Steering drifts

[Artic93]

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

[Jeffvette]

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

[A26B]

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.

[Artic93]

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.

[Jeffvette]

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.

[zr-1assassin]

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?

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

[Artic93]

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

[zr-1assassin]

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 ??

jasonyes 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.

[tomtom72]

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