Hello, check My original thread were I basically describe a loose feeling when driving my car.

So far, I have taken my car to a few shops (Two from this list, cartune, and pete's) both were very adamant that there is nothing wrong with the suspension and the alignment is fine. One shop experienced the issue and blamed tires or bad alignment (see below)

In a nutshell,the issue appeared after taking my car for new tires and new alignment, it started feeling as if something was loose, the direction wasshifting, left and right as if the front tires are fighting each other or want to come off and excessive tramlining. Sometimes is hard to pinpoint if its in the front or rear.

I did about 5 alignments, and checked all the basics (suspension, tire pressures, lugs, etc, alignment spec), and its getting to the point were I think I might have a major issue (axle? steering rack?, frame?).

I am about to take my car to the dealer, but would like some suggestions on a shop that is honest, and its good with this kind of problem.
Do any of you have any experience with any local shop in SD?

Thanks!

 

Have you tried Infinite Motion in San Marcos?

Ask for Gavin

 

^^^ I agree, as will lots of others here. Personally the dealer is the last place I'd go. They'll be no more helpful than a reputable local shop, but they'll take lots of your money. But that's just my opinion.
Also, you should consider coming out to a meet, and let 1 or 2 other longtime S owners drive your car, and see how it feels to them.

Does the "loose" thing feel like the car is suddenly steering? Or more like the back wants to step out? Or more like the whole car is moving sideways as if being pushed by a strong crosswind? (I just re-read your other post; sounds like it's more of the last one?)

What kind of tires did you have before this whole thing started, and what do you have now?

This part is just my 2 cents, and I'm no pro: I have to wonder if you are experiencing something that is semi-normal/common for our cars, but it was masked by your previous tires and/or amplified by your new tires. I know my car will pull to the side significantly on certain roads, even though they appear flat and smooth. It sounds like you've ruled out alignment and bad/worn suspension components. I don't think an axle could cause anything like this (they get noisy, then eventually they break haha). A steering rack problem would show up in a suspension inspection by any competent mechanic. Bent frame should be apparent during alignment. You've checked and re-checked tire pressures & mounting. I'm not sure what else is left? Gavin or others here may have some more ideas though?

 

As previously stated, if the road is slightly uneven your car will jerk left or right. As everyone else stated, go to Infinite Motion and have Gavin check it out. If he can't find it, I highly doubt the dealership mechs will find the problem either. Not trying to toot Infinite Motion's horn, but they will also explain if anything is or is not wrong with your car and why; not just give you the "I don't know" answer or run around alot of other shops do. Good luck.

 

Your steering rack is most likely loose. Quick fix. One bolt to tighten.

 

I read your original post, but I never saw where you put how many miles you have on the new tires. I always have the same problem with new tires for about the first 500 - 1,000 miles while it is removing all the crap that is on the tires from the mfg process. The other thing that can be causing it is the cold. When it's cold outside, my car gets very squirly also. The last thing I could see you checking since you said it seems fine after the car has sat a while, and when you are going down hill would be to check the shocks. Since you got into an accident, maybe a shock is blown?

 

Any update on this? My car has the same issue and I'm at a loss of what to do.