Right rear shimmy

[Julian]

Hi,

Let me start by saying I haven’t had time yet to get underneath the car to take a look at the issue, but wanted to get an idea of what to look for when I find some time.

I have an 89 mustang gt– rear wheel drive 🙂

when driving at slow speeds, when I look in my rear-view mirror, it seems like the right rear of the car shimmies from left to right (maybe up and down too) after hitting small bumps. It seems to do it less over big bumps or at higher speeds. There are no audible sounds associated with this.

Any ideas of what to look for? My first thought is the right rear shock is starting to go. Also, these mustangs came with so called “quad” shocks– they run horizontally from rear axle housing to the body.
http://stangsuspensionblog.files.wordpress.com/2011/09/img_4079ss.jpg

Is it possible when the shock is going bad it starts to act like this? I don’t believe it leaks. The bounce test in the parking lot doesn’t show much movement either. I don’t want to just replace parts so I’m looking for a good direction of what to check and how. I suppose it could be the rim– I can put it up front and see if things change. Car has new tires as of 3 weeks ago– but it had the same symptoms with the old tires.

Thank you in advance for your suggestions!

Julian

Topic

[Bill]

There are only a few things that can cause the problem on that car but I would have to say that if the tires didn’t improve the issue you either have worn link bushings or other bushings or weak shocks.

You didn’t say how many miles are on them but if they are original I would replace all four.

[Julian]

Thank you. I will take a look as soon as I find some time.

Julian

[college man]

I would rotate the tires and see if the problem moves.

[Author]

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