Leaning to the left
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 139
Likes: 0
From: So. Miami
Leaning to the left
I noticed a couple of weeks ago that my car seems to "lean" to the left when parked.
As dumb as it sounds, the rear is what leans down.
Has anyone seen this before, and what should I look for.
The rear spring is a GM steel replacement about 2 years old.
As dumb as it sounds, the rear is what leans down.
Has anyone seen this before, and what should I look for.
The rear spring is a GM steel replacement about 2 years old.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,169
Likes: 0
From: SASKATOON SK
Re: Leaning to the left (7tea1)
i have the same problem. but everybody tells me that i'm crazy!!! i have redone the rear end to see what the problem might be. well after the rearend restore, it still leans. so must be the body mounts...i hope!!
Rod :cool:
Rod :cool:
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 3,286
Likes: 8
From: San Jose California
Re: Leaning to the left (7tea1)
People with this problem may still be dumb or crazy; BUT, they are not wrong! (regarding this issue anyway) There have been numerous posts on this subject.
The majority of those responding said their cars also leaned to the left. This was not due to bad springs or suspension. With my car and many others it was the body itself was jigged crooked.
To check, measure from the frame to the ground at the same points on each side on a smooth level surface. Then measure from the highest point of the arch on each wheel opening. On my car, the frame was almost perfectly level while the body was about 5/8" higher on the passenger side. I used shims to lift the entire left side of the car. The same number of shims were added to each of the 4 mounting points on the drivers side. If you don't add them in equal amounts, you will very likely crack the body over time. You also have to adjust where bumpers attach front and back.
Chuck
The majority of those responding said their cars also leaned to the left. This was not due to bad springs or suspension. With my car and many others it was the body itself was jigged crooked.
To check, measure from the frame to the ground at the same points on each side on a smooth level surface. Then measure from the highest point of the arch on each wheel opening. On my car, the frame was almost perfectly level while the body was about 5/8" higher on the passenger side. I used shims to lift the entire left side of the car. The same number of shims were added to each of the 4 mounting points on the drivers side. If you don't add them in equal amounts, you will very likely crack the body over time. You also have to adjust where bumpers attach front and back.
Chuck
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 139
Likes: 0
From: So. Miami
Re: Leaning to the left (7tea1)
Sounds like a little too much for me to tackle in the apt. parking lot.
Chuck, I will do the measurments. I might just have to live with it for a bit.
Thanks to all!
Chuck, I will do the measurments. I might just have to live with it for a bit.
Thanks to all!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 7,218
Likes: 399
From: Northern CA
Re: Leaning to the left (7tea1)
This is a common problem. Probably has to do with the fact that most of these cars are driven from day one with one big butt on the left side... and no one on the right for years.
I fixed my "leaner" by adjusting the drivers side rear mono spring bolt slightly higher and making sure my driver's side strut rod was right on the money. Now she sits level. You can play with a number of adjustments including the front coil springs to affect a level ride. :cool:
I fixed my "leaner" by adjusting the drivers side rear mono spring bolt slightly higher and making sure my driver's side strut rod was right on the money. Now she sits level. You can play with a number of adjustments including the front coil springs to affect a level ride. :cool:
