i've got an 87 n/a. it just started today. when i lightly brake the car starts to sway side to side. it also does it at slow speeds. at about 5-10 mph. what could it be? maybe a control arm? i'm not sure. plz help. it is really annoying.

 

shocks are most likely bad

 

Carry it to an alignment shop and have them check underneath it. They can lift the car and still keep pressure on the control arms which allows them to better check the linkage and such. If you jack the car up in your driveway using the recommended spot you unload the suspension on one side only which keeps you from throughly checking the suspension pieces properly. I learned the hard way on this.

 

Does it sway more in the rear or the front? The one 86 I had floated from side to side in the back all the time. I replaced the shocks and that helped but I think it was a combo of that and the bushings being rotted and old, especially the dtss bushings. Definitely get it checked out to make sure no links are loose or anything.

 

Also check your tires, make sure the pressure is correct, and there are no bubbles or defects, and be sure all lug nuts are tight. I've been in cars, and heard of cars, that rocked back in forth due to tire problems or loose lug nuts.

 

it sways in the back. the front is fine.

 

The rear bushings are most likley shot. My buddies n/a did that. Whever it his a bump on the freeway the back end would break loose. Try those dtss eliminators.

 

thanks for the help i'll take it to go get checked tomorrow. if it is the bushing, where can i get some new ones?

 

mazdatrix

racing beat



$40 at either place

 

You didn't just change anything like new really fat back tires did you??



If you put too wide of a tire on a stock or too narrow of a rim it will give a feel of the back end swaying from side to side when it is actually the tires flexing back and forth.



I made this mistake.... twice.