Rear Squat Help
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 774
Likes: 1
From: Round Rock Texas
Rear Squat Help
My 75 has rear tire squat. Top of tires pointing in and lower out. I have changed shocks and rear spring for the car and it still squats? Is there actual aligning of the rear suspension you can do on the C3? Or am I looking at rear wheel bearing replacement? I didn't see a thread for this.
Thanks.
Thanks.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 15,892
Likes: 42
The shock and spring have no effect on the negative camber you are seeing, assuming the car is at normal ride height. Correcting the camber is done as a normal part of a wheel alignment. The adjustment is done by cams at the inner ends of the lower strut rods.
If you are unable to achieve normal alignment with these cams, there most probably other wear issues in the suspension.
If you are unable to achieve normal alignment with these cams, there most probably other wear issues in the suspension.
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,557
Likes: 0
From: Ridgeway VA
These cars usually squat at take off. But, from what you are describing it might need a alignment in the back - normal for these cars.(in this area I've paid $80 for a front and back wheel alignment) If it is not that then perhaps bearings/spindle replacement - with the car off the ground grab the tires and see if there is any play - if so you might be on your way to new bearings - the bearings fit around the spindle which should he replaced, too. There are kits from vendors - see left side - that have all the parts you need (while you are there the kits come with all the emergency parking brake parts, and I would suggest you just put on new rotors. Find a older mechanic to do the work - one that works on Vettes - you will have a better job at less cost for the most part.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 14,345
Likes: 4
From: Hartselle AL
St. Jude Donor '09
What's the condition/age of your trailing arm bushings? Mine were worn out causing the same effect. Replaced them and replaced the stock struts with smart struts - all good now.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 14,345
Likes: 4
From: Hartselle AL
St. Jude Donor '09
Racer
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 322
Likes: 0
From: Rockford MI
Before taking it in for an alignment, check the movent in the side yokes in the differential and the condition of the strut rod bushings. CHances are one or both of these is the culprit of your problem. Jack up the rear of the car and pull the top of the tire in and out and have someone watch the side yokes in the differential. If the move more than about .050", they are worn and need replaced. Also look at the strut rod bushings while pulling on the tire and see if there is any play in them also.
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Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 3,802
Likes: 61
From: Wichita KS
You might also check the strut rods. If they are bent then you need to replace them. Many are bent from one of 2 things, using a jack on them or an alignment shop bending them in a misguided attempt at fixing the camber problem not knowing there are eccentric bolts for that.
cc
cc
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 774
Likes: 1
From: Round Rock Texas
Rear Squat
Thanks for all of the information on my dilemma. I have had the car up in the air and moved the wheels and not a whole lot of movement there. The car is old and the bushings/bearings are all original. Those I intend to replace. I will look at finding an alignment shop and let them see what they can do. I did get the longer rear spring bolts and lowered the rearend and it did seem to worsen the problem.
You might also check the strut rods. If they are bent then you need to replace them. Many are bent from one of 2 things, using a jack on them or an alignment shop bending them in a misguided attempt at fixing the camber problem not knowing there are eccentric bolts for that.
cc
cc
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 15,892
Likes: 42
Not to be pedantic, but the front bushings have no influence on camber. They are specifically design to ALLOW the trailing arm to change it's camber angle as the suspension moves though full travel. If you don't believe me, disconnect a lower strut rod and push/pull the wheel at the 6/12 position. The bushing will allow a 10 or 15 degree motion in each direction, just like they're designed to do.
