I have a 1996 exc 3 lite auto that handles stranely at times , Straight line driving is ok but sometimes changing lanes it seems to have a back end movement and similar things going around some corners .
It is like a gust of wind has pushed the car and seems to be from the back . It is not consistant when it happens. I have checked tyre pressures and wheels for tightness and when driving erractically it seems ok . Could it be a shock problem. or a suspension link locking .
Need help please

I had this same my first bet is the upper control arm bush is shot. See this image for the bush im talking about.
http://www.nolathane.com.au/susp_ident_images/thumbs/tn_7_4.jpg

Second bet is other rear bushing like the trailing arm and lower control arm bushes.

I had my upper control arm bushing replaced and it was better but the rear end still didnt feel as good as it should have, so being that my car was a 96 and had a lot of wear I went and got a whole new rear end from a 2003 TL Magna which not only had newer bushes but had a rear swaybar fitted and utilises a better handbrake design. Its a simple swap and now my car drivers so much better, the rear end is so much tighter.

However if you were to replace the rear bushes one pair at a time it will probably cost you about $200-$300 per set. But the control arm with the ball joint needs to be replaced as if the ball joint is worn and theres excessive movement in it you cannot press a new one in.

Thanks for the quick reply . I am going to jack up this weekend to have a look. Do I have to replace the arm with ball joint or can I just replace the bush?? Does it comes as a complete set with the ball joint etc?? I am in QLD Sunshine Coast where would you suggest to get the replacement parts from ?? Thanks again Tom

An other thing is toe on the rear alignment. If the car has been lowered all the Aligners want to toe in the rear tyres a tad to correct the tyre wear. In turn when you go around corners the back feels loose and also when hitting bumps in the road. That with Toe in which is the front of the rear tyres point in a little. Crap feeling and handling.

Hasn't had a wheel alignment in a long time and this handling issue is only recent. Thanks for the tip

If the upper contro; arm bush is the problem can I replace just the bush or do I need to replace the arm etc.? How difficult is it to change . Just I haven't determined the problem but this seems the culprit and the more I know before I tear things down the more chance I have to be able to fix it . For the part use Ebay or local stores like Repco . Auto one. Autobahn etc

Buy the bush and have the mechanic press it into the arm, or disconnect the arm and take it in with the bush or just take the car in and say, replace that bush.