Bump Steer?

[JohnC]

I occasionally feel the steering "get loose" when hitting a bump in a turn. It is hard to describe, kinda feels like there is too much power in the power steering. I have checked all the steering and suspension componets and all seems normal. My last FWD car (Neon) did not do this. The closest thing I have experienced to this is "bump steer" in a raised 4x4. This may be a normal thing for the Vibe...anyone else feel this?

[engine1]

sound like you are just not used to the weight transfer charactaristics of this car vs the Neon. Of course when the weight lifts off the front wheels the steering will feel 'looser', if with the weight off the front end the steering feel is unchanged then you need to replace the rack or pump because some thing is hanging up.

[JohnC]

Thanks for reply/info engine1. Over the past week I have been checking this out. I think you are correct in that I am just not use to the feel of the Vibe yet. My 95 Neon had progressive power steering (more the wheel is turned the more power) which gave it a better feel going into the corners. It also had more "understeer".I commute 100 miles a day, 26 of it is on twisty/hilly roadway (funnest part). The Vibe rides alot nicer but doesn't corner near as well (vague steering and too much body roll). Guess it is time for new sway bars, and if that isn't enough I'll go for the springs next.

[MailGuy!]

Off topic here...Where's the twisty hilly fun stuff? There are not enough roads like that around Phx. Do tell!

[JohnC]

Quote, originally posted by MailGuy! »Off topic here...Where's the twisty hilly fun stuff? There are not enough roads like that around Phx. Do tell!I live in Wickenburg and commute to Palo Verde on Vulture Mine Rd, first 13 miles of VM rd goes up through the Vulture mountains. Another "fun" rd is Wick. to Prescott (89), I can alway get my wife car sick on that rd. Both of these are favorite rides for all the Phoenix area motor cyclest.Caution--- DO NOT TRY TO DODGE THE RABBITS, safest thing is to keep your line. The smart ones will figure out which way to run.p.s. A jack took out my lower left plastic grill last wednesday.

[MailGuy!]

Cool JohnC thanks. One of my favorites is way out east taking the Apache trail into the superstitions. Very tight switch backs. Have yet to bring the Vibe there. About 7 years ago I took that road from Wick to Prescott. Not as much fun in a Cavalier.P.S. Thanks for keeping the lights on for us!

[JohnC]

Update on my "steering problem" turns out the front end was just way out of alignment. This really sucks because it was the first thing I suspected when I first got the car. The dealer adjusted the caster and camber and I ASSumed they did it correctly. Well bottom line is $575 worth of tires and another front end allignment and the Vibe handles GREAT! Sucks that I only got 14k miles out of the contis.

[ragingfish]

From what I hear, 14k is about average for Contis, even on cars with solid alignment.

[satur9]

the other day i noticed that my front conti's were pretty bad. but the rear were in good shape.i chalked it up to wheel hop and drag launches with nitrous.anyway i had them rotated for the trip up to mich and the steering feels better now.i dont now how much more i can ride out the rears now but i got 16500 miles on them. mabey more if i would have rotated them. mabey the will last enough to get to snow tires for front and put the fronts back.and i dont need a lecture on getting four new wheels im saving up for my 18's.

[Mr. Poopypants]

A bit off topic but, have you posted any pictures of your NOS?? I would like to see how it was done. I searched but didn't find anything.

[savedbyzero]

Before lowering, I noticed it some. But after the springs were installed, I don't feel a thing! JustinVGT and I took a turn pretty good at our "meet" while out cruising around. RAILS, BABY!

[Atomb]

I've been having similar issues since getting my vibe last month. They first thought it was the hub sleeves that would fix it (the wheels i got didn't fit perfectly). That didn't fix the problem...It's a shimming that starts faintly at 80km/h and is worst at around 105-110km/h. my steering wheel moves from side to side just enough to give you numb hands after 4 hours of highway driving!i brought in my car today for the 5k service and i'm on my way to pick it up right now....let's see what they say!