[Young]

Same thing happens in my BMW. But the tire pressures you cite are probably contributing to your problems. With 35 psi in front and 32 in rear you're getting more grip in the front, so the turning tires are getting more grip and causing the veering thing to be more pronounced. If you REALLY want to experience this problem to the nth degree, try it with sticky R compound ("racing") tires. You'll really get a lot of grip with the turning tires and feel like the car is going to veer abruptly off the road every time you go over a bump or contour in the road surface. I drove with my Kumho tires for an hour and a half on LA freeways once and I was hanging onto that steering wheel for dear life.

Suggested fix: Make it 32 in FRONT and 35 in REAR.

[ May 04, 2001: Message edited by: Young ]

 

[Young]

Mark, it really sounds as if your tire pressures are causing the difference. Normally, they should be lower in front than in back for that "stock" feel you're used to. So make it 32 psi in front and 35 in back and I think you'll experience less "bump" steer. Remember, your tires are also a part of the suspension! The stiffer they are (i.e., the more air in them) the more you'll experience this phenomenon. Also, the added grip that the higher pressure up front contributes to it as well.

At any rate, try reversing the pressures and let us know how that feels.

 

[Young]

P.S. The lighter and shakier steering can also be attributed to the tire pressures (or a bad alignment or tire balancing). I'd try reversing the pressures first. It's the simplest and cheapest thing to do.

 

[Young]

Mark, it really sounds as if your tire pressures are causing the difference. Normally, they should be lower in front than in back for that "stock" feel you're used to. So make it 32 psi in front and 35 in back and I think you'll experience less "bump" steer. Remember, your tires are also a part of the suspension! The stiffer they are (i.e., the more air in them) the more you'll experience this phenomenon. Also, the added grip that the higher pressure up front contributes to it as well.

At any rate, try reversing the pressures and let us know how that feels.