Car drifts forward or backward while in PARK

[ProwlerGT]

So, I searched for this and did not find it exactly. Found similar threads, but not this.

Quite simply: What does it mean is worn or broke when the car drifts forward or backward (maybe 1 to 3 inches in distance) while it is in park? This is something that got progressively worse over time and the car used to not move hardly at all when in PARK when it was young. IE: Car will drift after it is put in PARK and usually you are on an incline, but if you are on flat surface you can push the car back and forth with your hands.

[ProwlerGT]

So was this another stupid question? lol

[Jerggy13]

yes....just use the ebrake

and could be your motor mounts. Back when I had my stockers I could roll the car back and forth like you said. If the hood is open you could watch the motor tilt back and forth. Now I have poly mounts and the car will only roll about an 1" forward and back

[ProwlerGT]

Originally Posted by Jerggy13

yes....just use the ebrake

and could be your motor mounts. Back when I had my stockers I could roll the car back and forth like you said. If the hood is open you could watch the motor tilt back and forth. Now I have poly mounts and the car will only roll about an 1" forward and back

I guess I'm missing why the motor mounts would have anything to do with the car moving forward or backward while the car is OFF?

Using the ebrake is a workaround.

I did find something in the manual about "excessive rolling" and it says to replace the stabilizer. It just says "stabilizer" - so I am assuming this is the stabilizer bar? I thought the stabilizer bar just was for dealing with cornering?? Anybody? Hello out there... ECHO.... ECHO.... ECHOooooo

[ProwlerGT]

Well, if anyone is curious it appears the answer is here:

http://auto.howstuffworks.com/question528.htm

I love that web site.

Here too: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parking_pawl

[Jerggy13]

as far as the motor moutns go, just try it out...open the hood and push the car forward and backwards and watch the engine move

[ProwlerGT]

Originally Posted by Jerggy13

as far as the motor moutns go, just try it out...open the hood and push the car forward and backwards and watch the engine move

I'll check it out, but I've replaced my mounts about 70k ago. Thats a lot of miles, but I feel as though they are still good.

FYI - If anyone didn't read the above links this apparently is only an issue on ATX vehicles and comes from not using the e-brake (parking brake) as manufacturers suggest you should every time you stop the car. Most people (myself included) just stop the car and put it in park and get out without ever applying the parking brake. This is what leads to the eventual wear and maybe failure of the parking pawl inside the tranny.