Hi all, I just installed Lakewood rear lower control arms. Now the steering feels very loose and the car gets swervy around higher speed curves. I'm going to remove them if there's not an easy fix. I've got Energy Suspension front control arm bushings that aren't installed yet, would that help. This car is strickly for street, not auto-x or drag, I just wanted to improve the handling a bit. Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks, Gary

 

the lakewoods are a poly bushing squar tube? correct?

if so , it is possible that your rear suspension is acutaly going into 'bind' as you go arround the corner, and the inside spring compresses, the "twisting" motion of the rear may be hampered by the lack of twising in the LCA and Poly bushing, causing the bind, and making your car oversteer.


just a thought, i am not saying this IS what is happening, but i think it is a possibility.

edit: BTW, when you say loose can you explian more, does the steering wheel feel loose, or is the rear end actualy loosing traction, and oversteering, i re-read you post, and realised you may not be talkign about "loose" handling (as in oversteer)

 

They had no such effect on my car. The poly deflects entirely enough to provide all the protection against binding that is needed.

Sounds like you disconnected the Panhard bar at some point during the install, and left it unhooked.

 

... or maybe you haven't tightened the bolts enough. Also I think it is best to tighten the bolts with the suspension loaded.

simon

 

Yes Dewey, by loose, I mean the steering wheel has some play in it and when steering imput does seem to engage I do get oversteer. I didn't disconnect the panhard bar as RB83L69 suggests. I torqed the bolts to 68 lbs as the manual suggests but I didn't tighten them with the suspension loaded. Also, I have always had a vibration on the freeway above 65, and now I have a lot more.
Gary

The Lakewoods are square tube with Poly bushings

 

i didnt have any problem with my lakewood rear control arms..

you may get some more road noise with poly bushings..


i didnt take/lossen my panhard bar at all either, i did one side at a time and called it done..

did you put greese in them?

 

in the body shop we always tighten suspension components with the cars weight on the wheels that way there will be no bind on the bushings. best way to do this is on an alignment rack.