Road tracking problem
11-17-2005, 08:31 AM
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Road tracking problem Does anyone else have a problem with the front tire tracking (following) every "FREAKIN" groove in the road ??
Is it my tires, front shocks, suspension.... WHAT ??
Is it my tires, front shocks, suspension.... WHAT ??
11-17-2005, 02:32 PM
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Originally Posted by 2KSS
Well I've got 275-40-17 in front... So what you guys are telling me is that my SS tracking every groove in the road is NORMAL !!!!!!
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or possibly needing new shocks !! 
11-17-2005, 03:13 PM
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Not only that, mine does it even worse now, after installing the moser 12-bolt, my rear is more out of center than it already is from the factory, i can visibly see more tire sticking out on one side, looking from the rear of the car than the other, my passenger front tire is wearing more on the outer section of the tread than the inside, i attribute this to the rear not being centered, also I think I can actually tell my pinion angle is now positive just by looking at it.
11-17-2005, 03:46 PM
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Originally Posted by RollinSScamaro
mine does it.. It depends on your tires sometimes too.. the way the tread is set up
Tires do play a great role in the "tracking"
I have all stock setup on ZRIs I can feel tracking alot on crummy roads.
11-17-2005, 05:42 PM
#12
yea if your rearend isnt alligned right get an adjustable panhard and you can correct the problem real easy.. When i had my 9" my driver side tire was sunk into the wheel well and my passenger tire was sticking out the passenger side alot! Once i adjusted it it moved the tires right over as i turned it! Good luck
11-18-2005, 11:50 PM
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I recently got rid of my 99 Z28 with 105k miles. It was bone stock except for 275/45-17 wheels and it followed the grooves and cups in the road to the point it would almost pull the steering wheel out of my hands. My new car with only 25k miles with larger tires (see mods in sig) on the same roads tracks much better than my old car.
True, some tires may track more or less than others, but I think it has to do more with wear in the steering and suspension. I noticed many of the people with problems had higher mileage cars. The higher g loads (turning, stopping, starting) that our cars are capable of result in higher loads on suspension and steering components. I would look for worn tie rod ends, ball joints, A-arm bushings, wheel bearings, rack and pinion slop (near center where it spends most of it's time), and of course alignment. If you have over 75k miles on your car and haven't changed these components, they are probably worn beyond their serviceable life.
Regarding alignment, a little negative caster, and toe in, and vary the camber from left to right all help to give the car some directional stability. My advise is find a reputable garage / alignment shop that is capable of setting a "street performance" alignment, and have them check your steering and suspension for wear, and if all is well, then align the car. If you don't have a one on one conversation with the technician that is aligning your car, discuss the specific alignment values (not ranges) that your car will be set to based on the way your drive your car, and then get a print out of your settings when done, then that is not the right shop to have align your car. Trust me it makes a world of difference.
Just my two cents...
True, some tires may track more or less than others, but I think it has to do more with wear in the steering and suspension. I noticed many of the people with problems had higher mileage cars. The higher g loads (turning, stopping, starting) that our cars are capable of result in higher loads on suspension and steering components. I would look for worn tie rod ends, ball joints, A-arm bushings, wheel bearings, rack and pinion slop (near center where it spends most of it's time), and of course alignment. If you have over 75k miles on your car and haven't changed these components, they are probably worn beyond their serviceable life.
Regarding alignment, a little negative caster, and toe in, and vary the camber from left to right all help to give the car some directional stability. My advise is find a reputable garage / alignment shop that is capable of setting a "street performance" alignment, and have them check your steering and suspension for wear, and if all is well, then align the car. If you don't have a one on one conversation with the technician that is aligning your car, discuss the specific alignment values (not ranges) that your car will be set to based on the way your drive your car, and then get a print out of your settings when done, then that is not the right shop to have align your car. Trust me it makes a world of difference.
Just my two cents...
11-19-2005, 09:57 AM
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Well here's the thing. My car is a 2000 SS Camaro, I purchased it with 32000 miles and it had brand new BFG's. It's done the road tracking thing since I purchased it. So I'm not sure if it's worn suspension parts or not. I tend to agree with the point about the wider tires and the newer suspension setups on these cars.
11-19-2005, 10:07 AM
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Originally Posted by DarkAzNite
Not only that, mine does it even worse now, after installing the moser 12-bolt, my rear is more out of center than it already is from the factory, i can visibly see more tire sticking out on one side
You need to get an adj panhard rod..... that will fix your centering problem. And yes, Spohn rocks!
11-19-2005, 10:09 AM
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Originally Posted by 2KSS
Well here's the thing. My car is a 2000 SS Camaro, I purchased it with 32000 miles and it had brand new BFG's. It's done the road tracking thing since I purchased it. So I'm not sure if it's worn suspension parts or not. I tend to agree with the point about the wider tires and the newer suspension setups on these cars.
My car does it and there really isnt anything stock suspension wise on it. I've just grown accustomed to it.
11-20-2005, 08:17 PM
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We do have to accept some level of tracking with wide low profile tires, however eliminating free play from worn suspension parts and getting a good alignment will minimize the tracking on cupped roads. My old Z28 with a worn suspension and was difficult to keep in the lane and pulled hard on the steering wheel. My new car with a tight suspension and wider tires does wander from side to side on the same cupped road, but at what I think is a reasonable level.
