Got that wandering feelin'....

JeffN · #1 02-12-2005, 05:06 PM

Any ideas why a 42k LSi would start to lose it's on center steering and want to wander lane/lane as if in deep ruts? We did new Raxle front Cvs and about 1000 miles later this crops up.

Also has a loose/worn sounding shock mounts somewhere...what marvels these Japanese Jaguars are.

lee · #2 02-13-2005, 06:59 PM

did you do an alignment after replacing the axles?

JeffN · #3 02-13-2005, 07:37 PM

It's more than alignment and it din't start immediately. whatever is loose, the alignment'll come afterwards. the old axles were not really bad w/only 39k but the legendary sube boots were gone so we did em sooner than later. sure is curious...

Earthworm · #4 02-14-2005, 06:20 PM

When they go to do an alignment they will find out what's wrong with it. You can't do a proper alignment with a worn balljoint or tierod end.

JeffN · #5 02-14-2005, 07:12 PM

Yeah, they'll refuse to do it and try to bilk $$ for repairs. Happened once already on our 92 w/slight ly loose balls.

#6 02-15-2005, 02:28 PM

Hi Jeff
If all is well with front end hardware and tires (yes let's not forget the obvious), check steering rack bushings. Rack could float. Rare but not impossible.

JeffN · #7 02-15-2005, 08:54 PM

Yeah, takin it in tomorrow for my tech to have a look. He installed the axles so should be able to find something as obvious as this.

Bxsvx · #8 02-17-2005, 06:46 PM

I have the same feeling, everytime I hit a bump or something, the car try's to fly out of its lane. The car also bounces everywhere when hitting a bump, and the car feels like it doesnt want to go straight . I put new ball joints, I put new tie rods, I did the alignment. The only thing I can think of is that the alignment is a little off, but I dont think it would cause the car to handle like a 80's chevy. I also know that the stabilizer links are shot. The car definitely doesnt handle like a couple, my Galant handles 100 times better.

#9 02-24-2005, 06:08 AM

have you guys checked your struts? the kind of deflection Bxsvx describes sounds like bad struts.

and Jeff, My svx is still available.....
Transmission World on Jericho Tpk in Syosset will do a tranny for 995. Hard parts extra if needed. He had 2 svxs in there the other day! Can get windshields in Brooklyn for 200.

JeffN · #10 02-24-2005, 07:27 AM

thansk all, it's just curious that this began only a while after the new axles went in. And why on a 40k mile car when our 1st one never had this problem up to 92 k when we sold it to a lucky buyer?

Hard to think of any front end parts being shot after only 40k smooth FL miles. Somethings loose...other than a screw.

Bxsvx · #11 02-25-2005, 02:05 AM

My car has around 60k miles, they could be bad, it was born and raised in the northeast. But I do hear some clunking so I am going to check all the bolts,etc

n00b on demand · #12 02-25-2005, 09:37 AM

My car has 104 k on it and im on the original struts and mounts and i hit the same potholes all the time. My car doesnt fly like that

n00b on demand · #13 02-25-2005, 09:37 AM

Check the sway bar bushings....

JeffN · #14 04-08-2005, 06:31 PM

Well, I didn't get a look under there myself but my pal mechanic friend(onr of the few honest ones left) said the front end was tight as a drum and he couldn't feel the deflection after driving it extensively.

As soon as I got it going, it had that same wandering feeling and when pulling up to a light with tire worn grooves it felt like the wheel wanted to spin out my hands into the next lane. Bizzare...and only 43k on it.