Handling, pulling left, steering anomalies
 

#12 (permalink)
Tomarango
Base Member

Join Date: Mar 2018
Location: Victoria
Posts: 5
Drives: 11 370z manual
Rep Power: 3
Tomarango is on a distinguished road
Default
I guess I should ask the question. I've looked everywhere fon here for a similar issue and found a few. However none have described my issue exactly and even further it seems like when they've found the solution (assuming they have) there is no more posting to describe what was wrong.
Anyway, here goes mine: 2011 sport, bought with approx. 60k kms.
Since i got it pulled left. Much more pronounced on roads tilted to the left. On completely flat roads ( parking lot) doesnt seem to happen. I have yet to find a real road that is completely flat to test. The car i also not comfi or easy to drive as it seems to take to the left ussually.
I must say that on roads tilted right it can do the same but much less pronounced.
Sometimes when going really slow like approaching a red light the steering may take a life of its own if let loose. This is mostly on roads used by trucks which create grooves on them.
Most annoying is when turning at speed it does not really inspire to much confidence because of the behaviour.
I have done: shocks, Front upper arms, lower control arm bushes, steering rack (2nd hand), sway bar and endlinks.
I was probably thinking to try tie rod ends and subframe next but need to find a similar issue and solution.
Also got new tyres (minimised the issue but Till there in lesser degree).
Appreciate if anyone has any info about a similar situation.
Tomarango is online now Add to Tomarango's Reputation Report Post

Take it to a good alignment shop. They should be able to diagnose the problem.

I asked in your other post. What's your alignment specs? Plus what tires you have? Sizes, etc?

I agree with the other members. Get it aligned by a "good" alignment shop. This may be harder than it sounds. Most alignment shops these days employ unskilled and/or inexperienced alignment "technicians" who have no idea what they are doing. This problem is extremely prevalent in my neck of the woods. OEM dealers are the worst. You need to find a shop to which track racers and autocrossers take their cars to. They will know what they're doing. Second thing, are you running any wheel spacers? If so, this may negatively affect and amplify alignment issues and road imperfections. Good luck.

I'll have to look for alignment specs however I remember they were close to original. I took the car to Trutrack after looking for good alignment shops. This didn't make a difference. Later i got some cheapish tyres 'achilles' to see if tyres are the issue. Also had an alignment from a generic shop. The issue was less pronounced but still there.
I have yet to find a place where they will let me align the car myself to get what i want but haven't been able so far. I think my next step will be to take a sheet with the exact specs I want.
But anyway after 3 alignments the problem has alway been there. If its even a problem, as Ive read other members with similar handling issues on these cars.
Sizes are the standard 19" wheel tyre sizes.

Thanks I fully agree. That's why I wish I cpupd do it myself and pay for the time on the alignment mashine. I did go to trutrack suspension in Melbourne but they have a lot of work and possibly just half arsed worked on the car. They said nothing wrong was found and returned the car with their recommended specs. No spec sheet or anything for me. Since then its been aligned by a generic shop again showing no hints of anything wrong judging by the alignment specs before alignment.
Changing the tyres made a bit of a difference but not fully fixed. Before running spacers the issue was there, after i did 20mm hubcentric spacers all around with no hint of increasing the issue. But it may have as you said.
Because i bought this car used and stupidly without test driving it first as it was interstate i dont know whats happened before my ownership.
The car has no hints of ever been repaired but there may be issues i cant easily identify like a bent front subframe for example.
Thats why i am looking for someone with the exact same sympthoms abd what they have done to resolve it.
Would benefit me to drive abother 370 because it may also be that im to fuzzy and ceel everything in the car. But i don't think so. It should be a nice car to drive and inspire confidence in the driving, not the opposite.

You still haven't answered the question. What size tires and what make?

Oh sorry, i think i did answer:
Achilles brand and standard 19" inch wheel spec.
Which is 275/35/19 and 245/40/19

You could have a failing hub bearing, a slightly sticky caliper, a bad tire (swap L to right) and this goes for the rear as well.
Alignment chart will reveal a lot...as having you Toe set at maximum side of specs will allow your Z to practically drive itself on straights.
Worn parts can cause as well; not just in front...rear too.
Ensure your alignment tech starts at the rear & works forward.
Not gonna mention tire pressure or tires being of same brand, as this will cause as well.
Notice if it worsens on acceleration vs coast & braking.
Lotta things could be the culprit, hopefully you’ll find it :tiphat: