Highway/Pothole "Float"
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
From: LV, NV
Highway/Pothole "Float" Ok, I've just picked up a 96 Z28 and there's a few things wrong with it. The main issue is that on the highway/interstate whenever I leave a bridge or go over a raised part of concrete, the car has a "floating" feeling to it. It also happens in town at speed (35) whenever I go over a pothole. I know this isn't normal, but I can't figure out what exactly is wrong. I'm leaning towards the car needing new shocks, but I curious if anyone thinks some subframe connectors might solve this issue. Any expertise/input would be much appreciated.
How many miles on the car?
"Floaty" usually means worn suspension components like ball joints, a-arm bushings first, then shocks and maybe sway bar links/bushings...and this, of course, is assuming the front end alignment is somewhat close.
"Floaty" usually means worn suspension components like ball joints, a-arm bushings first, then shocks and maybe sway bar links/bushings...and this, of course, is assuming the front end alignment is somewhat close.
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
From: LV, NV
126,XXX.
I haven't had the chance to crawl under the car to see if there's any visible problems yet but I plan on attempting to do it today or tomorrow (so long as the snow holds off). The guy I bought the car from told me that the alignment was done a few months ago ... he was very upfront about everything so I have no reason to not assume it's close to where it should be.
I haven't had the chance to crawl under the car to see if there's any visible problems yet but I plan on attempting to do it today or tomorrow (so long as the snow holds off). The guy I bought the car from told me that the alignment was done a few months ago ... he was very upfront about everything so I have no reason to not assume it's close to where it should be.
Launching!
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 221
Likes: 0
From: Riegelwood, NC
I'm thinking that it's the shocks. Especially with that many miles on it.
Here are some of the warning signs that may indicate
worn shocks or struts. If you experience any of these
signs, you should have your shocks or struts inspected immediately.
1. Excessive Bounce On Rough Surfaces
2. Steering Wheel Vibrates
3. Uneven Tire Wear
4. Dented Or Damaged Housing
5. Nose-Diving When Braking
6. Noticeable Fluid Leaks From Shock Or Struts
7. Vehicle Veers In Crosswinds
8. Excessive Lean Or Sway In Turns
I don't think it's the other suspension components because I'd expect you to be complaining about the car wandering, pulling, erratic steering, excessive tire wear, leaning, or poor ride and handling.
If it were the ball joints you'd have a rough ride, play in steering wheel, slow or stiff steering wheel return or uneven tire wear.
Here are some of the warning signs that may indicate
worn shocks or struts. If you experience any of these
signs, you should have your shocks or struts inspected immediately.
1. Excessive Bounce On Rough Surfaces
2. Steering Wheel Vibrates
3. Uneven Tire Wear
4. Dented Or Damaged Housing
5. Nose-Diving When Braking
6. Noticeable Fluid Leaks From Shock Or Struts
7. Vehicle Veers In Crosswinds
8. Excessive Lean Or Sway In Turns
I don't think it's the other suspension components because I'd expect you to be complaining about the car wandering, pulling, erratic steering, excessive tire wear, leaning, or poor ride and handling.
If it were the ball joints you'd have a rough ride, play in steering wheel, slow or stiff steering wheel return or uneven tire wear.
Last edited by BS; Feb 18, 2012 at 10:06 PM.
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
From: LV, NV
I'm thinking that it's the shocks. Especially with that many miles on it.
Here are some of the warning signs that may indicate worn shocks or struts. If you experience any of these signs, you should have your shocks or struts inspected immediately.
1. Excessive Bounce On Rough Surfaces
2. Steering Wheel Vibrates
3. Uneven Tire Wear
4. Dented Or Damaged Housing
5. Nose-Diving When Braking
6. Noticeable Fluid Leaks From Shock Or Struts
7. Vehicle Veers In Crosswinds
8. Excessive Lean Or Sway In Turns
I don't think it's the other suspension components because I'd expect you to be complaining about the car wandering, pulling, erratic steering, excessive tire wear, leaning, or poor ride and handling.
If it were the ball joints you'd have a rough ride, play in steering wheel, slow or stiff steering wheel return or uneven tire wear.
Here are some of the warning signs that may indicate worn shocks or struts. If you experience any of these signs, you should have your shocks or struts inspected immediately.
1. Excessive Bounce On Rough Surfaces
2. Steering Wheel Vibrates
3. Uneven Tire Wear
4. Dented Or Damaged Housing
5. Nose-Diving When Braking
6. Noticeable Fluid Leaks From Shock Or Struts
7. Vehicle Veers In Crosswinds
8. Excessive Lean Or Sway In Turns
I don't think it's the other suspension components because I'd expect you to be complaining about the car wandering, pulling, erratic steering, excessive tire wear, leaning, or poor ride and handling.
If it were the ball joints you'd have a rough ride, play in steering wheel, slow or stiff steering wheel return or uneven tire wear.
I know that I'm a little bit "****" about the potential wear-out items on the front ends of my cars, and since I have the experience/tools to replace the parts myself, it's a less costly situation for me. Therefore, at least for me, ball joints and/or control arm bushings are 50,000 mile replacement parts. At the risk of repeating myself, if you have well over 100,000 miles, I think your seeing the results of that wear. Just my $0.02 worth...
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Verdad Gallardo I can ceratinly see replacing the shocks, but why the arms? The bushings in your OE arms, yes, but I highly doubt you need new arms....
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
From: LV, NV
Well, I'm a bit of a suspension freak. I love a car with a suspension properly (if not slightly overdone) done. I'm looking at the UMI Tubular Front Lower A-Arms- Roto-Joint/Roto-Joint and the UMI A-arm, pair of Uppers--Front, Adjustable to start my overhaul of the suspension.
