'90 Vogue rear suspension swaying

morning all

I think my recently acquired 1990 RRC needs new rear suspension bushes; going around sharp corners (pulling out from a junction for example) makes the rear end feel a lot like it is swaying toward the outside of the turn, almost like it has lost traction and is stepping out. My friend also said he could see the body moving side to side somewhat while he was following me along the road.

Also the rear suspension looks like it sits a bit too low and can feel a bit harsher than it should at times.

I can't hear or feel any knocking noises from the suspension though

does this sound like the bushings are gone where the rear axle sway bar / A frame / whatever it is called meets the chassis? or more likely the ball joint where the sway bar meets the axle? or both?

also assuming the SLU is broken (apparently most of them are by this age), can I just remove it and be done with it?

I've had a look under the car and everything looks fine with no major rust near the suspension mounts, broken springs, excessively leaky dampers etc and the tyre pressures are all around 34 psi and in good condition

thanks gang

How is your VCU if you are losing traction? What's the wear like on the tyres?

pretty sure VCU is fine; it doesn't forcefully understeer when turning at full lock even on gravel. Tyres are also fine, goodyear something-or-others with plenty of tread left.

I am certain that it isn't actually losing traction, it just occasionally feels like it from the drivers seat; It feels like it sways slightly then catches again.

Since my original post I have noticed a couple of times a bit of a clonk from the rear suspension when going over bigger bumps or uneven surfaces, though the rear suspension is feeling a little more compliant now.

The guy I bought it from said it had seen very little use in his ownership over the last year or so, so I wonder if the BOGE strut had seized up a bit and is now easing off a bit with a bit more use?

either way I have bought a set of genuine replacement bushes for the rear suspension so hopefully those will cure it

DeadTom said:

pretty sure VCU is fine; it doesn't forcefully understeer when turning at full lock even on gravel. Tyres are also fine, goodyear something-or-others with plenty of tread left.

I am certain that it isn't actually losing traction, it just occasionally feels like it from the drivers seat; It feels like it sways slightly then catches again.

Since my original post I have noticed a couple of times a bit of a clonk from the rear suspension when going over bigger bumps or uneven surfaces, though the rear suspension is feeling a little more compliant now.

The guy I bought it from said it had seen very little use in his ownership over the last year or so, so I wonder if the BOGE strut had seized up a bit and is now easing off a bit with a bit more use?

either way I have bought a set of genuine replacement bushes for the rear suspension so hopefully those will cure it

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Would still be a good idea to check the VCU. Just lift one front wheel, box in neutral, hand brake on, try to turn wheel, should move slowly with a lot of constant force.

Datatek said:

Would still be a good idea to check the VCU. Just lift one front wheel, box in neutral, hand brake on, try to turn wheel, should move slowly with a lot of constant force.

Click to expand...

Thanks for the tip, will do