Need Help: Suspension issue or steering
03-15-2012, 07:36 AM
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Need Help: Suspension issue or steering I recently purchased a 99 Trans Am. I love it; however it does have its small problems. It seems to wander from side to side while driving. I’m not sure if it is due to suspension issues, or steering. I have purchased some suspension upgrades of which I’ll put on over the next two weeks. Here is what I have purchased so far:
Firebird Panhard Bar, Adjustable, With Polyurethane Bushing, Spohn
Eibach Pro-Plus Kit (Pro-Kit Springs & Anti-Roll-Kit)
BMR Suspension Shock Tower Brace (I’ve heard this may not do that much)
1. Should I buy Shocks? If so, I’d like a recommendation.
2. There is a leak in the power steering fluid. Would this leak actually be a larger issue that could cause this drift from side to side? Should I replace the rack? I found a ‘new’ one for less than $200.00.
3. I just had it inspected and they assured me that bushings, tire rods, etc. were all in good condition.
My first thought was that the rack may be causing this. I’ll pay for the rack and install. No worries there, but didn’t want to unless I had to.
Suggestions? I read a thread that sounded like it could be the rack and not any of the suspension issues.
Any help would be fantastic.
Firebird Panhard Bar, Adjustable, With Polyurethane Bushing, Spohn
Eibach Pro-Plus Kit (Pro-Kit Springs & Anti-Roll-Kit)
BMR Suspension Shock Tower Brace (I’ve heard this may not do that much)
1. Should I buy Shocks? If so, I’d like a recommendation.
2. There is a leak in the power steering fluid. Would this leak actually be a larger issue that could cause this drift from side to side? Should I replace the rack? I found a ‘new’ one for less than $200.00.
3. I just had it inspected and they assured me that bushings, tire rods, etc. were all in good condition.
My first thought was that the rack may be causing this. I’ll pay for the rack and install. No worries there, but didn’t want to unless I had to.
Suggestions? I read a thread that sounded like it could be the rack and not any of the suspension issues.
Any help would be fantastic.
03-15-2012, 11:00 AM
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A wide tire can cause this - especially on crowned roads. If it's wanting to wander on the interstate, you will want an alignment check. Do this AFTER you put in the new springs, as your panhard bar will need to be adjusted to center the rear once it's lowered. If the rear has any 'toe' readings (remember, it's a solid axle) - you will need adjustable control arms to fix it. This will dial your toe down to stock, and adjust your thrust angle if it's off. Toe is not adjustable, however the reading will indicate how off of parallel they rear is from the front tires. If both toe and thrust are far from zero, plan on some adjustable lower rear control arms. I went with tie rod ends, but i would suggest polyurthane like you got on the panhard bar.
For the front - your camber could be off, but more likley you toe is as well. Ask for a reputable shop in your area for a good alignment. Caster is nonadjustable on these cars, so your camber will be adjusted first, followed by toe.
Your tower brace will have no affect on your current conditions. some say they are worthless, others swear by them. If you got it, put it on - however it won't help nor hurt your current condition.
good luck.
For the front - your camber could be off, but more likley you toe is as well. Ask for a reputable shop in your area for a good alignment. Caster is nonadjustable on these cars, so your camber will be adjusted first, followed by toe.
Your tower brace will have no affect on your current conditions. some say they are worthless, others swear by them. If you got it, put it on - however it won't help nor hurt your current condition.
good luck.
03-15-2012, 11:03 AM
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A 275 or 315 will wonder much more than a 215 with no suspension changes - especially on a crown road (interstates are typically good about nore being crowned).
I run a 275/315 combo and it keeps you on your toes, but man do they look good! A friend of mine has 245s all the way around and I prefer my stance much more. My racing wheels and tires are a lot lighter though - it's noticable behind the wheel on which package I'm using.
03-15-2012, 11:05 AM
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The diameter of the wheel has little affect on the car following ruts. The tire width however has a big impact. So uneven tire wear, a non-matching set of tires could affect how your car drives. The other thing I would have checked is your alignment. If your tires aren't to bad try rotating them and see if that helps.
03-15-2012, 12:43 PM
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Brand new tires on 17 " ws6 rims. Brand new alignment before I started buying extras. I'll be getting another one after the install...also I bought new shocks. If my 275 tires are just going to do this...I guess the 18 or 20 " I want to buy will worse. Lol.
03-15-2012, 02:32 PM
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275 on a 15" will should react the same as a 275 on a 20" from a wandering standpoint. Of course the 15" will absorb bumps better, but steering response may be a little soft in comparison.
Post up the alignment specs and we can go from there.
Post up the alignment specs and we can go from there.
