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Floaty front end?

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Old Aug 21, 2011 | 11:04 PM
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Default Floaty front end?

Hey guys, just wondering if anyone has had similar a issue as mine.

The issue is that at speeds in excess of 40 or so MPH, the front end feels "floaty", and I'm constantly having to adjust the wheel left to right to keep her straight. It is also easy to over adjust these small adjustments and kinda jerk the car back and forth a little. Rather annoying if not a little dangerous at times.

Would this be a steering box or rack issue? I got under the car tonight and found nothing lose or anything that appears to be worn in any way.

I do have Koni 4/4s and Strano springs on the car. Did the same thing with stock suspension, was hoping the after market parts would help solve the issue. I also know it's not a tire issue, as the feeling has followed from the stock tires to the Falkens I have on now.

Thanks in advance for any help you guys can provide!
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Old Aug 22, 2011 | 02:46 AM
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When was the last time you had an alignment?
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Old Aug 22, 2011 | 03:24 AM
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What size front tires?
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Old Aug 22, 2011 | 06:40 AM
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Alignment was done this spring after the suspension install. Fronts are 275s. It's not the tires tracking grooves in the road because it does it even on newly paved roads.
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Old Aug 22, 2011 | 08:07 AM
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Do you keep anything heavy in the trunk, like a speaker box? Have you also checked the linkages to the rear end and rear transmission? (In particular, the panhard rod.)
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Old Aug 22, 2011 | 09:00 AM
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Only thing in the trunk are the t-tops. And yes, I was double checking the rear suspension integrity a few weeks ago for an unrelated problem. Thanks for all the ideas so far guys, keep em coming!
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Old Aug 22, 2011 | 09:02 AM
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Forgot to say, yes the rear suspension was all tight and good to go.
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Old Aug 22, 2011 | 01:32 PM
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I would have the alignment rechecked. You may have smacked something out of alignment without realizing it.

Also check your shocks.. I know that its unlikely that it has happened so soon, but are any of your shocks leaking? What settings do you have your shocks on?
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Old Aug 22, 2011 | 01:50 PM
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Always good to check the alignment - its free.

If the trunk is light and the rear is tight, and the alignment is good, I'd also check the following:
- Steering rack
- Ball Joints
- Hubs
- Air Dam under the bumper

Have you made any mods to the hood or bumper? (Added any holes, slots, etc.) Modified the radiator or the air flowing over it?
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Old Aug 22, 2011 | 01:54 PM
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Check your front sway bar mounts and end links. I have mine disconnected right now to improve my 60ft, and it has become 'floaty' in the front end as a result. I havent changed anything else so I know its the sway bar not being bolted up. You could also check the rear sway bar mounts and end links.

My first guess would be one of your end links is worn or has snapped..
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Old Aug 23, 2011 | 09:33 PM
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Have you checked your hubs for play?
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Old Aug 24, 2011 | 06:14 PM
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Well, the alignment was toed out a little on the passenger side. I also ran my Konis down another turn, and between the two, it is much better. The issue still exists, but it's at least bearable now. Thanks for all the responses guys, the helpful ideas are much appreciated!

Originally Posted by soulless
Have you checked your hubs for play?
Would this be done by jacking the front of the car up and shaking the tires side to side and top to bottom? If so I checked for play, and she was solid. Is there another way to do this?
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Old Aug 24, 2011 | 08:32 PM
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Shaking the wheel/tire from side-to-side is for inner/outer tie rods. Up and down is usually for wheel bearings.
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Old Aug 30, 2011 | 05:14 PM
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It's probably a worn ball joint or tie-rod. Is the issue more noticeable when changing lanes? Do feel you have to correct more than you think is needed when changing lanes (or have to "catch" it, especially if there is a raised portion between the lanes). When I had that, it was a worn upper ball joint.
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Old Sep 2, 2011 | 01:40 PM
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Originally Posted by VIP1
It's probably a worn ball joint or tie-rod. Is the issue more noticeable when changing lanes? Do feel you have to correct more than you think is needed when changing lanes (or have to "catch" it, especially if there is a raised portion between the lanes). When I had that, it was a worn upper ball joint.
Thats EXACTLY the feeling! I will look into that, thanks!
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