Frontend Skipping

[vern]

I hope someone can help me. I have a 02 vert with 14000mi.When you go into a corner at speed 50 mph (this can be a exit ramp) and you hit a bump the front tires feel like they are hopping off the road and the sterring wheel gets light in our hand but only for a milly second.my dealer first replaced the right front strut.This did not fix the problem.The second time they replaced a control arm and both front tires this did not fix it.My dealer has been great they have not charged me a penny including the tires with 14000mi on them.But they just cannot figure this out.Dose someone have an answer? Thanks in advance for the help.
VERN:confused

 

[AZMike]

This is called bumpsteer. It is a common problem with the hard-as-a-rock goodyear runflat tires. One fix is to switch to some softer tires. I put Michelin Pilot Sport ZP's on my car and it improved the bumpsteer (as well as overall handling) considerably. Suspension mods can probalby help too.

 

[curtbriggs]

I've never felt "Bump steer" in my 1999 C5 coupe with the Z-51 option. I had a Porsche 911 with stock ride heigh that would try to yank the wheel out of your hand. I think it's some thing else in the steering. The MAGNASTEER system "rotary control valve regulates the amount of effort by responding to the driver's torque input."

page 2-180, VOL. 1 Corvette Service Manual (1999)

Curt

 

[Larry's Yellow Rdstr]

Vern,

If you car has been lowered you are probably feeling the "bump steer" refered to earlier. I have a little of the same thing on my 04. I believe this is caused because of a slight mis-alignment of steering components, and a kit is available to correct this annoying problem. It is not an alignment problem per se.

 

[vern]

Hi guys thanks for the replys. My car is not lowered and has no mods to the suspension.I bought it new in oct 02 and the problem did not appear til i was on the way home from a trip to boston in june of 03 I think somthing changed.
Vern

 

[AZMike]

Hi guys thanks for the replys. My car is not lowered and has no mods to the suspension.I bought it new in oct 02 and the problem did not appear til i was on the way home from a trip to boston in june of 03 I think somthing changed.
Vern

That's possible too - you might want to have a good check of the front suspension and alignment done as well.

There are a few places near my house where the bumpsteer is really evident. I've simply learned to live woth it. You will notice it most when going over a seam, or some other kind of bump around a curve (like on a freeway transition ramp). It's typically caused by various things including:
- Suspension geometry
- Tires
- Shocks

I have another vehicle (early Bronco) that's notorious for bumpsteer problems when you modify the suspension. After replacing litereally everything in the front end with better components and changing the geometry around, it still does it, although it's much more acceptable now.

 

[DanHammer]

Vern ... did the dealer replace your struts w/ same type of struts? Try switching to Bilstein Gas Shocks (sports shocks) and also install a pair of Baer Adjustable Bump Steer Tie Rod Set ... this virtually eliminates bump steer when set to proper height (this is available at Mid America Motorworks). You can have this installed by your favorite alignment shop.

Just some stuff that can put you back in control of your frontend. Another addition you can upgrade later on is a performace sway bar, maybe down the road when you saved some $$$ ... good luck and hope this helps you out. Keep us informed and have a great weekend.

Dan

 

[vern]

Thanks to all for the help.I guess I will try an alingment then softer tires.
Vern