Torque Steer

jamie furman · #1 (**permalink**) 11-11-2012, 07:15 PM

I have a CSX 4000 series with a 427 side oiler engine and I have an issue with the car in the fact under full throttle it pulls to the left or driver side of the car, and when shifting off throttle it wants to go back the other way or back to the line it was on until it started pulling to the left wanting to change lanes, I have had the car aligned 2 times with no difference. Has anyone experienced this? and does anyone have a idea how to solve this problem?
thanks in advance

bobcowan · #2 (**permalink**) 11-11-2012, 08:37 PM

Sounds like the rear end is loose, allowing things to shift while under power.

tcrist · #3 (**permalink**) 11-11-2012, 10:32 PM

You say that you have had it aligned twice. How are they doing the alignment?

Is it a four wheel alignment? Are the rear wheels aligned with the frame then the front aligned with the rear.

Have someone follow you as you are driving down the road and see if your car "dog walks". If your rearend is ascued to the passenger side from the front end then it might do what you are describing. It might actually be the rearend that is trying to push right rather than the front pushing left.

Just a thought.

Tommy · #4 (**permalink**) 11-12-2012, 04:58 AM

Something in the front or rear suspension is not moving as it should either due to weight transfer or acceleration torque applied to the rear axles. It could be something loose (e.g., rear axle assembly) or it could be a defective part (e.g., broken spring). It's time for a careful inspection by someone who knows what they are looking for, and retightening of all the nuts and bolts.

mdross1 · #5 (**permalink**) 11-12-2012, 05:03 AM

If alignment shows no issues,have you ever had the suspension scaled?
Our 460 powered car used to be a real handful under full throttle launches.A pro modified racer friend of mine heard me talking one day about the Cobra problem and offered to scale the car.All I can say is WOW!! what a difference,the car now is like being on rails no matter how hard I drive it.

jamie furman · #6 (**permalink**) 11-12-2012, 05:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mdross1

If alignment shows no issues,have you ever had the suspension scaled?
Our 460 powered car used to be a real handful under full throttle launches.A pro modified racer friend of mine heard me talking one day about the Cobra problem and offered to scale the car.All I can say is WOW!! what a difference,the car now is like being on rails no matter how hard I drive it.

The scale sounds like the next step, nothing is loose there is no dog walking the car is on rails at all times except under full throttle. Some one also suggested I check ride height as the that could be part of the problem as well. When the car had radials on it there was no noticeable problem other than traction, then I went to goodyear billboards and lowered the car and the problem started at that point so thats when I had it realigned thinking that was it. I just find it hard to believe that tires could cause torque steer.

scottj · #7 (**permalink**) 11-12-2012, 07:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jamie furman

...and lowered the car and the problem started at that point so thats when I had it realigned thinking that was it. I just find it hard to believe that tires could cause torque steer.

My car had the same symptoms until I corrected the rear bump steer. After lowering it, in bump it would toe out and on extension it would toe in. In addition to changing lanes on accel, it exhibited loose roll steer... not good.

D-CEL · #8 (**permalink**) 11-12-2012, 07:35 AM

I think ScottJ is on the money,

I would say, pull the rear shocks and check the bump steer though the range of motion. I think you are seeing a toe change when the rear squats.
I would also vigorously double check all the A-arm bushings and rear bearings.

Jason

CHANMADD · #9 (**permalink**) 11-12-2012, 09:40 AM

I can tell that if the tire pressures are not right it will definately steer from the rear. Also those fantastic billboards ,will, unless properly inflated deform under power altering the effective diameter of the tire causing on./off steer. This is aggravated by a limited slip diff.

PLDRIVE · #10 (**permalink**) 11-12-2012, 10:34 AM

Check rear wheel Bearings.

xlr8or · #11 (**permalink**) 11-12-2012, 11:34 AM

Measure the circumference of the tires with them off the ground. Even a 1/2" difference can cause this.

dcdoug · #12 (**permalink**) 11-12-2012, 12:15 PM

Start with corner weighing/balancing the car and make sure your tire pressure is at least at 24lbs.

jamie furman · #13 (**permalink**) 11-12-2012, 08:50 PM

Guys I appereciate all the help but I was able to fix it myself, as I checked all the ride heights and the drivers rear was about 3/8 of an inch lower than the passenger side and as hard to believe as that may sound just by raising the driver side by that small amount cured the problem and the car is now drivable. Thanks for all the suggestions!

strictlypersonl · #14 (**permalink**) 11-13-2012, 06:08 AM

Jamie,

I still think that a check of the corner weights would be a good thing. Proper left/right handling balance depends on it.

Cobra #3170 · #15 (**permalink**) 11-13-2012, 08:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jamie furman

Guys I appereciate all the help but I was able to fix it myself, as I checked all the ride heights and the drivers rear was about 3/8 of an inch lower than the passenger side and as hard to believe as that may sound just by raising the driver side by that small amount cured the problem and the car is now drivable. Thanks for all the suggestions!

That is an indication that your rear bump steer is excessive too, you might want to check it.