Suspension Gurus: PLEASE Help Unpredictable Steering - Making Me Hate My Car

[sittin' Slidewayz]

Okay, this problem has been plaguing my poor 95 240 for a few months now and it seems to be getting worse. I am seriously down to my wits end with this problem and I am seriously begging for help. I have been searching for weeks.

The problem is unpredictable steering. Often traveling into a curve anywhere from 30+ mph, the car shifts to a direction (sometimes left/right) abruptly. You know that feeling when you pass a semi-truck on the highway and you get that sharp gust of wind that shifts the car to one direction? It feels just like that but 5 times more intense.

If feels like the car is steering itself off course and scares the $hit out of me. Bumps even sometimes cause the car to wander excessively.

I have replaced numerous suspension components and I still have the problem. Lemme list my suspension changes…

TC Rod BushingsFront and rear control arm bushings, Front strut rod bushingsFront and rear sway bar bushingsTokico BluesEibach SportlinesNew ball jointsRebuilt steering rackStrut mounts

Also, when I brake, the car will pull hard left or right.

It is really nerve-racking to drive normally, let alone aggressively. Please help, I have a new baby girl and little funds after trying to get rid of the problem. I really can’t take her anywhere because I don’t want to jeopardize her safety.

[babowc]

hmm.. co uld it be bumpsteer?lmk if you think i'm stu pid.. i was just putting something out there

[naed240sx]

hmm.. co uld it be bumpsteer?lmk if you think i'm stu pid.. i was just putting something out there

Not bumpsteer. My car is lowered at least 2" on stock tie rods, and It doesn't jerk like that.

[Zion8561]

Have you checked the inner/outer tie rods? They may be worn and effectively changing your toe under load in corners.

Best bet is find a good area you can run some tests to try and narrow down the circumstances leading to the directional shift (accelerating, decelerating, does it happen after wieght is transfered under constant steering loads, is it upset by driving over a bump or in a rut, etc.)

Also did you have the problem prior to the rack rebuild or lowering your car?

[babowc]

^ ^ oisee..i need to get my parts in. damiit i hate waiting!

[sittin' Slidewayz]

The problem seem to be most noticeable under acceleration. Bumps and ruts make the directional shift even more intense.

I'm not familiar with "steering load" terminology, but when I change lanes agressively, that $hit changes geometry and dirties my underwear.

This sucks man, I drive like a damn grandmother now. People are passing me in Ford Festivas.

[sittin' Slidewayz]

Have you checked the inner/outer tie rods? Also did you have the problem prior to the rack rebuild or lowering your car?

What signs of wear should I look for on the inner/outer tie rods? Any specific signs should I be looking for?

Also, the car performed fine after the new springs, shocks, ES master bushing kit, and ball joints were installed and rack rebuilt. The strut mounts and TC rod bushings were replaced in response to the problem.

[crzycav86]

I'm not gonna assume things, so I'm gonna ask the most basic question:

Did you get an alignment after you put on those new parts?

[sittin' Slidewayz]

Yes, got an alignment. I still have some negative camber issues, but I don't think that is causing the problem.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[McRussellPants]

Your wheel bearings or tie rods are ****ed.

Jack your car up and grab the wheel, front to back wobble is the tie rods. up and down and front to back wobble is the wheel bearings.

Check all 4 wheels.

[Zion8561]

Check if the boot is torn on the tie rod ends, make sure jam nut is tight connecting inner/outer tie rod. A good alignment shop should have noticed if they were worn out though. Tie rod ends are cheap, but you will have to get another alignment. How long after the rack rebuild did this start? I stopped trusting shops a long time ago, if you did it yourself no worries.

If you have access to a lift just get under the car and check everything. If it is causing such a huge shift in direction is should not be too hard to find the bad part.

edit

If there is a whirring/light grinding noise coming from one of your front wheels, it is probably the bearing going out.

[sittin' Slidewayz]

If there is a whirring/light grinding noise coming from one of your front wheels, it is probably the bearing going out.

Bingo.

I'm gonna play around tomorrow and see what's up.

Finally got some free time.