Hi all,
My RX8 has a very unsettled, "wobbly" front end whenever I come off the gas from hard acceleration.
Before I take it to the garage I was just after any initial views on this - does it sound like the classic failed drop link(s) ?
If so, do you think this would be front drop link(s) only, or could it be the rear?
There is no knocking or clunking at all - just the instability on the front end (feels a bit like torque steer in a FWD car).
Thanks for any pointers.
David
Durham
Wobbly front end when coming off the power
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Wobbly front end when coming off the power
Last edited by CylonOne on Wed Oct 30, 2019 9:13 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Wobbly front end when coming off the power
Drop links can cause strange effects but this isn't one of them.
You need a 4-wheel geometry check as it sounds like the rear toe could be out, causing the rear wheels to steer off-line under power, that you're having to correct when lifting off.
That's no the only thing it could be but the alignment check would also work for some of the others.
It's also possible that the steering column uj is tight just off dead-ahead, which can result in over-corrections
viewtopic.php?f=25&t=47002
What tyres are you running and have you checked the pressures, the 8 is extremely sensitive to poor/mixed tyres.
You need a 4-wheel geometry check as it sounds like the rear toe could be out, causing the rear wheels to steer off-line under power, that you're having to correct when lifting off.
That's no the only thing it could be but the alignment check would also work for some of the others.
It's also possible that the steering column uj is tight just off dead-ahead, which can result in over-corrections
viewtopic.php?f=25&t=47002
What tyres are you running and have you checked the pressures, the 8 is extremely sensitive to poor/mixed tyres.
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Re: Wobbly front end when coming off the power
Thanks Dave, that's very helpful as I was about to "shoot from the hip" and order some drop links!warpc0il wrote: ↑Wed Oct 30, 2019 7:41 pmDrop links can cause strange effects but this isn't one of them.
You need a 4-wheel geometry check as it sounds like the rear toe could be out, causing the rear wheels to steer off-line under power, that you're having to correct when lifting off.
That's no the only thing it could be but the alignment check would also work for some of the others.
It's also possible that the steering column uj is tight just off dead-ahead, which can result in over-corrections
viewtopic.php?f=25&t=47002
What tyres are you running and have you checked the pressures, the 8 is extremely sensitive to poor/mixed tyres.
The tyres are 2 x 'Gremax' and two other random cheap brands, whose names I have literally forgotten, while walking from the car back to the PC!!
....So with 3 different brands across 4 tyres, that definitely fits with your point about mixed/crap typres. I'll be honest, I haven't checked tyre pressure yet as I only bought the car yesterday and have only driven it once (it's a toy)
So as a starting point, I'll check pressures and then if no improvement will book in a 4 wheel alignment check. 4 new tyres will also be on the cards.
Thanks again!
David
Durham
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Re: Wobbly front end when coming off the power
Could need drop links anyway. You can easily see if the front drop links are broken by turning the wheels full lock either side. The drop links will then be exposed
Best done in daylight though. Then it'll be obvious if one has failed.
As Dave said the RX8 really likes even tyres and preferably not ditchfinders. These Federal ST1s are the cheapest 'proper' tyres I've found and have them fitted to my own car. They're only £57.30 a tyre in your size before fitting: https://www.camskill.co.uk/m61b0s557p15 ... se%3A_72dB
Maybe get the alignment done when your new tyres are fitted.
And welcome to RX8 ownership Get an oil, filter and spark plug change done when you can.
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- CylonOne (Wed Oct 30, 2019 9:15 pm)
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Re: Wobbly front end when coming off the power
Thanks New Duke. I've looked at the droplinks and to be honest, they do look fine. Well, they're certainly all still attached!
I do have some reserved at ECP though, and with their Halloween discount, they are a rather good £51 for a full set (Front L, Front R, and two rears). So I might just pick them up tomorrow and get them fitted when I get the new tyres and 4 wheel alignment done. .... then at least I know they're all fresh and good.
Cheers!
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Re: Wobbly front end when coming off the power
Another possibility is the engine mounts. You can visually check them. Search on this forum for failed engine mounts for photos of what to look for.
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- CylonOne (Wed Oct 30, 2019 10:19 pm)
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Re: Wobbly front end when coming off the power
I had something similar once , only at higher speed . Say changing from 4th to 5th at around 75-80 especially under load going up an incline .
It was engine mounts
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It was engine mounts
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