Wheels will not stay aligned (car jumps sideways on bumps)

[Ken_W]

This is a restart of an earlier thread which, after much ado, changed nothing. That thread was rather long so I will recap the pertinent info here:

PROBLEM: Car's rear end skips sideways a few inches when going over bumps (when going over 45mph -- not noticible below that). Slight safety issue, and probably chewing up my new tires.


ACTIONS TAKEN THUS FAR (in order):

1) Replaced rear shocks with Monroe MaxAirs [EDIT: and shock mounts with Moog]

2) Replaced all four rear suspension control arm bushings and both lateral links with new Raybestos
While it was down, my rear subframe's rubber mounts were inspected and looked okay

3) Replaced rear sway bar endlinks with Moog

4) Got 4-wheel alignment at GM dealership

[ during alignment, found out that my tires were chewed up and required replacement ]

5) Replaced all four tires (with Bridgestone Turanza Serenity)
Got all four wheels RoadForce balanced

[at this point the problem went away for a few days, then crept back, getting progressively worse over six weeks]

6) Checked alignment at Goodyear store, rear-left and front-right were off; re-aligned

[again; problem went away for a few days, and is now starting to creep back again]


The problem was not noticible before I replaced the rear shocks (which I did in hopes of eliminating a clunk in the trunk, which I still have). Not saying for sure that it began at that point, but it is possible.

I don't know where to go from here -- I've run out of things to replace. Anybody got any ideas? Other members with 00-05's have reported the same issue (locowbl and Quicksilver, to name two).

Frustrated --

Ken_W

[01bonneSC]

The problem was not noticible before I replaced the rear shocks (which I did in hopes of eliminating a clunk in the trunk, which I still have). Not saying for sure that it began at that point, but it is possible.



Ken_W

You have replaced the shock mounts right?

[Ken_W]

You have replaced the shock mounts right?

Yes; with Moog.

Will amend original post to reflect this.

[crash93ssei]

You say the subframe bushings were inspected, but was the subframe actually taken down to inspect them?

Wheel bearings
Control arm bushings
Tie rods
Shocks and their mounts
Subframe bushings

These are the only points of movement back there and also the only things that could cause a clunk or alignment to be thrown off.

How many times have you had it aligned? Is it consistently the same measurement that is going out of alignment (caster, camber, toe) ?

[Ken_W]

You say the subframe bushings were inspected, but was the subframe actually taken down to inspect them?

Yes; was taken down to replace components indicated below. I have to assume that the mechanic knew what to look for (I did not see them myself, but wouldn't know what to look for anyway). He is not a master mechanic, but seemed to know what he was doing.

Wheel bearings

Not replaced.

Control arm bushings

Replaced.

Tie rods

(also called "lateral links") Replaced.

Shocks and their mounts

Replaced and replaced.

Subframe bushings

Inspected by mechanic. Looked okay.

How many times have you had it aligned? Is it consistently the same measurement that is going out of alignment (caster, camber, toe) ?

Has been aligned twice so far. The first time it was not "alignable" in the rear due to worn rear parts. So only the second alignment offers any useful info (LH-rear and RH-front slipped out of alignment). I have the report with the numbers.

[crash93ssei]

If this keeps happening and all the parts back there have been replaced I would look into dropping the rear subframe and replacing the bushings or at bare minimum checking them over very good. FWIW I have had several mechanics in the past check bushings and tie rods and other various parts and said they were good when they were shot.

[Archon]

Check with the shop and see if they guarantee the alignment for a particular amount of time. If so, and you fall in that period, take it back and have them check it again. See if it is out of alignment again, and if it is the same spots.

[Ludichris]

Add another 05 SE owner with the exact same issue here. Mine does the skipping sideways thing over about 50MPH, making it a little funky to handle, too.

[Ken_W]

Since it seemed to begin after I changed my rear shocks, I am wondering if maybe it has something to do with the upper center bolt. I suspect this because I hear a metallic clinking when going over bumps (when I open the armest and panel into the trunk). The guys who did my last alignment also said that they heard a noise from the rear shocks when they pushed the wheels upward.

So; today I got in there and held the center bolt with a wrench while tightening the nut with another wrench. A preliminary test drive afterward seemed to show some improvement (not 100%, but better), but the real test will be my morning commute, which will take me back on the interstate at high speeds. If this shows an improvement, then I think we might be getting somewhere.

I am also going to get the alignment checked within the next few days, per Archon's suggestion.

If I am correct that it has something to do with upper shock installs (and I realize I could be headed toward another dead end), it has something to do with holding that center bolt while tightening the nut. I did not do that when I originally installed the shocks. I just tightened the center nut until i got the correct torque (with torque wrench). I also wonder if the shocks should be compressed a bit while doing this. If my drive tomorrow shows partial improvement, my next step will be to put a lot of weight on the rear end and then tighten that nut further (while holding the center shaft, of course).

Will report back as things develop.

Ken_W

[Ken_W]

Tightening the upper shocks did not solve the problem. It seems a little better, but that could be my imagination. I'll take it back in for an alignment check on Thursday.

Ken_W

[02 bonnie beast]

what was the outcome of this? my 02 does the same thing