I am sorry if this is one of the frequently asked newbie questions but I did a search and could not find much info. Can someone please explain to me what bump steer is and why it is bad?

Thanks in advance
-Dustin

 

Come on guys....37 views no reply.

Is this the wrong forum, tired question, or do you guys not know?

Where is the love?

 

The Simple explanation is when you hit a bump the suspension compresses and the toe (in or out) changes and can sometimes upset the balance of the car, making it wander a bit.

 

Thanks man....that is all I wanted to know.

 

So this is different than when the car feels it wants to dart to the right or left whenever a tire hits a depression in the pavement?

By depression I mean:

In my local area, the streets are so messed up that near intersections there are long depressions (or tracks) left by car tires in the asphalt. Mostly these are just barely visible, but can be 10+ feet long, an inch or so deep, and a foot or more wide.

Hitting one unexpectedly could cause the wheel to pull a lot to the right or left. I drive with my hands on the wheel, but the slight delay when correcting makes it very noticable to myself and the passenger.

 

That's the same idea.
It's the concept that ruts/bumps/holes/crappy roads can "steer" your car for you - causing unwanted movement to the left or right ... something you don't want to have happen.

 

rworne,

I know what you mean... One hole was so big (don't recall what street, somewhere in northridge) that it bent my wheel on my 240 years ago, it was a puddle of water so I didn't really make note of it.

SFV has the worst roads I've ever driven on. Funny now they're doing construction EVERYWHERE at ONCE trying to solve the problem, but only creating more.

-glenn

 

I don't know what it is but I think it's something else, because I saw "bumpsteer" advertised for sale!

 

My parents have lived in the SF Valley for 49 years and their street has never been repaved.

 

I don't think anyone can sell you bumpsteer However, there are kits on the market to reduce or eliminate the bumpsteer characteristics in the stock suspension