rear sway bar link

[john h]

I have replaced My rear links with new poly bushings.  I'm wonder if I over tighten the nuts, will that cause the car to Push through corners?The front suspension and steering was rebuilt 2 summers ago and I did not have the issue.  After replacing the link I get the push. I have also recently done the valve shim on the PS pump, but I did not notice the Push after doing that.

Thanks John

[HP2]

It shouldn't. A push is typically the result of too much front spring rate, but there are a lot of other factors involved.

Just to make sure we're talking about the same thing, when you steer into a corner the car wants to go straight or requires you crank in A LOT of steering wheel angle?

[john h]

It shouldn't. A push is typically the result of too much front spring rate, but there are a lot of other factors involved.

Just to make sure we're talking about the same thing, when you steer into a corner the car wants to go straight or requires you crank in A LOT of steering wheel angle?

correct.  Perfect way to explain.  I have experience with changing rear skid spring rates on sleds and that can often cause the push effect. I just did not know if it would happen on a car.  Many years ago I switched the leafs out with a pair of heavy duty ones from year one, but still never noticed this.  I'm trying to make sure I have no issues as I build on my upgrades. Next will be good shocks. per the post about suspension upgrades a little at a time.

Thanks
John

[HP2]

Out of the factory these cars all tended to push through turns with the factory parts installed. This is why adding a bolt on rear sway bar tended to help neutralize them and significantly improve their feel.

Replacing the link bushing with poly shouldn't necessarily introduce an understeer condition, but if it didn't exist in the same degree prior, than it obviously impacted something. All I could think of is you have improved the reaction and application of force in the rear of the car and it is overpowering the front shocks ability to control the force. If you have wider rear tires than front, the more direct translation of force could be creating more grip at the rear now, which will also overpower the front tires.

To offset the push, you could add a stronger front shock, larger sway bar, or thicker T-bars.

[jordan]

Is the only change rubber to poly bushings?  I think it would be hard to perceive the difference, much less dramatically alter a cars handling.  It sounds like it is behaving like a car without a sway bar.  Doesn't adding a rear sway bar usually help control understeer? 

I understand the point that if it is working better, it is overpowering the front.  I think that the speed of the vehicle would have to be increased to notice the effect.  But I don't understand how  rear sway bar bushing composition alone would affect understeer at the same vehicle speeds. 

I do agree that a high end shock will help immensely to control the front and rear.  Im still tuning mine in as I put the miles on and I learn my cars' new behaviors.  It pretty cool to feel the little changes in adjustable shocks.  And all I have to do is turn a nob.  No tools for mine. 

[john h]

Is the only change rubber to poly bushings?  I think it would be hard to perceive the difference, much less dramatically alter a cars handling.  It sounds like it is behaving like a car without a sway bar.  Doesn't adding a rear sway bar usually help control understeer? 

I understand the point that if it is working better, it is overpowering the front.  I think that the speed of the vehicle would have to be increased to notice the effect.  But I don't understand how  rear sway bar bushing composition alone would affect understeer at the same vehicle speeds. 

I do agree that a high end shock will help immensely to control the front and rear.  Im still tuning mine in as I put the miles on and I learn my cars' new behaviors.  It pretty cool to feel the little changes in adjustable shocks.  And all I have to do is turn a nob.  No tools for mine.

I'm heading toward the adjustable QA1 shock.  Probably start with the front and then a month or 2 later do the rear. THe only time the push is an issue is on a winding road with a sweeping corner going fairly fast.  around city streets/speeds its not a big issue.  It's just something I wanted to correct if I over torqued or something stupid so I don't compound my issues as I slowly build the new suspension and steering.

Thanks for the info.
John