RyanEricW

Does anyone's car pull you into uneven lanes? I had a previous thread on this long ago, but I think I may have figured out why.

I went to UTI a couple years ago and pulled out one of my auto course books. Apparently, this condition is called "Tracking". It seems to worsen when you have a combination of a stiff suspension, and wide/hard tires OR your caster is not positive enough. A quick search on google reveals I am not alone on this issue, as many Evo's and such have a similar issue.
(Source) http://forums.evolutionm.net/evo-gen...ven-roads.html

Ways to possibly fix this include:
1) Caster adjustment (more positive)
2) Thinner Tires
3) Softer Suspension

I just did a quick search on google, I found this great alignment article with pictures.
http://www.familycar.com/Alignment.htm

Weirdly enough, when I bought my car I didn't look like I have an aftermarket suspension, but it does feel stiff in the front.
I also have 2000~ camaro ss rims on it, with wheel spacers and wide tires to accommodate the offset of the rim. That could very well be my issue.

AlkyIROC

First thing you do is get the suspension checked to make sure nothing is worn out. Then get a wheel alignment. If that doesn't fix the problem, try a different set of tires.

I had a truck for years that always wanted to pull to the right when driving. Had a wheel alignment done and it still pulled to the right. Finally had to replace the front tires when I got a sidewall leak and the pulling disappeared. Must of had a bad belt in one of the tires.

If it still "wanders" after that, replace the steering box.

RyanEricW

I think your suggestions may be a bit too drastic. I far too often see people here replace steering boxes in lieu of solving their issues only creating more problems.

I had the alignment checked and it is within spec. The front end parts are not factory, but not brand new either. I feel no slop or "play" between the wheels and steering wheel, and it does not wander when driving on flat roads without touching the steering wheel.

The car has a tendency to pull into uneven lanes, that's the only problem. That is the only problem I am addressing here for any future purposes. Just wonder if anyone else has had the same issue.

DJP87Z28

Wide tires and grooves wore into the pavement and your car will track on to them. Find a smooth road surface and see & feel the difference. A front alignment will also help.

RyanEricW

My car feels like heaven on these roads, but whose doesnt?

Guest

My car was about the lowest here on these boards, the lighest weight and extremely built. I never had tracking issues.

Alky sugessted the exact points to consider- worn parts

..and you suggested the other critical spec, more positive alignment. The car will track straighter with more positve caster. It will be harder to turn albeit, but with modern power steeering aid that is not an issue.

Your issue I garantee is wider tires thatn factory designed with factory type alignment specs and worn parts like steering knuckles, ball joints, idler arm, strut mounts, chassis flex, and wheel bearing slop.

Take in consideration for not being able to feel it but when the wheel bearings for instance sl;op .045, the nall joints slop .087 & .023, the tirerods slop .044, .052, .235, .097, and the sturt mounts slop .124 & .093 ??? That all adds up aprox almost a .800 in slop when a tire hits a rut and you are holding the steering box straight. That right there is 3/4" of toe out a dominant wide tire will yank the car left or right when tracking due to toe slop.

Then consider bump steer if you car has never been bumped properly and find out you are toeing even more in bump? hell yess you car will follow a rut rather than track straight.

I could hold one finger on my wheel at 80mph and the car would track straight over uneven freeway surfaces. Its all in the quality of parts and the settings or adjustments of those parts. One thing lacking and a weak link will show- everything has to be on the same level. Wider tires require more leverage to turn which in turn will work in reverse also requiring more leverage to keep from turning.

Hope that makes sense, good luck. Get things checked like Alky suggested.

UnderCover89TBI

iTrader: (25)

just because an alignment is in "specs" doesnt mean its what your car needs. you may need a custom alignment and if your alignment guy cant do that. then time to find a new one. a good alignment guy knows hey a little more caster..camber..toe etc helps this and that. etc. If your car is lowered without different strut bearings its might be hard to get it alligned properly also.

AlkyIROC

I'd love to get more caster on my car but without changing the top plate or elongating the slots, I have as much as the factory adjustment will allow.

RyanEricW

Never said it was what my car needed. It was to verify there is nothing abnormal wrong with my car. A car within "specs" as you like to put it will at least let me know there is nothing too worn or badly damaged with my front suspension components.
I even said a little more caster should help to keep it tracking in a straight line. I've yet to test how many degree's I can actually get out of the stock adjustments.