Technical Car Steering when accelerating or de-accelerating

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Technical Car Steering when accelerating or de-accelerating

Peat

Grumpy Old Manx Git
Joined
Dec 20, 2005
Messages
758
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165
Location
South Leicestershire
110 JTD on an '02 with 133k - well maintained

As per the header the car steers to the left when I accelerate and to the right when I lift off. Not a lot but disconcerting.

I have checked the front end, the shocks - both good; the springs - both good; the drop links - both good; the ARB bushes - both good, bearings - both good; lower wishbone bushes and ball joints all OK and a visual of the subframe everything looks OK. Radius arms no play. Car rides well and no noises at all!

'Power' steering is only noticeable going straight, with any lock it is not discernable.

My suspicion is that one of the engine mounts has gone soft allowing the engine to 'float' giving this slight change of direction.

I was going to check the tyres and even change to some alternate tyres and rims but rain has halted play.

Any and all suggestions welcome.

Peat
 
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have u checked tracking that caused this to happen to mine then when i had tracking done my rear arm bushes failed and also caused the same symptoms just 2 things to check if u aint already
 
Probably a daft question. You haven't kerbed it or had the tracking done lately? Did you check the subframe mounting bolts? It's usually wishbone related this sort of stuff but you checked all that. Wheel not falling off? I'm not trying to take the p just thinking what it might be.
 
Thanks for the comments folks.

Tracking done three weeks ago after new track rod ends fitted. Set to zero.

New radius arms. All subframe bolts sound and tight.

Ball joints good. New wishbones in January. New radius arms two weeks ago.

Not been kerbed but hit a bloody great water filled pothole just after New Year at 50+. The n/s side strut sounded like it had been torn off. Initially the damper was OK but deteriorated until there was no damping at all; it has been changed changed along with top mount. Funny thing is it drove fine until last week!

In the past I've had the tracking out considerably but that just caused insensitivity in handling, understeer and much tyre squeal when driven enthusiastically. Also when the wishbone bushes failed that too caused sloppiness in road holding and understeer and some 'bump steer'.

I'll try the different rims & tyres and report back.

Thanks again. Keep them coming.

Peat

 
I've got this 'feature' too! And a vibration in the steering at about 40 and 70mph. I'm suspecting the tracking, as I can see that my Multi has had springs, roll bar and bottom arms all replaced by the previous owner. I've also had the front wheels balanced.

I've also got uneven wear (wearing out the inner edges of the tyre) so I assume the tracking is out. But it could be a number of things as other posters have pointed out.

I'd use the usual method of enquiry - do all the cheap and easy stuff first!! ;)
 
If the car is moving under acceleration/deceleration it means the wheels are moving in relation to the axle.

The usual suspects are front wishbone bushes which break down and allow the wishbone to pivot under load. The rear bushes tend to fail first meaning a worn right hand arm will pull left under power, and right under braking.

A rear arm pivot can also cause the car to wander but under braking and acceleration it has the same effect as the wheel is always dragging in relation to the chasis.
 
The quoted tracking settings from Fiat wear the inner edges dont they?

Isnt it something like +3 but if set to 0 then its fine?

Seem to remember this coming up before on here.
 
The quoted tracking settings from Fiat wear the inner edges dont they?

Isnt it something like +3 but if set to 0 then its fine?

Seem to remember this coming up before on here.
I've read the same on the multipla owners club website - I was looking at my wheels today and they are visibly toed out!! As soon as I've done my drop links I'm off to get my tracking done.
 
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