I have an '86 IROC-Z and when I make fairly sharp turns, the front wheels slide instead of rolling through the turn like normal. And when they are wet, I can hardly make a turn at all because the car just pushes and slides. It's like they don't get any traction to roll while turned. Also when I'm driving in the rain, it feels like my front wheels are hydroplaning and I can barely keep control over the steering. It's feels like the front end is so light that there's no weight to push on the front wheels so they can grip the road.
Does anyone have any idea as to what could be the problem?

 

My first guess would be some sh*itty tires. My car had similar issues til I got some good tires on it.

 

I thought the same thing too, but I just put brand new tires on and it still slides. It'll even do it when it's dry, but I have to turn sharper before it will. When it's wet, I can hardly make a gradual turn at a major stop light without it sliding and bouncing. Also, when the raods are wet, it bounces me all over the place and I have to keep a white knuckle grip on the wheel to keep from losing control at 45 MPH. Simply bad bushings wouldn't be the problem, would it? Also, what about new struts to minimize the bouncing. It doesn't even feel like my front tires are even spinning when it's wet and the ride is alot rougher.

 

Sounds like you need new struts and possibly springs... have you looked at the control arm bushings? ball joints? play in the steering linkage? All of these things can affect your front-end performance. I replaced everything on my 92 and was still having issues. Turned out to be a poorly rebuilt steering box and an incorrect alignment. Hope this helps.

 

Just because tires are new doesn't mean they are any good. Are you simply turning the wheels to far to begin with, or going to fast for the turn?

 

I do know the struts need to be replaced. Also, I inspected the font end and didn't see much play with anything. However, when I took it in for an alignment I was told I need a new center link and idler arm. My steering does have way too much play in it, that's one thing.

Racing Geek - Neither. It'll slide when I make a normal turn at 5 MPH when it's wet out.

Thanks.

 

What kind of tires do you have?

 

The hydroplaning and the play in the steering gives it away.

If you have new tires, and you are still having problems, then your tires aren't tracking true to each other. This will definitely cause your hydroplaning issues and also the other issues you have talked about.

Just bite the bullet and replace the steering components. Center link, idler arm, inner and outer tie rods and get an alignment. I guarantee you will be in much better shape.

Then, worry about the control arm bushings, ball joints, struts, springs, and strut mounts.

You have got to get those tires tracking true with each other first, though.

 

When was your last alignment?