Bump steer, vague steering on center... Anyone else noticed??

[DDustiNN]

I have both issues you're talking about (I think). When I'm driving, my car will drift slightly to the right if I let go of the steering wheel. I feel like I'm almost always having to hold the wheel slightly to the left just to go straight. But here's the thing... this was the exact same way on my previous 2 cars... (Ford Fusion and Dodge Stratus coupe, both V6). If you notice, most roads have a slight "hump" to them toward the center... This is so the water drains off to the sides when it rains. This seems to be the reason that cars will drift to the right. When I drive on a one-way street, where the left lane is the left-most part of the road, I don't seem to have the drifting problem.

Also, as far as the steering wheel when hitting bumps... I'd say this is normal. Again, I have this happen right now, as well as in my previous cars. There are 2 spots in particular where I drive that have this, and both are littered with huge ruts on the left side of the lane only. And every time I hit these sections, my car severely pulls to the left. Moreso with increased traveling speed, it seems.

So, all-in-all... through my completely non-professional diagnosis ()... Your car sounds pretty normal to me

[usmcjlp]

Thank you Mike for posting. I was doing a poor job of trying to explain Pedders' approach.

I can honestly say that after installing my Pedders Coil over suspension it feels like a different vehicle. I am much more comfortable in its handling capabilities. For me, it solved the problems that I had with the stock ride. Vehicle tracks true and is much more responsive. Handling and turn in is impressive. I'm no expert, but the car simply feels smaller. I can dart through traffic and make rapid lane changes and the vehicle feels very crisp with no delay in response. I am very happy with my decision. I would recommend any forum member do their own research. Contact Pedders directly and speak to them. I hate to hard sell anyone as that was not the intent of this thread. But if anyone has questions feel free to contact me and I will provide you with more details.

[JDBeck23]

Originally Posted by hogandtow

my stearing was very vauge on center felt very nervous unlike my 95 vette or the wifes monte ss which are very tight and go down the road with out having to play with the stearing much. i had work done on the wifes 02 monte at 90000 miles and a alignment done and the car drove like the camaro. looked at the print out of the alignment and he had it in specs but the front and rear were toed out. i told him about how it was driving and i wanted it toed back in as before, drives great again. so on the camaro i toed the front and rear 1/6" and drives much better. before the wind off of semi trucks would make it move around a little not any more turn in might be a little slower but i am much happier. tire wear yet to be seen. i used two jack stands and string method to set toe i am thinking about having it aligned to the vette specs and will most likely do so after pfat sway bars in the next month. also when getting on the throttle the front end does not feel light any more.

Now that I hadnt thought of. Im not a suspension expert, but Im sure the factory alignment has got to be a "quick, down and dirty" and get them out of there as fast as possible! So that'd make sense that some cars are toed out more than they're supposed to. I didnt realize being toed out will cause the car to be so jumpy... I'll definitely have the tech check the alignment.

[JDBeck23]

Originally Posted by usmcjlp

Are you getting any noise from the suspension? You can put the vehicle on a rack and check for any loose fittings or signs of rubbing or unusual wear around the joints. I know in my vehicle it took two techs with some very large pry bars to get the factory bushings loose. The car was extremely tight. What's the current mileage? Have you ever hit something that makes you doubt the suspension? I'm sure you've already thought of these things.

Yeah I had been racking my brain along those lines all week, but thanks for bringing them up, helps me feel sane!

I have 3k on the clock, havent hit anything, not even a pothole! (knock on wood) I dont have access to a lift, otherwise I would have checked sooner! I had thought about throwing the car up on stands, and getting the creeper out, but my neck gets sore just thinking about it!

Thanks for the info, it's good to hear that there's a solution already out there in the aftermarket. I just need to make sure with the dealer that my car doesnt have a problem... then I'll be ringing Pedders phone to see where I should start! Thanks again!