Bumpsteer...What is it exactly??

[DLoudy98GT]

O.k.....I've got a set of C springs on my car. I've been reading here and there about a condition called "bumpsteer". Can someone elaborate as to what exactly this is.....

Plus, would it be wise for me to install the Steeda X2 balljoints?? How about the bumpsteer kit?? If so, what kind of difference would it make??

Thanks in advance for the help......

 

[StangJonGT]

A bumpsteer kit is an extension to your tie rod, aligning your steering shaft to your A arm. What happens is when you lower your car, you change the suspension geometry, making the car nervous or darty on a bumpy road. Basically it will change direction when it hits a bump. Very much like torque steer.


Jon

 

[edwardohaskillo]

The tie rod and the A arm have to follow the same arc as the suspension travels. If it doesn't, as the suspension (esp. the A arm) articulates the tie rod pushes or pulls the front wheel in or out. This causes a momentary toe-in or toe-out with sharp jolts or when the suspension is at the limits of it's travel.

The secret is to get 'em travelling in the same arc again. This is usually done with offset bushings on the rack and pinion. Drop the rack and pinion the appropriate amount in relation to the suspension drop and the problems is solved.

Of course I'm no alignment specialist, and I may not be entirely right, but you should get the drift

 

[DLoudy98GT]

So that explains all that herky jerky motion on a rough road. Would I need to do the bumpsteer kit, or bumpsteer kit and balljoints both to remedy this problem?

 

[edwardohaskillo]

I haven't done alot of research on that. I would look into some offset bushings for the rack. I would also use the search function on this forum for ideas. Maybe PM someone who has a similiar set up. Sorry I can't help more.

 

[DLoudy98GT]

Gotcha.....thanks for the ideas!!

 

[4.6_02_Black_GT]

Heres my Steeda bump steer kit installed

 

[lgndracer]

Bump steer is normally adjusted with shims where the rack meets the spindle. When the car is decelerating or accelerating and the nose rises and falls, the front wheels will slightly toe in or out. The biggest issue is scuffing speed. You will also need a bump steer gauge to make the adjustments. It consists of a set of dial gauges that measures the amount of toe in and toe out as you move the suspension through its range. I have a Tanner Racing Products one. You can also get them from Longacres and other companies that supply equipment for setting up race cars.

Mike

 

[DLoudy98GT]

hey 4.6 02 Black Gt.....

How much trouble was that to install?? Did it do the trick??

 

[4.6_02_Black_GT]

Loudy,

I never really experinced any "bump steer" issues, but for $130 bucks I felt it was good to go ahead and be prepared and add the tie rod ends when I did my springs and struts, just in case I did have any issues. Each of our cars is different, even with the same springs and struts there are variations in the front end from car to car. So even with similair lowered setups..you might need a kit..and another car might not.

Just a comment as you wheels move up and down during suspension travel, the bumpsteer everyone is talking about is "typically" only a very slight change in toe. and remember the car has to be under suspension load when this occurs. LIke driving hard into a corner and stabbing the brake and casuing the front end to nose dive. IF if you had bump ster it would be while the suspension is loaded in that dive. Under spirted driving you a not going to notice it. Its only if you are always driving hard. For most of us who dont really auto cross everyday Bumpster is a red herring..not really worth worrying about. ...There are always exceptions.

 

[4.6_02_Black_GT]

oops install...yes simple... you will need an alignment afterwards since you are scewing up your alignment when you pull the tie rod ends. off.

Install time maybe 30 mins a side. Most of that time is pulling off the wheels.

 

[DLoudy98GT]

Intersting.....I have noticed though, that during normal driving when I hit some bumps & such that the car likes to "dart" a bit. Nothing major, but a little annoying. Have noticed as well when going over the mountain roads, when I do have it under a load it can get away from you if you hit a bump during an agressive corner.

I was just curious about all of this. I wondered if the bumpsteer kit and balljoints may help with alignment and caster/camber. I do have some caster/camber plates that I have yet to install.....so I can only assume that the plates would help. I just wondered if the joints and bumpsteer kit were neccessary or would help any at all.