suspension or alignment?

[nate2424]

I am having what seems to be a tracking problem with my '98 GP GT. I replaced the entire rear right suspension with a '00. (strut, stabilizers, sways, you name it) Why when I hit bumps with both rear tires do I feel a push in the rear towards the right? and even worse, and scarier, when its wet, or snowy, (slippery) the car wants to slide out real bad? It feels like there is a hard push towards the rear right when for example half the car is on a slippery patch, or the road is icy.
??????

[maxwedge]

Make sure every thing is tight first then do a precheck 4 wheelalign look for rear toe or camber problems on that side. Condition of tires can cause handling problems in the rear also. If possible post the pre align printout.

[BNaylor]

Another reason could be a strut mismatch. There are two different struts for Grand Prixs. The Reactek and Road Handling. They need to be the same. Check the GM part number on the strut. Plus if you change struts they should be done in pairs (rears / front) not individually. The coil spring should be OK and they are the same for '98 - 2000 but the wear on the springs are probably different due to age and mileage.

I agree with Max that an alignment should be performed.

[nate2424]

Originally Posted by bnaylor3400

Another reason could be a strut mismatch. There are two different struts for Grand Prixs. The Reactek and Road Handling. They need to be the same. Check the GM part number on the strut. Plus if you change struts they should be done in pairs (rears / front) not individually. The coil spring should be OK and they are the same for '98 - 2000 but the wear on the springs are probably different due to age and mileage.

I agree with Max that an alignment should be performed.

It doesn't seem to be a responsive thing though, or is it? my point is, if I ma on a flat terrain, and put the whole car on snow, it wants to slide out. would the two different struts cause that, or is it an alignment. or could it be a control arm?

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by nate2424

It doesn't seem to be a responsive thing though, or is it? my point is, if I ma on a flat terrain, and put the whole car on snow, it wants to slide out. would the two different struts cause that, or is it an alignment. or could it be a control arm?

The alignment is the best method to determine that. On the rear end, you have toe-in and camber that could be off and as simple as that. If not the shop will tell you what is wrong.

[nate2424]

I will absolutely check that and let you know on monday
Thank you

[nate2424]

I will absolutely check that and let you know on monday
Thank you

RE:
Turns out it was absolutely a bad rear end alignment! Thank you for your help. Good to know I have somewhere to go for an intelligent starting point!