The rear of my 1953 Hornet oversteers a bit when changing lanes or other quick maneuvers. I checked the Panhard rod bushings, and they are loose. I can move the Panhard rod by hand and see about 1/16" of play at each end.
I didn't see these bushings on our usual vendors' sites. Anyone know where to get them?
TIA, Pete K
Metro Moulded Parts makes them: [url= https://www.metrommp.com/ ]https://www.metrommp.com/[/url]
Rockauto sometimes has them in stock for a good price.
It appears this part is called a "rear stabilizer" bushing, rather than a "Panhard" bushing, correct?
Thanks, PK
Correct
Peter, we have these and the front leaf spring bushings. Those wear out , so make sure you inspect them too.
Doug, thanks, I’ll call ya.
PK
Also check the rear spring shackles and bushings for wear, or seizing from lack of greasing. Check the frame rails for rusting where the spring shackle's upper bushing passes through. Any excess movement there results in the axle shifting and that spooky oversteer is the result.
Please define "oversteers a bit when changing lanes or other quick maneuvers". Is it like this little bit of oversteer as shown in the video below?[video] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J8fNpTSLi80 [/video]
Cool video!
I’ve checked the shackles and they don’t appear loose. The frame is solid. In fact this is one of the most rust-free Hornets I’ve seen. That’s a big part of why I bought it. “Oversteers a bit”, means the rear end tends to waggle instead of track straight behind the front. I’ve experienced this on other cars. I know what it is. Loose bushings, especially in the panhard rod. If it didn’t have a panhard rod, I would replace the bushings and shackles too. I may do that anyway, but panhard bushings first. One thing at a time.
