wis2ohio

I just purchased a 97 cavalier and I am having a problem with the rear end and have no idea what it could be hoping someone can give me some starting point.

When I start the car at my house and put it in drive go a little ways then apply the brake the driver side rear end drops almost to the tire but after I get going for awhile it doesn't do it any more, also I can hear a noise while driving that sounds like grinding not sure if it's the bearings going bad or the drum brakes I don't hear the drum brakes when I apply them so I am thinking it might be the bearings... Anyone have any ideas?

tech2

this means what?

wis2ohio

Sorry I meant it drops almost to the tire when I apply the brakes.

tech2

Do the rear brakes lock up prematurely when braking? This may be more noticeable on loose gravel or slippery road conditions. Contaminated rear brake shoes and weak return springs commonly caused premature rear brake lock up on these cars. When the rear brakes apply that hard and with the fronts applying normally, the rear end drops or squats.

wis2ohio

The first time I noticed the rear end doing this I was on gravel and when I applied the brakes it did lock up in the rear and skidded but that is the only time that has happened otherwise it happens all the time when I first take off and the car has been sitting for awhile.

tech2

IMO, i'd change the brake shoes and spring hardware. inspect the wheel cylinders while your in there.

wis2ohio

Thanks for the help I will check them out. I was at the auto store today since my check engine light came on and the ETS off light came on and I asked them about what it's doing as far as what I have explained and they said the samething that you have. Thanks again for the help

tech2

that will fix one problem. When you are ready to fix the tcs and ses lights, get the dtc read and post the codes here. When the tcs and ses light set at the same time there is a powertrain code set that forces shut down of the traction control system.