I need help troubleshooting a problem I am having with my Wildcat. It sat for a while and the bushings have rotted in the rear track bar. This used to make a loud clunk when driving over uneven surfaces or turning out of driveways. It has since progressed into a popping while driving to a loud and debilitating scrape/growl. I suspect that it is the driveshaft rubbing against the housing, and maybe replacing the bushings is the cure? Thoughts? Thanks guys. ou:
You probably wont get many replies. No self respecting Buick owner would of waited so long to change them. You should change them any ways, yesterday man.
"No self respecting Buick owner would of waited so long to change them." says Gumby Excuse me? I just bought the car a few months ago, I didn't know it was a huge deal. I have been replaceing things like carbs and exhaust, brakes, and so forth. I should mention I am a college student, not that I should have to have excuses for you. Thanks for your wonderful help this board is really helpful when you feel like getting scolded by women-hating, pirate-movie quoting cartoon lovers from Ohio:blast:
jack the car up and make sure its that. if so change it and get cruising again. cruising is what counts right ; - ). make sure the back rear end bars are ok when you jack it up as well. you know how they can root as well.keep it on the road ; - )
"It sat for a while and the bushings have rotted in the rear track bar. This used to make a loud clunk when driving over uneven surfaces or turning out of driveways. It has since progressed into a popping while driving to a loud and debilitating scrape/growl. " sorry but that is Buick abuse ad I am not gonna sugar coat it for you. And notice the lack of replies. Least I have the guts to tell it to ya striaght. The rest of the board kept quiet but are shacking their heads as I speak. [ they all think the same thing, Buick abuse] Asking if you sohuld chage a part you know is bad and worn out doesn't make much sense. I just own a 80 wagon but you got a wildcat and you kept driving it knowing it needed fixed. You own a wildcat man. You own a wildcat man. You own a wildcat man. You own a wildcat man. You own a wildcat man. You own a wildcat man. geese, and your abusing it. You need some firm talking too. thats a wildcat man, can I say it enough. skip lunch all next week n fix it. that car is more important than food. Ill send ya $5 to help. I am not gonna sugar coat it when someone abuses such a cool and classic car and the ask if they should change parts they know are worn or broke. You own a wildcat man. skip lunch, don't go out drinking, tell your girlfriend to pay for dinner. Skip class n get a job for a week then quit. You own a wildcat man.
re: You Buick Abuse Let me clarify that I am not asking whether I should replace the bushings or not, I am merely asking if there are other things it could be. Does that noise indicate that is the problem in the bushings or could something else possibly u-joints..etc.. I just wanted to know what I might be in for. -nathan I do love my Wildcat, thanks for your concern.
Drag racers seriously abuse their vehicles. Should they be thrown out of the Buick circle? Everytime any of us dump the clutch at 4000 rpm and leave 100 ft of rubber it is seriously abusing the vehicle. I guess we shouldn't be allowed to own a Buick as well. The guy comes to this board, asks advice, and gets lectured for being abusive to his vehicle. Does anyone else besides myself find that to be completely insane? How anyone maintains their vehicle shouldn't be any concern of yours. If you can't answer the guys question then how about you keep you elitest comments to yourself. HojoWildcat, I am really sorry you got such a piss poor welcome here. Most Buick owners are not like this. The noise you are explaining is kind of difficult to diagnose without actually getting under the car and looking at things. I would replace all the rear end bushings 1st and go from there. An exhaust pipe rubbing the driveshaft can make a grinding noise as well. You may have hit a bump and broke a hanger, which would cause the pipe to shift and hit the drive shaft.
127 reads and only 3 people have made comment about your problem. Mine may not be the most popular but I have tried to give advise. each oponion may vary. known rotten trac bar bushing is beyond racers abuse. It just dangerous for him and others on the road. even more for the car. I am a straight shotter and say it like I see it / read it. I can only assume from the info he gives and it souded like he needed a good talking to. I only mean the best. you can set fire to skylarks all you want, throw nail head motors off a cliff for fun and I'll just shrug my shoulders but some cars r to cool.
I agree that the reply was a bit harsh in wording. A better reply could have been given. Such as you should probably correct the problem by " insert type of repair" so that you do not hurt yourself and your car. Being a straight shooter is all good and well but being tactful is also a good choice expecially when a new member arrives with a valid question. Nathan I hope you find the answer you need and Welcome.
Geeze, I just read this whole thread, and that wasn't a nice welcome, I agree with Mike that you should of just kept to yourself, I doupt that "many people will be nodding their heads" because some of them do "abuse" thier cars also. How many Replies and Reads there are doesn't matter bull, I browse through a lot threads to see if I can learn something new about our buicks, I don't even know what a bushing is, I'll just keep looking at this thread until someone explains it. Slawek
