FD Suspension/Steering Sloppy - Transitions, Slolams, Low Speed
#1
FD Suspension/Steering Sloppy - Transitions, Slolams, Low Speed
Symptoms:
Very poor steering response at low speed transitions, slolams, etc.
Heavy memory steer.
Heavy resistance to turning the steering wheel left to right / right to left.
Current set up:
Koni 8211
RB Springs
RB Front Sway
OE Rear Sway
OE Wheels
Toyo R888 245/45/16
Potential Fixes (my thoughts):
Tires?
Steering rack bushings?
Springs w/ higher spring rate, eibachs?
Has any body else had to tackle this issue before? Can you please let me know what to look for? Thanks!
Very poor steering response at low speed transitions, slolams, etc.
Heavy memory steer.
Heavy resistance to turning the steering wheel left to right / right to left.
Current set up:
Koni 8211
RB Springs
RB Front Sway
OE Rear Sway
OE Wheels
Toyo R888 245/45/16
Potential Fixes (my thoughts):
Tires?
Steering rack bushings?
Springs w/ higher spring rate, eibachs?
Has any body else had to tackle this issue before? Can you please let me know what to look for? Thanks!
#5
Looks ahead!
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Ephrata, PA
Posts: 1,079
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
How about caster? Too little would cause the car to not want to return to center easily.
jdmsuper7 - I think I saw your car at fingerlakes prosolo.
#7
needs more track time
iTrader: (16)
What exactly is your caster? About 6 degrees isn't precise enough. Even 1/2 a degree of caster makes a big difference in steering feel in my experience. I personally would not run higher than 6 degrees. If you autox a lot, you may want to consider running less. I'd search on threads from AMRX7 and DamonB as they are big autox guys.
Trending Topics
#9
Mr. Links
iTrader: (1)
Well, the RB springs are basically the same rate as the stock springs, but lower. This will give you less travel with no additional stiffness. If your shocks are leaking, that's the first thing to take care off... After that, you had advice in your last thread about springs:
https://www.rx7club.com/suspension-wheels-tires-brakes-20/stiffest-fd-oem-replacement-spings-spring-rates-non-lowering-minimal-lowering-781665/
https://www.rx7club.com/suspension-wheels-tires-brakes-20/stiffest-fd-oem-replacement-spings-spring-rates-non-lowering-minimal-lowering-781665/
#13
Senior Member
iTrader: (3)
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Hillsboro, NH
Posts: 326
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi S1mpsons,
Some quick thoughts - are you sure the power steering (still has PS, yes?) is working correctly?
The way you describe the problem, it could be lack of flow, a damaged proportioning valve,
bad hose, or some other malfunction. It might not show up as much during less demanding
driving.
For the rack bushings, stand in front of the car with the engine running and hood open (for
gosh sakes don't wear a tie while doing this) and have a friend quickly turn the steering wheel
back and forth. If you see excessive shifting of the rack on its bushings, that's a clue you've
got a problem there.
You've checked all the suspension bushings for slop? No funky wear patterns on the tires?
If the steering and suspension are fine, if you have a couple track friends with comparable (but
different) track tire setups, ask if you guys can do a tire swap for comparison purposes. It may
be the construction of the R888 isn't giving you the "feel" you want, and trying a few other tires
sets may give you some useful feedback.
Hope this might be of help,
David Breslau
Widefoot Racing Co.
#14
Update:
I switched suspension/wheel/tires. Now running new Koni Yellows with 600 lbs/in ground controls. The responsiveness is *slightly* better regarding fast turning side-to-side at low traveling speed (like a tight autox slalom). There is still, however, heavy force resistance to turning the opposite direction. This is amplified by a much stickier Hoosier A6 tires (in various wheel sizes and weight).
New alignment
-2.0.....Front Camber
5.6......Front Caster
0.........Front Toe
-1.5.....Rear Camber
0.........Rear Toe
0.........Rear Thrust
I am going to flush the steering fluid (I am not sure what fluid is even in the car) and replace with Mobil1 Synthetic ATF (Dexron compatible). I have my doubts that this will cure the steering issues but its worth a try.
The front bushings (suspensions arms, steering rack, rod ends, etc.) don't have any play and seem to be in good shape (poked, prodded, and shook everything with my hand).
I will also reinspect the power steering lines for issues as raised by David. Good idea.
If anyone else has suggestions, please let me know. This is driving me nuts.
I switched suspension/wheel/tires. Now running new Koni Yellows with 600 lbs/in ground controls. The responsiveness is *slightly* better regarding fast turning side-to-side at low traveling speed (like a tight autox slalom). There is still, however, heavy force resistance to turning the opposite direction. This is amplified by a much stickier Hoosier A6 tires (in various wheel sizes and weight).
New alignment
-2.0.....Front Camber
5.6......Front Caster
0.........Front Toe
-1.5.....Rear Camber
0.........Rear Toe
0.........Rear Thrust
I am going to flush the steering fluid (I am not sure what fluid is even in the car) and replace with Mobil1 Synthetic ATF (Dexron compatible). I have my doubts that this will cure the steering issues but its worth a try.
The front bushings (suspensions arms, steering rack, rod ends, etc.) don't have any play and seem to be in good shape (poked, prodded, and shook everything with my hand).
I will also reinspect the power steering lines for issues as raised by David. Good idea.
If anyone else has suggestions, please let me know. This is driving me nuts.
#15
Searching for 10th's
iTrader: (11)
Also, if you jack the front of the car up, is it easy to turn the wheel left and right without the motor running?
Just thinking of detecting if something is binding.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Jeff20B
1st Generation Specific (1979-1985)
73
09-16-18 07:16 PM
SakeBomb Garage
Group Buy & Product Dev. FD RX-7
8
10-09-15 10:05 PM