"Waving/skating" through tight corners.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,309
Likes: 20
From: Woodstock Georgia
"Waving/skating" through tight corners.
Just curious what would be the cause of this scenario:
When I'm at, say 60-70 mph around a tight turn, getting onto the interstate, the car feels like it constantly wants to straight line on me. I don't correct anything in the steering input, and it seems to turn back in. It's not quite as bad as it sounds, but it does seem to "wave" in the hard turns. The car is an 86 with 285/45 and 315/35 tires on 90 ZR-1 rims.
What would cause this?
When I'm at, say 60-70 mph around a tight turn, getting onto the interstate, the car feels like it constantly wants to straight line on me. I don't correct anything in the steering input, and it seems to turn back in. It's not quite as bad as it sounds, but it does seem to "wave" in the hard turns. The car is an 86 with 285/45 and 315/35 tires on 90 ZR-1 rims.
What would cause this?
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2002
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From: SCMR Rat Pack'r Charter Member..Great Bend KS
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,554
Likes: 13
From: Romeoville IL
Mine does similar, and Im suspecting shocks from other reports on the board.
I also know the shocks are blown, so once I replace them hopefully this odd behavior will stop... I'll find out in the spring.
I also know the shocks are blown, so once I replace them hopefully this odd behavior will stop... I'll find out in the spring.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 5,621
Likes: 206
From: Orlando FL
I would start off with an alignment first especially if you had not had it done in a year (and get the 4 wheel alignment). The toe in will especially effect you condition.
How are your tires? I just replaced my fronts with good center tread but the edges were wearing unevenly. Caused the car the wander around especially if I went over any road construction joining lines. Did get 35000+ out of the tires and was running 30psi. By the time you figure the right tire pressure, its to late. Now I have gone to 35 psi and will see how that works out. Now It drives so much better.
How are your tires? I just replaced my fronts with good center tread but the edges were wearing unevenly. Caused the car the wander around especially if I went over any road construction joining lines. Did get 35000+ out of the tires and was running 30psi. By the time you figure the right tire pressure, its to late. Now I have gone to 35 psi and will see how that works out. Now It drives so much better.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,309
Likes: 20
From: Woodstock Georgia
Alignment was done one year ago, and I've put about 2500 miles on it since then. I run 35 psi. The tires have 99% tread. Shocks have about 10,000 miles on them from what I can tell.
Suspension components....ah, there's were it gets fuzzy. Most likely the factory bushings and such, which all have 134,000 miles and 20 years on them. Guess I should probably start there.
Suspension components....ah, there's were it gets fuzzy. Most likely the factory bushings and such, which all have 134,000 miles and 20 years on them. Guess I should probably start there.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 5,002
Likes: 5
From: No Opti Here Tn
St. Jude Donor '06
If you are running performance summer tires this could be caused by nothing more than the sumer tires not liking the cold weather
I just got back from driving and my car felt like it was on ice till the tires got a little warmer and then still not great
Old tires could have the same effect
I just got back from driving and my car felt like it was on ice till the tires got a little warmer and then still not great
Old tires could have the same effect
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Advanced
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 52
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From: Tallahassee Florida
Tire PSI first. Then I'd jack the rear up and see if you can get any play in the rear tires. Grab it 12:00 and 6:00 and see if any movement. Then try 3:00 and 9:00. Do the other side.
If the rear floats out and then comes back then floats out again with slight bumps in the road I'd say the rear toe is moving on you. Check the rear toe end links. That would be the 3:00 and 9:00 check. And don't be afraid to pull hard with the hand that would be on the 9:00 o'clock. There's a lot of force being generated there when you are driving. If there is any movement that's your problem.
Also, besides the on ramp, try driving down a road straight (slow speed) and then turn quick to the right and back to the left (toss the car), then right and left as if you were going through some cones. If you feel the back float before it takes a set, I'd bet you have worn suspension pieces.
If the rear floats out and then comes back then floats out again with slight bumps in the road I'd say the rear toe is moving on you. Check the rear toe end links. That would be the 3:00 and 9:00 check. And don't be afraid to pull hard with the hand that would be on the 9:00 o'clock. There's a lot of force being generated there when you are driving. If there is any movement that's your problem.
Also, besides the on ramp, try driving down a road straight (slow speed) and then turn quick to the right and back to the left (toss the car), then right and left as if you were going through some cones. If you feel the back float before it takes a set, I'd bet you have worn suspension pieces.
Le Mans Master
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From: Life is just one big track event. Everything before and after is prep and warm-up and cool-down laps
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St. Jude Donor '12
I noticed my 92 doing this the first time I took it on a track. Few weeks later I had it on a lift and all the suspension rubber is shot. Have new bushings on the way, hope to get to it before March!
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From: Tallahassee Florida
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From: Driving a hybrid in Hipsterville
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From: Hampton, VA Yea, i'm a redneck... but you love it
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aka/Trunk Monkey/Banned For Life/Corvette For Life
i would check the lower ball joints
