Flyboyzack

So I just bought a very clean well cared for SC300. I notice when I go over a series of small bumps the car sways and basically fishtails. Sometimes it can get pretty bad! Any ideas?

Note this happened both with the factory wheels and aftermarket Supra spec wheels. Any ideas?

t2d2

iTrader: (8)

It could be the alignment, but I would guess rear lower control arms or radius/strut arms (traction links?) are worn, e.g. bushings or ball joints.

1A1

More than likely it is your rear wheel bearings. Jack up the car without the e brake on. Then take the tire and put your hands at 12 and 6 o'clock. Pull on one side as you push on the other and see if it will shake at all.

Steve K>

Flyboyzack

Wow, that is crazy. Is this a common issue with the SCs? Has anyone actually had this same problem and if so did one of the fixes above fix it? I appreciate the help!

1A1

It happens on Supras, which are basically the same. The rear wheel bearings take a beating on these cars due to the weight. They typically are replaced 2-3X before a front wheel bearing will wear out.

Steve K.

t2d2

iTrader: (8)

Why would the rear wheel bearings wear that much faster than the fronts due to weight, when the front end weighs significantly more?

Not saying they don't, just I haven't heard that previously and it doesn't make a whole lot of sense on the surface.

1A1

I can't really answer that other than the front bearings are much more beefy. My friend Curt Aigner was the parts manager at Elmhurst Toyota for 30 years and stated that the rear wheel bearings on the Supra go out 2-3X as often as the front. He was basically the go to guy for Supra enthusiasts for the past 2 decades before he retired. SC300 is virtually the same design and the car is heavier.

Steve K.

t2d2

iTrader: (8)

Well, Curt is as likely as anyone to know their stuff, so I'll grant you that! If the front bearings are beefier, that's likely the explanation ... and also begs the question wth they skimped on the rear bearings.

1A1

Yes, sir. They'll last a long while, but the fronts should last virtually forever. The GTRs have the same problem, only the front bearing wear out quickly. Crazy for a $110K car.

Steve

Flyboyzack

I'm going to be out of the country but I hope to take a look soon. Any other things I should look at?