Hi guys/gals,

My car's spec:

- 1990 Talon TSI AWD
- Engine is a '92 Talon TSI
- Turbo (supposedly) is a 16G small
- Tranny unknown
- Transfer case unknown
- Rear shafts are the 3-bolt variety
- Tires are Michelin winters 205-50-16 profile
- OEM suspension/struts (unknown mileage)

The problem:

Rear-end feels very loose at speed (the faster, the worse). Only happens when I hit bumps (dependant on size of the bump/pothole/obstacle against speed of vehicle). The car wants to fishtail (more often, the car wants to tilt to the right). And it feels as though my car wants to lift up during highway speeds (80km/h and up) - hence the looseness felt.

What I've done:

- Removed P/S belt (I feel very unsafe with the belt on). Whether the belt is on or not, the problem still exists.
- Reset tire pressure. At first, I had 32psi front, 34psi rear. Now, I have it at 33psi front and back. Problem still exists.
- Transmission changed to MotoMaster Semi-synthetic. Problem existed even before this.
- Transfer case and rear axle fluid hasn't been changed yet. Thinking next weekend would be a good time for these two.
- All wheel lug nuts are re-torqued with an air impact tool. Threads were coated with 1600F Anti-Seize. The problem existed before this.

I have a Laser front bumper (don't ask, I'm changing it - funds pending). And all front splash shields are taken out.

Thanks-in-advance,

Oz

My two cents? I'm guessing the wheel bearings are shot. But that's only a guestimate.

Sound like shocks to me.
Try this test.
- push down as much as you can on rear corner of the car.
-let go of the car.
-it should raise up than settle to its normal riding height.
-repeat same test on the other corner.
-Now if you notice the car bounce more than that replace shocks.

Yeah, your shocks and bushings are probably worn, especially in the rear. Also, check the inside edge of your tires for extra wear, which is another symptom of this.

Most likely what has happened is the passenger side strut has worn faster then the drivers side. I have seen this a number of times with the AWD because of the way the gas tank is positioned.

Time to pick up some KYB AGX's!!!
Perfect Excuse!!

Oscar,

along with what has been mentioned above you could also see about getting your alignment checked. I had a similar situation that was cured with an alignment. The AWDs have a 'thrust angle' variable and when this along with toe values move out of spec, the car becomes very 'squirrely' when hitting bumps (almost feels like it's jumping sideways) and feels loose at speed around corners. It could also be a combination of things ie. suspension parts wearing out causing alignment problems...

Thanks-a-bunch guys! Unfortunately, I've been too lazy to check my shocks (I know, it only takes a minute - I'm just darn lazy this week ).

Craig, you may be bang on! The car hasn't been in an alignment shop ever since I bought it (god knows what the seller did). The car does feel like it wants to jump sideways. As for cornering, as long as the road is smooth I'm okay. If there are bumps, it gets a little scary. I notice one of the rears has quite a bit of negative camber in it. My Integra had both rears with negative camber as stock and didn't feel like that though. It felt more secure during turns (for obvious reasons). Also, my steering wheel is to the right most of the time.

I'll probably look at the alignment first. Shocks will have to wait since I can't afford even what Crappy Tire sells.

Thanks again,

Oz

Oscar,

one other note I just remembered on the alignment thing, have the shop print out the alignment as it is before adjustment, and then after adjustment. That way you'll have a record of what was and is now (and also to verify the shop actually did something)

Oscar,

You might additionally want to try adjusting your tire pressures. I sometimes find that if I have the rears at too high a pressure, the rear seems to be really "bouncy" for lack of a better term.

A good starting point would be 32psi front, 29 Psi rear. I Generally Run 34 psi Front and 29 rear on the stock wheel setup.

Not saying it will completely fix your problem, but it may be a contributing factor.

Regards
Glenn