97 Grand Prix...HELP!!!

[John445]

I recently purchased a 1997 Grand Prix GT coupe from someone (which I am now regretting). I have spent the last few weeks trying to fix things but as life has it more problems arise as I do that. Does anyone have any advice about the following:

1. the car does not drive well on wet roads. Tires appear to be good (I did the penny test...lol) but feels like I am on a constant hydroplane when it rains. On dry roads it appears to pull to the right side.

2. Lots of noise! I notice way too much noise coming from the rear of the car when I drive; especially when I drive over even the smallest potholes. Noises consistent of loud bangs at higher speeds when hitting uneven road and a "whirring" while coasting at speeds less than 40 mph. I don't have anything in the trunk so it isn't that...

3. Speaking of the trunk, there is a leak! I read somwhere that this was a common problem. Water appears to enter the trunk somehow even though I don't have a sun roof or a spoiler. It seems to enter from the left side and then accumulates in the spare tire holder. Its very frustrating!

If anyone has any help for me, PLEASE let me know. Thanks a bunch.

[GTP Dad]

Welcome to AF!!

As for the hydroplaning issue it is possible that the tires are in fact not channeling the water properly even though the tread is in good shape. I would have the alignment checked and replace the front tires with a better tire if it continues. As for the problem in the rear, check to make sure the sway bar is properly connected and not bent or damaged. Also check the struts as they may be worn causing you to get the noise. The whirring noise possibly could be a bad wheel bearing that making a noise.

As for the leaking trunk. Check the rubber seal and the body seals in the trunk. One way to do this is to have someone get in the trunk with a flashlight and close the lid. Spray it with water from a garden hose to see where the leak is coming from. It can usually be fixed with silicone sealant.

[joker1s]

As far as the clunking noise my car is the same year with the same problem. I had to replace the struts and the strut mounts. Still getting a little noise, suspecting the sway bar link.

[richtazz]

Also check the rear suspension trailing arms. They go from the rear axle to the sub frame and keep the rear axle tracking straight. The bushings go bad and will cause a hollow sounding clunk and make the car feel loose, as if the rear is going to come around on you. If bad enough, they can also cause the car to pull to one side as they will cause the rear tire to toe in/out.

[bigphili]

it wounds like a salvaged car, run your fingers down every crease (trunk, hood, doors, windows, etc.) if it's not smooth, that's the place where the car was hit, you can also tell if it's been repainted, another way to tell is to look at the bolts that hold on your fender in the engine bay, if they're painted then the car was hit there.