Bump Steer....
Thread Starter
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 5,322
Likes: 6
From: HuntsVEGAS, AL
Bump Steer....
I've read what it is, but what can cause it? Worn suspension parts? Bad wheel alignment?
I'm having issues with my steering that I'm assuming is bump steer. As I'm driving, the steering wheel will move slightly in synch with bumps in the road... sort of an unstable steering. Anyone have any ideas?
I'm having issues with my steering that I'm assuming is bump steer. As I'm driving, the steering wheel will move slightly in synch with bumps in the road... sort of an unstable steering. Anyone have any ideas?
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 394
Likes: 1
From: Bartlesville, OK.
Any of the things you've listed can contribute to bad steering behavior, and might affect the amount and/or nature of your car's bump steer.
Loose or worn suspension componets should be readily detected by a good front-end shop, and this is the first thing I have checked out.
On the other hand, altered geometry from a lowered ride height, or significantly different wheel offsets could cuase some of what you describe, too. Even bad or differently worn tires might result in some strange road feel. Another possiblity could be loose wheel bearings.
Loose or worn suspension componets should be readily detected by a good front-end shop, and this is the first thing I have checked out.
On the other hand, altered geometry from a lowered ride height, or significantly different wheel offsets could cuase some of what you describe, too. Even bad or differently worn tires might result in some strange road feel. Another possiblity could be loose wheel bearings.
Thread Starter
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 5,322
Likes: 6
From: HuntsVEGAS, AL
As of right now, everything is stock. I had an alignment done a few months ago and asked if anything was worn or needed replacing and was told everything was fine... which I knew wasn't true because one of the tie rod end boots is split and most if not all the grease is lost from it (NTB 
). I'm wondering if that could be my problem. I plan to install my Eibachs today and wanted to make sure of the problem before I altered the suspension.
). I'm wondering if that could be my problem. I plan to install my Eibachs today and wanted to make sure of the problem before I altered the suspension.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 489
Likes: 0
From: Dallas
It sounds like what you are experiencing is "tracking" not bumb steer. Even some tire brands will track with the road surface...I have had that since day one with my FD. My suspension has been upgraded to coilovers, new bushings, and larger/wider tires. I have the same effect now, but even slightly more pronounced.
My understanding of bump steer is when a wheel hits a bump the toe angle changes slightly causing the car to steer slightly even without feeling input to the steering wheel. Maybe I'm wrong, but I've seen many FDs with tracking tendencies. I have never actually driven a car that had bump steer issues, so no first hand experience.
My understanding of bump steer is when a wheel hits a bump the toe angle changes slightly causing the car to steer slightly even without feeling input to the steering wheel. Maybe I'm wrong, but I've seen many FDs with tracking tendencies. I have never actually driven a car that had bump steer issues, so no first hand experience.
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 6,279
Likes: 728
From: Florence, Alabama
sounds like your toe in is ZERO. recheck your toe and set it to a touch less than an 1/8th inch in. you won't believe that such a small adj can make such a diff.
howard coleman
howard coleman
