Rear end whining/Alignment issue

[94GTPilot]

Well the combination of these two have really started to get on my nerves the past few months.. For starters, my car is soo squirrely on the road it's starting to scare me.

When I looked at it more closely after jacking up the front end, I can grab the tire, and slightly wiggle it side to side, but not up and down. Somebody told me it could be the tie rod ends? Sound right to you?

Also, I have a whine coming from the rear, possibly the rear end? But the weird part is I only notice it when I accelerate. A second or two after I let off the gas, the whine goes away.. The car has a lot of miles on it, so I'm guessing something is running low on life.... Any help would be greatly appreciated.. Thanks!! :SNSign:

 

[Swarzkopf]

Well the combination of these two have really started to get on my nerves the past few months.. For starters, my car is soo squirrely on the road it's starting to scare me.

What do you mean by "squirrely"? It wanders? Won't go in the direction you point it?

When I looked at it more closely after jacking up the front end, I can grab the tire, and slightly wiggle it side to side, but not up and down. Somebody told me it could be the tie rod ends? Sound right to you?

Both sides?

Yep, it definitely could be your tie rod ends. It also could be your ball joints. Both can and will go bad, and both will cause failure of the tire wiggle test.

Check the condition of the rubber dust boot covering the ball-joints...if it's ripped or torn, there's a real good chance the ball joint is bad. If it's not, check for a puncture near the top- this is how the ball joint grease is applied, through a puncture hole. If one exists, try to force some grease out of it. If the grease that comes out is dirty and gritty, there's a real good chance the ball joint is bad.

If the ball joints check out, replace the tie rod ends.

Also, I have a whine coming from the rear, possibly the rear end? But the weird part is I only notice it when I accelerate. A second or two after I let off the gas, the whine goes away..

Change the differential fluid. Inspect the rear end while the cover is off. If you find any broken teeth, chunks of metal, ect. report back to us.

 

[Swarzkopf]

Oh...and this should have gone in Tech.

 

[94GTPilot]

Sorry about the location... Still trying to navigate my way through all this info! lol..

About the "squirreliness".. I mean when Im driving, the front end will kinda pull to one direction or another without any input from me, which requires me to steer the other way. Makes for a very difficult, annoying drive to/from work..

I will have to check on the rear end next weekend. I have a friend that works for a dealership, so we have access to a lift/tools... I bought a King Cobra clutch, steel bearing retainer, adjustable clutch cable, new fork, pivot bearing, and pilot bearing, so while its up in the air, we will check the rear end and get back to you. Thanks for the help!!

 

[bill302]

you better install some new tie rod ends and check balljoints as Swarzkopf recommended replace if necessary and get a front end alignment before you wander into a ditch. the rear end is not so much as serious issue at this point...alot of people have gear whine and drive like that for thousands of miles with no problems...i would not recommend driving this vehicle in this condition...

 

[94-302-vert]

Check your bushings on the front control arms too...