whats up G's...for some reason lately i've been feeling my suspension getting looser and looser. I recently got new tires put on (same as stock just new Goodyear Eagle RSA) and i just got my coupe set up done as well. So i'm confused as to why my car feels looser than before. Also, when i take sharp turns the car seems to let loose a little bit and usually it hugs the road. Not anymore. My steering used to be much tighter as well, but once again...not anymore! Please help because i'm not happy with what's goin on at all.

KhaL
Eyyyy....u tryin to race or what?!

 

How many miles do you have on it? I am approaching 50K
and still feels tight!

03 5AT Sedan, sunroof, splashguards, HKS muffler,
14 wire Grounding kit, Z Duct, Stillen HF/AB
Underbody rear diffusers, Drilled alum pedals,
Stillen sway bars S/H. Sport Tuned Suspension

 

New tread depth vs. worn tread depth from old tires. In dry worn no tread tires allow higher G vs new squirmy tread.

 

i wish i knew what u said about treads. But i have about 25K miles on the car and its not handling like it should. I was told to get an alignment done and see how that helps.

KhaL
Eyyyy....u tryin to race or what?!

 

YngPhllyKd:

I believe what Q45Tech is saying is that your old tires, with less tread, were gripping better on dry ground, because more of the rubber is actually contacting the roadway (the "contact patch") when the treads wear away; whereas your new tires, with the deep new treads, will "squirm" a little during cornering, with the "squirming" gradually lessening and even disappearing as the treads wear further and further down, till they reach the point of your old tires. Tires grip best on a smooth, hard surface when they have no "tread" pattern at all, with all of the available tire's "contact patch" touching the road - which is why racecar tires (except rally, offroad, and "rainy day" tires) are essentially bald (or "slicks"). The treads are primarily for channeling water and to prevent you from hydroplaning on wet surfaces. They also give you traction in sand, gravel, mud, etc., to a lesser degree.

Your original tires squirmed a little when new, too, but you didn't know the car yet, and didn't notice. Also, not only were the tires improving their traction as they wore down, you were also getting to know the car better and were pushing it harder (naturally) as your confidence in the car and your ability to drive it increased.

What are your options? You can experiment with tire pressures to alter the grip and handling characteristics slightly, you can install upgraded ("tighter, stiffer") suspension components like springs/shocks, sway bars, etc.; you can wait for your new tires to wear down a little and improve their grip; or you can do the easiest and most cost effective handling mod there is - install the best handling tires available (but the wet weather traction will suffer, and the mileage you'll get out of them will be less, in direct relationship to how much better the grip is). The best, "stickiest" aftermarket tires may wear out in 10,000 miles or less, very good but not best maybe 15,000 -17,500 in normal driving, etc. - it's always a compromise, performance vs. cost/treadwear/comfort/mileage.

Lastly, Q45Tech told us in a previous post that even the "same" replacement tires, from the same manufacturer, are often made up of a different tread compound than the ones fitted to the car when new - the "special" compounds many manufacturers use as stock, especially in a "sports sedan" or "sports/performance" car, are specifically formulated to provide the best grip with minimal ride/comfort/noise consideration, for magazine review and driver testing purposes (bragging rights), so the "same" replacement tires may not be the "same" at all, when compared to the OEM tires.

Hope this helps you understand the "tire thing" better.

P.S. - I'm no expert, so if anyone else has a correction or more info, please give us your $0.02 ...

Sport Sedan Fan - 2004 6MT Sedan
Sport/Navigation/Premium/Aero; "Invisiguard" Bra, Madico Onyx Tint
Obsidian Black/Graphite & "Titanium"
SHE'S SILVER & BLACK - GO RAIDERS!

 

WOW! thanks alot for your help. I understand exactly what you're talking about now. But what about my steering wheel getting looser as well? i dont feel its tight anymore what so ever. Any suggestions?

KhaL
Eyyyy....u tryin to race or what?!

 

Make shure your rear camber adjustments are in oem spec, or atleast the camber adjustment bolts with the washer O are facing perpendicular to the ground.

High Point, NC
04 G35 6MT Sedan, Diamond Graphite on Black.
Arrived on 10/20/03
AIM: OneFast4Door G35

 

Steering and suspension component bushings will, over time, harden and shrink creating looser connections -- but I wouldn't expect this to happen in first two years of driving unless they are subjected to extreme stress (racing) or extreme temperatures (climate).


2003.5 Sedan 6MT, Brilliant Silver

 

btw.. I also agree with what has been posted so far -- just offering some additional info based on personal experience.

I installed Hotchkis sways a month ago -- my test was whether or not my wife noticed the difference in handling. She.. rather the car passed the test So I can safely say that the stiffer sways brought back the tight handling.


2003.5 Sedan 6MT, Brilliant Silver

 

YngPhllyKd:

If your steering wheel feels looser, or ANY part of the steering or suspension doesn't feel right, it's always best to have the dealer service department check it out, under warranty. This is for your safety, the safety of others on the roadway, and for your own peace of mind, so you can drive it like you stole it, and enjoy your fine handling car without worrying that something is gonna fall off when you do !!

Good luck - and let us know if it turns out to be something serious - we might have the same thing wrong with ours, and not know it.

Peace.

Sport Sedan Fan - 2004 6MT Sedan
Sport/Navigation/Premium/Aero; "Invisiguard" Bra, Madico Onyx Tint
Obsidian Black/Graphite & "Titanium"
SHE'S SILVER & BLACK - GO RAIDERS!

 

thanks for all of the response guys. i appreciate all of the help! i'll check with the dealership and let everyone know.

KhaL
Eyyyy....u tryin to race or what?!

 

Also if you haven't yet, get an alignment since you swapped to the coupe suspension.

04' G35S 6MT Ivory Pearl, Willow, Premium
Z-Tube / NFC Y-Pipe / Custom Mid-Pipe / 350 EVO Rear Sway/ '03 350Z Shocks and Springs

 

yea i was planning on getting an alignment done in the next week or 2. I just wanted the springs to settle just right. But thanks for the help everyone. I'm going to ask a dealership about it and see if they can help me out. Thanks alot.

KhaL
Eyyyy....u tryin to race or what?!