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Old Oct 25, 2010 | 02:45 PM
  #1  
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Default Like driving on ICE

Hey guys,
I have a problem with my '02 Coupe. It's just about perfect (28,000 miles), but it is evil handling going down the road in a straight line. It's like the rear end is loose and I need to correct constantly. My tires are brand new run flats at 28 PSI. The alignment is great according to Corvette Center in Newington. The shocks are stock but are quite stiff and seem to be OK.
The car is fine cornering when the suspension is loaded.
Going down the highway it's like I'm on ICE.
Any good diagnosticians out there that could point me in a direction to look at?
Thanks for any help.
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Old Oct 25, 2010 | 02:55 PM
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Get your alignment checked by another shop
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Old Oct 25, 2010 | 02:58 PM
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If the rear end is wandering all over the place, check the tire rods and then the bushings on the control arms. Alignment is probably changing dynamically due to worn components.



Dope
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Old Oct 25, 2010 | 03:04 PM
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Is it isolated at the rear or does the front contribute as well?

Correct to check bushings and links etc.

Plus, you might up your tire pressure. Mine wanders less with 30+ psi.

Let us know what you find.
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Old Oct 25, 2010 | 03:31 PM
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Originally Posted by Dope
If the rear end is wandering all over the place, check the tire rods and then the bushings on the control arms. Alignment is probably changing dynamically due to worn components.



Dope

+1. If the tie rods have any play at all the rear feels very scary. It's not easy to detect the play, it requires some muscle to pull the wheel in the front and push in the back to get the inner joint play show up.

I made a special tool out of a B-body steering centerlink so I could feel the suspension play with wheel off. It bolts in the hub and gives good leverage.

Yeah and 28psi is not enough, Goodyears will tramline with anything under 30psi.
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Old Oct 25, 2010 | 03:41 PM
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I'd check the alignment. Could be off or the suspension could have some faulty parts.
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Old Oct 25, 2010 | 04:48 PM
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Run flats!
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Old Oct 25, 2010 | 08:01 PM
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Originally Posted by wfdlt8
Run flats!
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Old Oct 25, 2010 | 08:37 PM
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Originally Posted by wfdlt8
Run flats!
Nah... I know their despised by most and not the best at performance but I have run flats and have never had that problem.

Can't believe I just admitted to having run craps!
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Old Oct 25, 2010 | 08:57 PM
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Originally Posted by BigTattooMan
Nah... I know their despised by most and not the best at performance but I have run flats and have never had that problem.

Can't believe I just admitted to having run craps!
WHICH run-flats? I have the Michelins, and they corrected all of the tram-lining of the OEMS.
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Old Oct 25, 2010 | 09:11 PM
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Originally Posted by BAMvette
WHICH run-flats? I have the Michelins, and they corrected all of the tram-lining of the OEMS.
Good point,
I have the Bridgestone Potenzas. The Goodyear's were already replaced when I bought the car so I don't have any experience with those. I was a little fast to the keyboard
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Old Nov 5, 2010 | 01:39 PM
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Check for broken welds at the rear frame area. I saw / read a pretty scary thread on this forum regading this issue. Shallow welds breaking loose. Try a search.
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Old Nov 9, 2011 | 05:01 AM
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Default Loose Handling...

My 01 is doing the same thing. I'm going to get her up on stands this weekend and check it out and I'll let you know what I find.

There was a couple times when I had a problem getting the car (automatic) to go into reverse--as if the linkage wasn't attached; so I'm wondering if the two are related.

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