Wandering in Steering
Tech Contributor
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 41,063
Likes: 9,827
From: Charlotte, NC (formerly Endicott, NY)
To my knowledge all of the parts are the same. Wandering is due to tires and alignment. The run flats are more susceptible to wander and if you have a little toe out it is worse.
Bill
Bill
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,675
Likes: 58
From: Hayward (Bay Area) CA
Mine's a 99. Seems like a crackling sound my steering wheel makes. The 4 corners are not all alink. The right/upper corner seems to be a little popped up. When I push it down with my thumb, the noise stops. As soon as I let go, it starts again.
Do I need to see the stealer (dealer) for this, or should I put in a screw driver and try to tighten the screw there. (I hope it doesn't interfare with the air bag, if I tighten it in)...
I'm kinda lost here. Looking to read more articles on steering wheels wandering... 
Do I need to see the stealer (dealer) for this, or should I put in a screw driver and try to tighten the screw there. (I hope it doesn't interfare with the air bag, if I tighten it in)...
I'm kinda lost here. Looking to read more articles on steering wheels wandering...
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 19,384
Likes: 87
From: Horncastle Lincolnshire, England
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Is there any play in the steering when the car is stationary?
In my experience, the tires and pressures are the biggest influence on that issue. the OEM runflats are really prone to "tramlining". If you have aftermarket wheels or tires that are wider than OEM that may also affect it.
I fitted Michelin Pilot Sports and the improvement in handling was significant.
In my experience, the tires and pressures are the biggest influence on that issue. the OEM runflats are really prone to "tramlining". If you have aftermarket wheels or tires that are wider than OEM that may also affect it.
I fitted Michelin Pilot Sports and the improvement in handling was significant.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 16,795
Likes: 62
From: Lake Havasu City, AZ
tramlining is caused by alignment and tire side wall stiffness and width....
The wider the tires, the more apt a car is to follow ruts in the road.
The stiffer the side wall (run flats) the more apt the car is to tramline.
The wider the tires, the more apt a car is to follow ruts in the road.
The stiffer the side wall (run flats) the more apt the car is to tramline.
