at the front of the lower longitudinal link in the rear of the car. If your engine mounts are OK as well as your PPF along with the basic tire pressure etc that is. Its a strange feeling and its a bit of a challenge to keep centered in your lane on the freeway just driving normally. I began to feel the car drift over on moderate throttle input but at wide open throttle its dangerous. Good luck and keep us informed.