Lex_GTX

1986 model.

I have replaced tie rods and steering rack. The rack itself and steering linkage have no play at low speeds (below 80k/hr) but on the highway the car loves to tramline and the on centre feel is very vague so constant correction is needed. Sometimes it pulls to the left. Sometimes to the right.

For suspension I have M030. The struts have some play between the body and shaft which I feel by pulling on the front wheels with the car raised. I am having these shocks rebuilt within a month.

Now my question - is my highway speed poor on-centre feel a result of the shock play or should I look elsewhere? I had an alignment recently and we dialed in some toe in (1/16) to reduce this but it didn't really help. The front end is unpredictable at higher speeds.

arthropraxis

Having the castor even on both sides can cause the wandering feeling.

Lex_GTX

Caster is even and set to 2.7 on both sides. Brand new caster blocks installed.

V2Rocket

What tires do you have? My old tires used to tramline constantly. Replaced them and the car goes where I tell it to now.

Lex_GTX

Sumitomo HTR Z III 225/45/17 in the front on cup1 replica wheels which are properly balanced. Tires are 1 yr old.

86 951 Driver

Is it possible you are missing the undertrays?

Lex_GTX

Batwing is in place. This doesn't feel like an aero issue. It is a suspension/steering problem.

User 52121

What are your alignment specs?

Lex_GTX

Currently front:
3/4* front camber 1/16" toe, 2.7* caster

The rear we were not able to get 1* camber at max adjustment. I am dropping the subframe, cleaning it, installing 25.5mm torsion bars and new shocks within a month in the rear along with the rebuilt M030 konis in the front and will redo the alignment.

I just want to make sure it's not something else I'm missing.

divil

Subscribing...that sounds exactly like a problem I'm having. I also had some movement in my struts, just like you described, and when we replaced them with Koni inserts that didn't solve it (mounts were replaced too). For me, it has always become most noticeable at speeds of around 80mph and above.

I am looking at my tires and alignment next. I'll post here again if I manage to make any progress with it.

speedfreak81

Mine used to wander all over the place. Turned out to be bad ball joints, as well as control arm bushings.

I replaced the ball joints with the rennbay track kit, threw in Powerflex control arm bushings, 968 caster blocks, delrin rack bushings, and had it aligned. Now it's rock solid.

Lex_GTX

How did you diagnose the ***** joints? I didn't feel any movement there.

I also read that the ball joints can't be replaced.

86 951 Driver

Watch that video.

86 951 Driver

I have this same issue. I replaced my tie rod's, and wheel bearings last winter and it didn't seem to fix it 100%. I will be doing the front suspension this year. Hopefully I can find out what it is.

Lex_GTX

Have you done the ball joints?