Front End Floaty Feeling at Speed
03-22-2021 | 03:58 PM
#16
4th Gear
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
I have the stock suspension. At around 80-100 mph the front end exhibits the dreaded floating sensation. On the streets it doesn't bother me much at all. However at my 1st DE (Pocono, PA) the main "straight" that day was the banked turn 2 of the NASCAR tri-oval. I found the front end floatiness kind of disconcerting as the car was coming off the banking into the apex. I wanted to go flat out, but the feeling in the front end held me back, the other problem of course was that if I backed off the throttle too much the back end would get a little squirmy. Not exactly the way I want the car to feel as I'm at track out trying to hug the wall.
Yes, I know that a suspension upgrade e.g. ROW M030 will eliminate the front end float. But is there a less radical (read cheaper) fix? I left the inflatable spare in the trunk thinking the weight might help keep the front end down.
What is going on with the front end when it floats? Aerodynamic lift? Am I losing traction? If I just ignore it and continue accelerating what will happen? Gradual understeer?
Yes, I know that a suspension upgrade e.g. ROW M030 will eliminate the front end float. But is there a less radical (read cheaper) fix? I left the inflatable spare in the trunk thinking the weight might help keep the front end down.
What is going on with the front end when it floats? Aerodynamic lift? Am I losing traction? If I just ignore it and continue accelerating what will happen? Gradual understeer?
i have a 2002 911 cab with ROW 030 and still get a floating feeling.
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Erik Tanaka (03-22-2021)
03-22-2021 | 05:30 PM
#19
Three Wheelin'
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 1,754
Likes: 160
03-23-2021 | 08:45 AM
#22
Rennlist Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 5,967
Likes: 1,201
From: Ormond Beach, FL
Okay, I'll bite:
At what speed does it become floaty?
What wheels and tires are you running?
Does your spoiler work and does it rise up at around 72-73 mph?
What suspension are you running?
Have you done any suspension work or refresh work on suspension components?
Last results from a full front and rear alignment?
There are a lot of components at play, and simply saying "my car feels floaty" does not help. See what I'm saying?
At what speed does it become floaty?
What wheels and tires are you running?
Does your spoiler work and does it rise up at around 72-73 mph?
What suspension are you running?
Have you done any suspension work or refresh work on suspension components?
Last results from a full front and rear alignment?
There are a lot of components at play, and simply saying "my car feels floaty" does not help. See what I'm saying?
Last edited by DBJoe996; 03-23-2021 at 12:59 PM.
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808Bill (03-23-2021)
03-23-2021 | 11:53 AM
#23
Rennlist Member
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 892
Likes: 974
From: SF Bay Area, CA
My first car was a '71 Buick Electra 2 door. What a monster. That car was FLOATY! At any speed. And when you got above 100mph, it floated even more! Scary floaty, could barely feel the road. But that didn't stop us foolish immortals from driving that fast.
Sorry, useless comments.
Agreed with DBJoe, post details so those with the expertise can help diagnose.
Sorry, useless comments.
Agreed with DBJoe, post details so those with the expertise can help diagnose.
03-23-2021 | 01:20 PM
#25
Rennlist Member
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 892
Likes: 974
From: SF Bay Area, CA
Agreed. Bent wishbones can pull the LCA forward and create the caster problem
https://rennlist.com/forums/996-foru...-wishbone.html (for the pic of the bent part)
https://rennlist.com/forums/996-foru...-wishbone.html (for the pic of the bent part)
03-23-2021 | 04:49 PM
#26
Rennlist Member
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 472
Likes: 202
To provide another data point, I have the stock suspension, no aero kit, and 17" wheels (US car) and it's not floaty at all and feels very controlled and stable at 200 km/h (125 mph). Of course there is the normal 911 "lightness" in the front, but it feels very good.
I once drove a '71 Targa with badly set up and worn suspension and that was just horrible at 60 mph.
I once drove a '71 Targa with badly set up and worn suspension and that was just horrible at 60 mph.
03-24-2021 | 04:57 AM
#29
Rennlist Member
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 5,761
Likes: 4,106
From: Illinois