Questions and Answers

Fiero Slips And Slides Q. Love the car (second childhood thing), but cannot locate a problem with the car swerving a little every time I run over any dip, crease or crevice (and sometime seemingly none of the above and no good reason). I've replaced; shocks front, struts rear, upper control arm bushings front, upper ball joints front, lower control arm bushings rear (poly), lower ball joints rear, wheel bearings (one side front).

Examination of remaining bushings in front showed them to be in good shape. Four wheel alignment about two weeks ago, did nothing (if not make it worse).

Most noticeable symptom is when changing gears (used to be from 2nd/3rd, but rear control arm bushings changed that to 4th/5th). When power is applied after changing gears (or if power is applied and released while at speed and in gear), the car 'feels like' the rear end drops down and swerves to the left about an inch, and the front end goes the opposite direction the same amount.

When decelerating (no brakes, only engine torque) the feel is the same, but not as exaggerated, can't tell direction, but definitely a 'not right' feeling in the seat of the pants! Although, on almost any truly smooth roads I seem to 'go in a straight line', I've the feeling that I'm on a high speed tricycle, about to 'fall' left or right at all times.

I've tried shaking all four wheels when off the ground, looking for any sign of loose or worn tie rod arms, etc. to no avail, doesn't mean there's not a problem, I just don't see it.. (I do notice only a slight movement in wheel bearings both front and rear?).

Has anyone else experienced this with the Pontiac Fiero? Any ideas at all would be appreciated.

1986 Pontiac Fiero GT
2.8 liter
5 speed Manual transmission
125,000 (engine rebuilt 5,000 miles ago).
Fuel Injected
A/C, Cruise
Rack and pinion steering

Thanks,
Jim

A. Sounds like you've covered almost everything! Have you looked at the engine subframe bushings? Maybe the whole rear subframe is shifting under load. Also a motor mount or transmission mount could contribute to this problem. It could possibly be collapsed or separated.

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