Bump steer issue

[rcryniak]

Hey guys - I've been noticing that on some roads, particularly where they're uneven, I seem to be getting a bump steer. There's this one patch at a stop sign that's about as even as the Atlantic in Hurricane season... and invariably, my wheel pulls HARD to the right off that spot. More mildly, on roads that aren't quite level, I've noticed a tendency for the wheels to pull in the direction of where the road is lower, but it's easy enough to anticipate and correct... tramlining? On nice roads, the handling is perfect... no steering drift when travelling on a decent, flat road, whatsoever.

This all has been going on for some time now - I thought I'd wait and see if it got worse - and it didn't... but now I'm a little concerned about the bump steer in particular with snow just a couple months away. What happens if I hit a pothole that I didn't see or couldn't avoid (Western PA roads are just awesome like that) and I'm going 60mph? Bump steer in that situation could be bad news, especially in ice/snow. Any thoughts/advice would be appreciated.

 

[SHOdded]

Sounds like worn or improperly adjusted tie rods. Known wear item on the SHO.

 

[Calgary]

yeah this is a big problem for myself. theres a TSB for an intermittent drift/pull that i got done kind of fixed it a little bit. but yes if hit groves in the roadway from semis ill get a hard pull either way. upon some research i just attributed it to the electronic power steering vs hydraulic power steering. Ive grown tired of ford dealerships as they seem like they cant really figure anything out for themselves like a true mechanic should be able to do.

1 Ive had this issue.
2 A horrible grinding noise after i start rolling when the car has sat for a long time.
3 The ac blend doors have been making light ratcheting noises the ford techs cant hear it even know its clearly evident.
4 I asked them to change the ptu fluid and i got the anwser that it was "good". whatever that means probably just opened a book a said oh non serviceable.
5. I asked for a inspection of the entire drive train. and they said oh thats covered in our multi point. I wanted a more thorough examination as i was contemplating tuning. i got the anwser of if theres no engine light your fine......
6. one dealership tried to rip me off for some warranty work saying it wasnt covered and it was. (950 quote vs 100 deposit) i asked a service writer at another location and he said they get slightly less money for warranty work. i also got charge a 150 dollar diagnostic.
7. to get plugs changed cost me 300 dollars
8. i bought new rear pads brought them to dealership they charged me 200 dollars to do that.....

needless to say im not sure ill buy a ford ever again which is unfortunate cause im really looking forward to the new f-150. been a ford owner and fan my whole life.

 

[14sho]

And you think chrysler GM and any of the others dont, took my dodge in a few years back ticking valve train noise 1 yr old 13,000 seems had a smooth cam lobe,known problem,service writer said should have plugs and coolant and warranty would not pay for oh yea wires to like 700 bucks,she said book said so,I went and got book and handed to her and said where after stumbling on her words she said well the dealer recomends that and I said well stop dont do a thing after service manager backed her up.I took to another dealer all was covered and no plugs or wires and new coolant last dodge I ever bought so they all do it.Just Saying

 

[SHOrod]

I think every car or truck I've owned with wide, low profile tires has acted this way. My SHO has done this to a degree since new and every time I have the front end in the air for an oil change, etc. I make sure all the steering and suspension components are still tight.

From your description I think this is nothing more than wide low profile tires and rather stiff suspension. But, it certainly wouldn't hurt to make sure your tires are properly inflated and the suspension and steering components are still tight.

-Rod

 

[rcryniak]

Thanks for the advice - Now if only I had a house with a garage and a means to lift the car to do that myself... bliss! (Soon, I'm hoping!) In the meantime, I did check my tire pressure... was 32 psi on the lowest tire - topped 'em off.