when im parked and turn the wheel its fine but then when i try to move a bit the front of the car lifts a good 2-3 inches. even if its not turned all the way. i DO have wheel rub if i turn ALL the way. cant see anything broken or loose. can any1 shed some light on my situation???

 

Yes it is normal.

That's how the steering wheel tends to return to center all by itself when you're driving; anywhere BUT centered lifts the car, so gravity makes it return.

Your wheels rub (at the outside rear "corner" of the wheel well no doubt) because your caster is set to a large positive number. This moves the wheels rearward in the wheel well. Of course it also adds to the whole lifting and centering thing, which is why it is done in the first place. To some extent, you have to learn to live with the one downside (rub), in order to get the other benefit (handling).

 

alright thanks for your help. ive just never driven another car that has done this as bad. its especially bad when im parallel parked and its a tight squeeze cause i feel like i cant turn the wheel as much. ill live i guess.

 

The following is from How to Tune and Modify your 1982-1998 Camaro by Jason Scott:

"The problem stems from high forces transmitted from the steering box to the chassis, especially under low-speed cornering, such as when maneuvering around a shopping mall parking lot. Fat performance tires present a great deal of resistance at low speeds, which imparts considerable stress into the steering system, and ultimately attempts to rip the steering box from its mounting surface--especially during "full-lock" turns, where steering torque is greatest. Over time, these forces weaken the chassis surface around the steering box and can result in torn metal.

"Whether the chassis is weakened or torn at the steering box, the result is the same--steering actions are delayed while the chassis flexes, leading to unresponsive and erratic steering. Ironically, though the damage stems from low-speed steering, the resulting problem is far more serious at high speeds than low ones.

"It is possible to repair the damaged area, though the best solution is to avoid the problem in the first place by installing a brace that reinforces the steering box mounting area."

The brace is the Wonderbar. Recommended, if your car isn't already equipped with one.

JamesC

 

you now i have the same thing and wondered the same thing and remember back when i got my car it didnt do it, the i got an alignment to factory specs...so get a custom alignment with a lower caster number and therocially problem should be fine...w8 does the 3rd gens do caster? ik they do toe and chamber.