loose wheel tracking
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
From: Bellevue WA
loose wheel tracking
I am the proud owner of a 1998 c-5 convertible. I just sold off two C-4's to upgrade. The problem I am having is this. When driving down a freeway with some rough ruts I have to hold on to the steering column iwth both hands as the wheels seem to want to track more than the steering wheel. I never had that problem with the c-4s. So, before I take it into the shop I want to know if what I am experiencing is common with the C-5 or I have some loose mechanisms in the front wheel assembly.
Pro
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 531
Likes: 1
From: Tampa Fl
I am the proud owner of a 1998 c-5 convertible. I just sold off two C-4's to upgrade. The problem I am having is this. When driving down a freeway with some rough ruts I have to hold on to the steering column iwth both hands as the wheels seem to want to track more than the steering wheel. I never had that problem with the c-4s. So, before I take it into the shop I want to know if what I am experiencing is common with the C-5 or I have some loose mechanisms in the front wheel assembly.
If that doesnt turn up results, check the two bolts that hold the steering rack in place. if they are not torqued to spec the rack can move side to side. (Most likely not your issue)
Tech Contributor
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 41,037
Likes: 9,799
From: Charlotte, NC (formerly Endicott, NY)
Run flats having stiffer side wall tires will be more subject to tracking along surface imperfections and slight ruts. However, all C5s, C6s and maybe C7s will do this no matter which tires are used. The best thing to do is to have a slight amount of front toe in. That will reduce the wandering. If the car has a track performance alignment a lot of negative camber (-2 or greater) can cause the same issue. Also rear toe in needs to be about 1/16 total. If you have rear toe out the car can wander a lot also.
Not knowing how many miles are on your car the issue could also be due to a loose wheel bearing or loose tie rod. However, back in the day when these cars were new the alignment was the key thing to look at.
Bill
Not knowing how many miles are on your car the issue could also be due to a loose wheel bearing or loose tie rod. However, back in the day when these cars were new the alignment was the key thing to look at.
Bill
Last edited by Bill Dearborn; Jun 2, 2014 at 08:47 PM.
