So here is the problem (it has gotten worse), when accelerating the rear end does the twist more than Chuck Berry at a show. I literally have to pull the steering wheel to the left to compensate direction when accelerating hard. The car has 3 mismatch tires on it when I bought it (front ones are the same, rears are different). Which I figured was the initial problem (but i'm cheap and wanted to wear these tires out before replacing them). Now (after 10K miles) I'm noticing that the right rear tire is almost bald while the left is in near perfect condition. Hence, my car pulls to the right (only on hard acceleration). Unfortunealty, I cannot remember the condition of the right tire when I got the car, except that I don't think it was bald. Should I just assume the problem is the tires? Or could something else be causing this?

ThANKs!

 

my 01 does the twist too, only its not on acceleration its when i nudge to the left... i feel the whole back end do teh shimmy. Quite creepy, im getting it on the lift this week and checking and tightening everything possible. If anyone knows of some places to start looking point in the right way.

 

Sounds like the tires have different circumfrances. So when you're accelerating, it's rather like trying to foll a cone in a straight line.

Get the rears replaced with proper matched tires as soon as possible. The two sides rolling at different speeds can cause undue wear on the differential and might lead to some damage.

 

Yes, I think its about time I replaced them. I think I will also get the diff. fluid changed now.

thank!

 

Yeah, replace the tires if they are worn unevenly. Check your alignment, too... if they didn't start out with uneven wear. And, if you don't replace them right away, at least check your tire pressures. Uneven pressures can also cause the car to pull to one side under accelleration.

 

Tire pressures and or wheel alignment.

 

Yea, i checked the psi this morning and they were a lil low. Still does it but not as badly... alignment next and im still gonna tightened the bottom side while its up on the lift this thursday -=]

 

^ If your tires are NOT out of round, are worn evenly and are properly inflated, chances are a wheel alignment will solve the problem 100%

If you have good tires (balanced) and a good wheel alignment, there is no reason your car should shimmy or not have perfect tracking unless there is a mechanical problem.