Steering at higher speed.

[Hinxy]

I've had my 2009 Versa S sedan..6 speed standard for 3 days. Like it but I don't like it higher speeds. 60 to 80 mph(and above I suppose).....I feel like I'm steering more than I used to have to in other venicles. I'm having to correct a lot........................won't stay in line......(I guess that's what I'm trying to communicate). Is this just the way they are? Can it be checked with wider tires? Should I take it in? Anybody have similar problem? Thanks!

From other thread that was merged:Owned my versa sedan for a few days. Like it a lot....only complaint is: At higher speeds (60 to 80 mph) it seems I have to steer quite a bit. Am used to cruising along with little effort but have to correct more now. Is it about tires? or is that just a charactaristic of Versas or should i take it in. Anybody got any ideas? thanks!

[marlin29311]

Are you talking about the amount of force you have to exert on the wheel to make it turn?

[Hinxy]

Edited.

[srellim234]

I corrected a lot more with the original Continental tires than the Michelins I have on the car now.

If your highways have any kind of grooves in the pavement, it is probably just because these particular tires are affected by the groove spacing and depth a little more than you're used to.

Some Versa owners on this forum some time ago were reporting some problems with the car pulling left. Is that the problem?

[steed77]

Sounds exactly what mine does too... I feel it's the factory car and the way it is. IMO the only real fix is mods....

I plan on correcting it using a few different methods. Typically I would START with tires and wheels. However the stock Conti's (suck) will be tested to see if the tires are actually this bad or it's the suspension. I may be a little backward than my typical mod route, but here it goes.

Here is my Mod list in this order. Springs (Eibach pro-kit)Struts.... not sure on brand yet.DC sports strut barmicroimageonline.com- full Versa set-up (R-sway, F&R under braces, trunk brace)Good alignment (have shims and bolts)

After that it should Fix the float and dive. IF not the only thing left is the crappy tires. So something in the 17 or 18in flavor. Probably do the GoodYear Eagle F1 A/S for tires. As I have run them on a few tracks and winter duities with great success

I am also adding an in several other areas(HP and tunes), but that is for another discussion.

[Hinxy]

Glad for your response. Please post results as you move down your list. I'm planning on some pretty long drives and it amazes me how tiring it can be to have to constanly be making those tiny corrections even on cruise control. First auto I ever bought new.......expected perfection

[biggie]

Small tires and large side profile will cause the larger movements from road condition and from wind (natural and coming off other cars).

Best things to truely improve it would be lower and wider wheels/tires.

[Hinxy]

Biggie: thanks for responding but I'm a little unclear what you mean. i.e.:

smaller and large side profile vs. lower and wider

sounds like they mean the same thing?

At the risk of pissing off someone named Biggie, could you clarify a bit for me?

Not that versed in the terminology. thanks Hinxy

[steed77]

I would think he means larger wheel diameter, shorter profile, and wider tire.

I have been looking at the tire Size: 205/45R17 or 215/40R17 of course that would be 17x7 wheels.

That would replace your 15x5.5 wheels and tiny rubber you have now(185/65-15)

[Francesco]

I bought my 2009 Versa MT6 sedan at the end of February and had the same problem of continually correcting the steering. I agree with others that most of it is from the tires, however, now at 5100 miles it is no longer an issue. Maybe I have gotten used to it or the tires have worn down and that resolved the problem.

Frank

[steed77]

Frank.. I think you are use to it by now. I just hit 1000 on mine and I don't notice it UNTIL I drive something else.

That said, some roads are much worse, which typically means tires.

I have decided on the struts... TOKICO HP Series. So I hope by next week all the parts will be in and I hope to have the first round installed soon after that.

Round 1Springs (Eibach pro-kit)Struts (TOKICO HP Series)DC sports strut barmicroimageonline.com- full Versa set-up (R-sway, F&R under braces, trunk brace)

Round 2Wheels/tires (not sure yet)custom welded frame connectors. (this will tie the 2 under-braces and floor and make a nice jacking rail)

That should do it for the suspension.

[Hinxy]

Steed 77: thanks again for responding and thank you Frank. Please post the results of your modifications and/or tire changes. I'll let you pioneers dodge the arrows. I'm sure I'd get used to it too, but I don't much like it for long distances. I also miss the arm rest that my old caravan had but that's another story.

thanks again Hinxy (I wonder how long before the little emoticons get annoying?)

[superskunk]

Steed 77: thanks again for responding and thank you Frank. Please post the results of your modifications and/or tire changes. I'll let you pioneers dodge the arrows. I'm sure I'd get used to it too, but I don't much like it for long distances. I also miss the arm rest that my old caravan had but that's another story.

thanks again Hinxy (I wonder how long before the little emoticons get annoying?)

pioneers? anyways, this an old topic... simple fix lower the car, get new rims and tires and buy a sway bar.... after that youre good to go!

[biggie]

Mostly meant a lowered center of gravity for the car and just wider wheels and wider tires, though larger diameter wheels with lower profile numbers would help too.

Also merged the thread from General Section.

[Hinxy]

I'm getting there... Merge the thread from General Section??

[VersaMG08]

If you lower your Versa, get the Tanabe lowering springs. I have them on my car and they're really good. Drop is about 1.5 inches front and 1.4 in the rear. Also get a strut bar while you're at it.

[biggie]

I'm getting there... Merge the thread from General Section??

You had 2 threads, same subject, I merged them together.

[Francesco]

Frank.. I think you are use to it by now. I just hit 1000 on mine and I don't notice it UNTIL I drive something else. ......

I switch between my 09 Versa and my 07 T&C minivan and do not notice any noticeable difference unless it is windy with the steering, just a difference with the ride comfort with the minivan being less bouncy.

Frank09 Versa Sedan MT-6 with 5300 mi07 T&C SWB with 19600 mi

[Rodeo]

Mine felt "floaty" at higher speeds too when I first got it. The absolute best fix for this is drop springs. Bigger (larger, wider with less sidewall) tires help also, but dropping it down and stiffening up those spring rates ever so slightly makes the car feel way more nailed down to the road. I had an Infiniti FX that was floaty before I put Eibach springs on it, and my Versa was terrible at higher speeds before I put Tanabe springs on it....it felt like one good gust and I'd be in a ditch.