turning issues especially on highway

[steve]

hello, my name is steve. i recently bought a 2001 mitsubishi eclipse gt 3.0 v6 no turbo. While taking curves on the highway, (specifically right hand curves) my car seems to want to swerve real hard into the turn on its own as if i jerked the wheel even harder to the right even though i didnt. i also have a clunking rattling noise when hitting bumps. what could be my issue? any help is appreciated. thanx in advance, -steve

btw, the steering is very responsive there is no play to be mentioned in the steering wheel.

Topic

[Lorrin Barth]

Do all four tires match? Is the tire pressure at the placarded pressure on the door post?

[Mike]

In the back there are rear control arms that have a bushing on the inside and a balljoint where it mounts on the rear knuckle. These can get loose and noisy and they control your rear toe angle. If one or both is loose enough, your rear wheel(s) can turn a bit to either side and make for some sloppy handling like that. It’s like rear wheel steering that’s not hooked up to anything.

I think the dealer list is under $150 for one. I don’t know if they are available aftermarket, but the whole control arm is replaced as opposed to just the loose bushing or ball joint.

If it’s bad enough, you can kick the tire while it’s still on the ground and feel/hear the slack.

[steve]

Yes and yes, tires are almost brand new.

[steve]

Thanx I will check this. I also get a light clinking or rattling noise in both front and rear when I hit bumps…..

[Mike]

That will probably be the stabilizer bar links being loose. Front and rear both get loose on them. At that age, they may have even been done once already.

[steve]

Thanx. I’ve been leaning towards that being the cause but haven’t been able to get under the car yet to check it out. I will be able to work on it this Saturday and see if this is in fact the culprit.

[Mike]

Sounds good, make sure to let us know how you make out. Of course post something if you run into anything then and need some info.

[steve]

just an update guys,

so i got my eclipse on the rack this weekend and found my problem(s). both front stabilizer links were shot. passenger rear stabilizer link was broke. drivers side lower ball joint. and passenger rear strut. did not replace the strut as of yet but replaced everything else, and it drives exceptionally better. thanx for all of your input and help guys.

[Author]

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