General 1.1 2006 - Crosswinds

[Wasgehabendas]

When I drive my Panda 1.1 2006 at 120 - 140 km/h on the highway it is very subjected to crosswinds.

Also, I can feel it badly when I pass through a very big truck or some vehicle passes by me at 160 - 200 km / h while I am at 120-140 km/h.

I checked the suspension 2 months ago and it was all good except the front tie rods which I changed immediately although they were not that bad.

Do you also experience the same problem? Is there any solution except from changing the car? My tyres are 155 / 80 R13 - BF Goodrich summer, 16 000 km and 3 years old.

 

[ratty]

I find I get blown around a fair bit as well, just put it down to being quite a boxy little car.

 

[jimboy]

Yep, Ratty expressed the obvious, it's wee boxy car subject to the elements, simple.

 

[DaveMcT]

Check your front suspension bottom arms and steering joints.

Mrs Dave's 1200 Dynamic is pretty stable on M-ways (for a Panda). My 100HP does not like cross winds. Guess which one has worn suspension bushes.

See the pictures here.
https://www.fiatforum.com/panda/463145-100hp-steering-tramlines-4.html

 

[Nickhmh]

When I drive my Panda 1.1 2006 at 120 - 140 km/h on the highway it is very subjected to crosswinds.

Also, I can feel it badly when I pass through a very big truck or some vehicle passes by me at 160 - 200 km / h while I am at 120-140 km/h.

I checked the suspension 2 months ago and it was all good except the front tie rods which I changed immediately although they were not that bad.

Do you also experience the same problem? Is there any solution except from changing the car? My tyres are 155 / 80 R13 - BF Goodrich summer, 16 000 km and 3 years old.

Why not just slow down and drive for the conditions?
The Panda is a small light weight city car. I have the 1.1 2009 model and travel all over Britain on motorway with no issues. I've fitted my old 03 punto 14 inch wheels with 185 tyres to mine definitely make it handle and ride better.
Wind will always be an issue with little high cars like the Panda. Trust me ...I used to drive 40ton heavy trucks with high sides

 

[DaveMcT]

Don't over correct the steering. Let the car move about and only correct when its clearly not staying in line.

Over-steering the car (by the driver) will just make it more unstable and more prone to the next gust of wind.

BTW, in cross winds, my motorbike is more unhappy at 50 than it is at 80. The limiting factor is me getting battered about in the seat.

 

[Wasgehabendas]

Thank you guys for helping me out.
DaveMcT In FIAT official service they told me that arms need to be replaced but I highly doubted and checked in another FIAT service as well as 5 more checked them and everyone told that they are fine.
Nickhmh I can't drive like some grandma cause I will get tired easily.

 

[DaveMcT]

Last week the bottom arms on mine looked fine. This week it's obvious they are not fine. Though the deterioration in handling has already proved they need to be changed.

Check my 100HP tramlines thread.