BostonETC97 Posted November 7, 2006 Report Share Posted November 7, 2006 Today I left my car with the mechanic to change the belts and tensioner. He testdrove the car afterwards and made the same observation I've had recently - the car has a mild side-to-side yaw to it when going over uneven road or a bump. I've felt the suspension degrade slightly as I approach 100k miles, but it's by no means floaty or unstable. It seems the null-zone of the steering wheel has also slightly increased over the years, if that is related. Is there a particular set of bushings/arms I should be inspecting for side-to-side motion? I figure I may as well fix it before it gets too *sporty* As always, thanks for the help! -Scott Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JasonA Posted November 7, 2006 Report Share Posted November 7, 2006 It could be rear knuckle bushings (which are not available separate from the knuckle). That seems to be a "common" problem with these generation cars. I know mine are shot, but it doesn't present any real drivability problems. Could also be outer tierods that need to be replaced (which could also be contributing to the increased slack in the steering). Could also be underinflated tires. Could be a lot of things. While the car is parked, shove it side to side, at the front and at the back, and see if you visually watch movement of the car relative to the WHEELS (vice the TIRES). The tires will "squish" around on their sidewalls, but you're concerned about if the vehicle moves laterally in relation to the actual wheels. Then at the rear, take both hands and place them firmly on the rear tires, at the 12:00 position. Vigorously shake in and out. If you can HEAR or FEEL play in the tire/wheel combination, it's a good bet your rear knuckle bushings are worn. Do this on both sides to confirm that they're bad on one or both sides. The rear knuckle bushings are not officially available separately. Some folks may have found a solution that works, a certain bushing part number, but Cadillac doesn't list a bushing. You have to buy the knuckle assembly as a whole, which is expensive. I'd learn to live with it, if you don't want to replace the knuckles themselves. I wouldn't waste my time on used knuckles, because this issue seems to afflict most of the cars from this suspension design (and that includes 93-97 Sevilles, 93-02 Eldorados, and 94-99 DeVilles). The 98+ Sevilles and 00+ DeVilles use a totally different rear suspension design, which has its own set of issues with some vehicles (like extreme vibration sensitivity). Jason(2001 STS, White Diamond) "When you turn your car on...does it return the favor?" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BodybyFisher Posted November 7, 2006 Report Share Posted November 7, 2006 If you are talking about body roll, check your front and rear stabilizer bushings and links. The stabilizer bars minimize body roll Re-reading your post I tend to agree with Jason's statement Pre-1995 - DTC codes OBD1 >> 1996 and newer - DTC codes OBD2 >> https://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/gm/obd_codes.htm How to check for codes Caddyinfo How To Technical Archive >> http://www.caddyinfo.com/wordpress/cadillac-how-to-faq/ Cadillac History & Specifications Year by Year http://www.motorera.com/cadillac/index.htm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BostonETC97 Posted November 7, 2006 Author Report Share Posted November 7, 2006 Thanks for the info! I crawled under the car as best I could (it's tough being 6'8, 250lbs!), and have come to the conclusion that basically all the bushings I could see look worn, torn, or pathetic, to varying degrees. I assume the New England winters with all the salt and debris must take their toll on them, and after 9 years and 100k miles, they start to show their age. I sprayed silicone spray on everything I could see, and all the small squeeks went away for now. I suppose that's a sign of what I'm up against. Next time I see my mechanic I'll ask him if he's up to doing a major 're-bush' of the car. I've decided that although a new car is so tempting, spending dollars to fix a car is a whole lot cheaper than buying an entire new one! Plus this eldo is the only car I've ever owned that people still ask "wow, is that the new cadillac?!?!?" after nearly 10 years of it being around! Does GM sell complete bushing packages, or will I need to order them individually? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nigel Posted November 7, 2006 Report Share Posted November 7, 2006 Here in the UK cars over 3 years old have to be inspected annually and pass a government test (MOT). The condition of all steering and suspension links and bushings forms part of the test. The car will fail the test if upon inspection the parts have either perished beyond function or allow too much free play. Have a look at this UK MOT, Steering and Suspension for how to check different suspension parts for wear. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BodybyFisher Posted November 7, 2006 Report Share Posted November 7, 2006 The stabilizer bar bushings are cheap from GM probably about $20 per set. Get a quote from www.gmotors.com that is where I got mine. Jack the rear of the car up and grab the wheels at 6 and 12 oclock and see if you get play, the knuckles can cause your problem. Also check for tie rod and steering rack play by jacking the front wheels up and looking for play at 3 and 6 oclock. Pre-1995 - DTC codes OBD1 >> 1996 and newer - DTC codes OBD2 >> https://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/gm/obd_codes.htm How to check for codes Caddyinfo How To Technical Archive >> http://www.caddyinfo.com/wordpress/cadillac-how-to-faq/ Cadillac History & Specifications Year by Year http://www.motorera.com/cadillac/index.htm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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