• Suspension
  • Bump Steer - what I never fully appreciated.
2017/05/19 12:09:33
TwoDogs
My car has had bump steer for some time and I have read / ignored advice saying it can be dangerous. I would like to put an extra argument that the wear and tear on the steering linkages is significant, mandatory and will mean $$$ in the mid to long term.  Of course, if left long enough, a steering component could break and create some genuine adrenalin moments, but who would ignore the bad steering for that long?
Normally the steering linkages / rods work together one side pulling, the other side pushing due to the steering wheel being turned. When the wheels go up and down, horizontal forces going into the steering linkages are reasonably small. The only loads/ resistance coming from the tyres wanting to go straight ahead.
When there is bump steer, because the ride height has changed, there are undesirable, horizontal vectors (impacts) going into the steering rods and the connections between them. Much worse is when both front wheels hit a bump and forces enter L&R tie rods in opposing directions. Whack! The steering wheel doesn’t turn, but something has absorbed those significant forces. 
My steering linkages are worn, sometimes causing pulling to the side when braking and general vagueness in steering instead of “being on rails”. The more I’ve thought about it, I now realise it is caused by worn steering linkages which were caused by years of driving a lowered car.  Also I think I have been critical in my assessment of the Eibach springs as being too hard for Sydney roads, but now I think the steering linkages have been acting like bumpstops and restricting the wheels’ travel also, especially when both wheels hit at the same time. So I take back my assessment of the Eibachs for now. So I am going to fit some correction to the bump steer and replace worn components in the steering, then I'm convinced the car will be on rails and the Eibachs perhaps not as savage as I thought.
Those of you who know all this have obviously dealt with it by buying or building some bump steer compensation bits and pieces. I will do some research to see how easy that is to do. Any suggestions would be most welcome ?
 These really are sensational cars to drive.
2017/05/19 12:57:05
TwoDogs
Thanks Phiz - looks like a good $$ solution for the front. When I get time I will look for similar for the rear also.
 I am planning on going to the next Syd meet at Rhodes, I think you said also, so hope to catch up then.
cheers
2017/05/19 13:36:45
rikkir
Phiz
https://technotoytuning.com/toyota/sw20/front-roll-center-adjusters-sw20-mr2
 
:)


I'll be interested on your opinion on these if you get them....
2017/05/19 13:54:56
TwoDogs
 For sure, whatever I do, I'll update this thread.
 @Phiz -  these seem to be extension to lower where the control arm ball joint attach to the hub ...
 Is there something for the tie rod end as well ?
2017/05/19 14:01:17
Phiz
TwoDogs
 @Phiz -  these seem to be extension to lower where the control arm ball joint attach to the hub ...
 Is there something for the tie rod end as well ?



No. Don't think its necessary either. But if you want a whole kit..
 
http://wilhelmraceworks.c./suspension-geometry-kit
2017/05/19 16:58:58
Guest
Street racers :) buy all the cool tuner parts :)

Roll centre" has many opinions (suppliers and parts) and supporting studies. Different designs in the roll centre links bolt patterns, thickness - all with assumptions of how much you have lowered your car and other assumptions. Personally I liked the sonic boom however don't believe they are made anymore. It's not a blanket this is the fix for every mr2, some mr2 drivers have said over the years have not liked the handeling when installed (unsure if driver, set up, or what was the factor), nor is roll centre kit the only part required when the car is lowered.

The rev3 had revisions to improve the handeling, look at the rear cross member and other suspension changes.

Change the vehicles bushings is a given. On a 25+ year old car, many (all) suspension associated parts need to be replaced.

Do a weekend driver training that helps your driving technique of a mid-mounted mr2.

Keep the car on the road :)
2017/05/19 17:24:03
TwoDogs
Tony, did you read my initial post ?  I am not talking about street racing, I am talking about worn out steering components caused by bumpy, Sydney roads if the car is lowered, which mine was when I bought it.
I always felt something was not right, in fact several things were not right and 1 by 1 the car is getting more excellenterer.  I wrote this, suspecting there may be others who endure the odd steering wheel twitch who may not realise that there is 'damage' occurring as well. 
   
 
2017/05/19 17:42:56
Guest
U missed the humour - street racers

25 year old car, previously flogged by young drivers who have often missed service items summarises a lot of mr2s... Agree with you, owners should be looking at the vehicle components for their condition.
2017/05/19 19:31:27
TwoDogs
Sorry Tony, yes I missed your humour. Yes indeed, I bought it from a young guy, and I think that he or someone before him had chopped the stock springs to lower the car on a stock damper unit. It was stuffed..so I got Koni inserts, which I like, with Eibachs, which have so far been too firm, but now I realise the bangs are probably not due to spring rate alone.
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