In college I got a job that had me driving an S-10 and it took a little while to get used to the hop I would get on washboard roads or hitting big bumps. Up until that point I had mostly driven FWD cars that didn't exhibit that behavior.
1999 Firebird -- Rear end kicking out over bumps
- Thread starter ThirdeYe
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Try 30 psi on all tires 37 psi is high. I would bet its not as bad.
Originally Posted By: Trav
Try 30 psi on all tires 37 psi is high. I would bet its not as bad.
Thanks for catching that! For some reason I was thinking they were supposed to be at 40. I checked the door jamb and sure enough, they're supposed to be at 30. I let some air out of them and got them all down to 30, so I'll try driving it tomorrow again and see if it helps.
Try 30 psi on all tires 37 psi is high. I would bet its not as bad.
Thanks for catching that! For some reason I was thinking they were supposed to be at 40. I checked the door jamb and sure enough, they're supposed to be at 30. I let some air out of them and got them all down to 30, so I'll try driving it tomorrow again and see if it helps.
Sometimes bushings for the rear suspension can wear out. When that happens, you can have all kinds of werid reactions when going over bumps.
Sway bar links are another common problem.
Sway bar links are another common problem.
Your problem is your rear shocks, they're shot. My 1975 Cutlass would do the same
when going over railroad tracks, the rear would kick out. New shocks solved the problem.
when going over railroad tracks, the rear would kick out. New shocks solved the problem.
The pinstripes aren't stock.
I'd hate to try and diagnose if this was normal, but it doesn't sound like it. At this age, most of the original rubber bushings should be replaced. I'd look at getting a kit from one of the sponsors on an LS1 site. If that doesn't fix the problem, it is something that should be done anyway.
Since the Bilsteins aren't the original shocks, I'd also look into them. It's very possible they aren't valved right for the springs you have.
I'd hate to try and diagnose if this was normal, but it doesn't sound like it. At this age, most of the original rubber bushings should be replaced. I'd look at getting a kit from one of the sponsors on an LS1 site. If that doesn't fix the problem, it is something that should be done anyway.
Since the Bilsteins aren't the original shocks, I'd also look into them. It's very possible they aren't valved right for the springs you have.
Originally Posted By: Trav
Try 30 psi on all tires 37 psi is high. I would bet its not as bad.
If you still want somewhat neutral handling, you could leave the fronts at 36 psi cold, as these cars usually seem to 'like' a 6 psi difference front to back (more in the front).
This will help the 'skittering' rear axle problem, while not inducing major front end 'plowing', or understeer.
Try 30 psi on all tires 37 psi is high. I would bet its not as bad.
If you still want somewhat neutral handling, you could leave the fronts at 36 psi cold, as these cars usually seem to 'like' a 6 psi difference front to back (more in the front).
This will help the 'skittering' rear axle problem, while not inducing major front end 'plowing', or understeer.
I just might do that, thanks.
Happens with my 98 Z28. You'll have to get used to it and learn the handling limitations or throw 5gal buckts of money at it to remove it.
I can't be for sure yet as I haven't driven it much since lowering the pressure in the tires, but it seems to help a little bit.
Old shocks can fail in different ways. Besides loosing their damping control, they can lock up due to debris inside blocking the valve ports. Had one do that on an older car of mine and it was difficult to diagnose. New shocks fixed the problem tho.
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