Front wheels "skip" when turning sharp ... traction control issue?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 220
Likes: 19
From: Phoenix AZ
Front wheels "skip" when turning sharp ... traction control issue?
My front wheels "skip" a couple times when making a hard turn into a parking spot. It is very obvious to the point that passengers have mentioned it. Occurs primarily at work where our paved parking lot is deteriorating so has a fair amount of "gravel" on top of it. Its a hard right with a slight uphill grade. It has happened a couple other times (I know once was a left turn and even heard slight tire chirp) and perhaps was also "slippery" parking lot conditions but otherwise it does not happen most the time. Never did this in my C5 in same parking lot. I need to test with traction control off but keep forgetting to turn it off. Sound like a traction control problem or similar or perhaps just normal with the geometries and loose gravel?
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 2013
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From: Chirper Island
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Instructor
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 130
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From: Jacksonville FL
Turn wheels in direction you want to go. Raise RPMs to 3500. Dump clutch. Turn complete with no front wheel scrubbing.
But really, what everyone else said. It's normal with large front tires.
But really, what everyone else said. It's normal with large front tires.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 220
Likes: 19
From: Phoenix AZ
Thanks everyone. I had also kinda written it off as normal but been in the back of my mind since in warranty and my coworkers keep bringing it up, especially one who had similar on a Toyota 4 Runner and it was the traction control doing weird things but it really shook the steering wheel a lot in his case. Plus, its the only vehicle I have even driven that does this but I understand the geometries a bit so honestly surprised more have not done this.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 41,037
Likes: 9,801
From: Charlotte, NC (formerly Endicott, NY)
Thanks everyone. I had also kinda written it off as normal but been in the back of my mind since in warranty and my coworkers keep bringing it up, especially one who had similar on a Toyota 4 Runner and it was the traction control doing weird things but it really shook the steering wheel a lot in his case. Plus, its the only vehicle I have even driven that does this but I understand the geometries a bit so honestly surprised more have not done this.
Bill
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 915
Likes: 24
I'm not sure why everyone keeps mentioning that it's normal because of wide front tires - I don't think our front tires are very wide to begin with, and I've certainly ran larger front tires on many other cars that didn't do this. I think it's more solely due to the suspension design as illustrated and explained above.
I find it mildly amusing when I'm slowly pulling into parking spots and my tires are squealing like I'm out of control.. : ). our parking lot at work is a smooth surface so there is plenty of tire squeal. ha
I find it mildly amusing when I'm slowly pulling into parking spots and my tires are squealing like I'm out of control.. : ). our parking lot at work is a smooth surface so there is plenty of tire squeal. ha
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
From: Sunnyvale CA
Thanks for the info everyone, i just upgraded to a 2010 grand sport and have the same issue. I definitely have wider tires on this one than i had on the 05 which didn't have this issue.
It sounds like the axle is about to break. Any chance it could cause damage in the long run?
Thanks
It sounds like the axle is about to break. Any chance it could cause damage in the long run?
Thanks
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 11,338
Likes: 2,438
From: Eastern
I think most new C6 owners got nervous the first time they heard this skipping of the tires while turning hard over at slow speed.
Thankfully, it is always well explained on this forum, that it is perfectly normal.
Thankfully, it is always well explained on this forum, that it is perfectly normal.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 11,338
Likes: 2,438
From: Eastern
No such thing exists. Reading that "book" is like asking directions when your lost. Don't do it.. your only admitting defeat if you do either. Guessing is so much more fun 
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 211
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From: Ellisville Missouri
Front tire alignment
Our C6 Grand Sport had the same issue. That is a somewhat aggresive wheel alignment from the factory. Which by the way tends to wear out the inside of the front tires.
When I replaced all 4 tires I had the GS realigned with a less aggresive set-up.
I autocrossed the GS with this set-up and found it to be better for turn-in control and cornering. At least to my skills.
When I replaced all 4 tires I had the GS realigned with a less aggresive set-up.
I autocrossed the GS with this set-up and found it to be better for turn-in control and cornering. At least to my skills.