Driving Problems

[Pliskin]

I have low profile tires on my car now and recently had some suspension work done. Now when I'm driving, if the road isnt perfect my car pulls every direction. Almost to the point where I hit curbs. My steering wheel jumps back and forth and is really uncomfortable to drive as I have to fight to keep the car straight and now veer left or right. What could this be?

Thanks guys!

 

[FFR snakeman]

sounds like alighment

 

[7r3s3oqk37ums0f]

What suspension work did you have done.

 

[Pliskin]

Well, down here in NM we had a real bad snow storm that blanketed all the roads with ice. Long story short, traction control sent me into a curb. Just had the suspension repaired. Not HUGE damage cause I was going about 8mph when I bumped the curb but still had to get some parts replaced.

 

[7r3s3oqk37ums0f]

Well, down here in NM we had a real bad snow storm that blanketed all the roads with ice. Long story short, traction control sent me into a curb. Just had the suspension repaired. Not HUGE damage cause I was going about 8mph when I bumped the curb but still had to get some parts replaced.

What size are the front tires? Increasing the width of the tire does affect steering when the road is uneven, particularly when the road is indented from the wheight of the vehicles traveling on it. There isn't anything that can be done about this, except switching to a smaller width tire. The phenoma is called "tramlining" and more information can be found at the following TireRack.com link http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech/techpage.jsp?techid=47

The lower profiles tires don't have an impact on suspension geometry.

However, if you had suspension damage and subsequent repair, then an alignment should have been a standard inclusion of said repair. You should confirm this with the dealer who performed the repair. Perhaps you should ask for the alignment sheet that confirms if everything is within specification.

If your problem is an alignment issue, alongside your drivability issues will be excessive tire wear.

 

[Pliskin]

I have 235/40s in the front. I dont think I noticed this problem right after I had everything fixed. I did the work last January. I havent had an alignment since then either. I guess when I drop my car next week I'll have to get one but I'm just concerned about the severe pull when driving.

 

[CGM]

Sounds like an alignment problem, probably toe-in/toe-out.

 

[kooldawg6]

I just switched from 235s up front to 255s and I can tell a big difference on the car wanting to follow every little road imperfection. I am used to this however after driving a few 4x4s with 15.5" and 16" wide tires (esp my Ranger that had 35"x16"s on a 14" wide wheel )

Your tires having the same width will not affect it. +1 on getting it aligned and soon!

 

[Pliskin]

General consensus is that I need an alignment. Thanks guys I knew I could count on your help


Once I get my Eibachs installed I'll for sure get an alignment.

 

[kooldawg6]

Drive around a bit to let the springs settle some before or else you could be going yet again. I don't know how much you drive, but my guess would be a couple hundred miles.

 

[ruffy]

Well, down here in NM we had a real bad snow storm that blanketed all the roads with ice. Long story short, traction control sent me into a curb. Just had the suspension repaired. Not HUGE damage cause I was going about 8mph when I bumped the curb but still had to get some parts replaced.

Are you driving around on snow and ice with summer tires? If so, thats a big no-no Get yourself a good set of all seasons for the winter and put those away til spring.