Steering drifts
 

Running new Sumitumo's on factory wheels, steering seems to drift at 70 +. Had the suspension on the soft mode and it just didn't feel like it was "on rails" like it should feel...is this just a perception or is there steering parts on a 13 yr old 14k mile car that need replaced?

jason

Re: Steering drifts
 

Was it more of a "floating" feeling? Or a wandering feeling?

Re: Steering drifts
 

I've experienced some less than spectacular stability and have found one issue to be most prominent......piss poor alignment from supposedly professional shops. I also suggest slight front toe-in. The slightest toe-out causes steering wander & rut tracking. Don't over look the rear toe alignment. Check tie rod ends, front & rear.

Another stability problem comes from dry-rotted/worn rubber suspension parts. For stability problems, look at the rear links (dog bones) both upper & lower.

Replace rubber with polyurethane wherever you can. In applications like a-frames, they tend to squeak, but I still prefer the poly over rubber.

Good hunting.

Re: Steering drifts
 

alignment sounds possible due to just having new tires installed, but I'll pass along your idea's of other things to my shop.

Jeffvette , it seems like floating a bit @70 mph and one inch movement in the wheel did not give (what I would think) to be the razor like handling I would expect.
I admit, I don't have more than 400 miles in the seat experience yet.

Re: Steering drifts
 

Check the things Jerry mentioned as well. If you are getting float, you are going to need to either revalve your shocks or just replace them.

Bushings will make a huge improvement in the handling of any vehicle.

Re: Steering drifts
 

HEY JASON.....can i assume you have the five stars on?? i do remember a little promise of some pics:D

Re: Steering drifts
 

LOL ! nope not on yet, getting the tires mounted tomarrow ,if it works out with my schedule. Are you going to be passing thru Columbia on I-70 when you head to BG ??

jason

Re: Steering drifts
 

yes actualy i think we are heading east on 70,are you going down too? i'm going wed afternoon if everything goes as it should.

Re: Steering drifts
 

This is proly redundant in light of Jeff's and Jerry's comments.....but I would add few things to the list of suspects. The rack mount bushings and the tie rod ends and that u-joint coupler on the steering shaft. I listed those in the order that I think that they would fail or become worn.

Just a thought.:o

:cheers:
Tom