Steering issues?

[metropolis986]

I am having some serious driving issues with my 986 2002 reg Boxster. Had it for slightly over 2 months now and while the car was incredibly tight and precise in steering when I got it, it feels totally unstable now to the point that I can't drive it in speeds over 40-50 mph. The car sort of wobbles and pulls either in one direction or the other on a straight road, almost like sliding. I never lose control of it completely but it is almost terrifying to drive at those speeds... The steering also feels unsually light and unresponsive.

It's not the wheels/alignment; 2 days ago I put in 4 Michelin Pilot Sports and had the alignment checked and fixed (the old tyres were fairly worn, particularly the rear ones).

The car is going in the garage I got it from tomorrow for a telling off and hopefully for getting fixed under a warranty. I will insist it gets taken to the Porsche dealership. My opinion there is either something wrong with the steering or the shock absorbers (or both). Has anybody has similar problems before?

 

[mic]

Hi, had similar symptoms to you, S 2002 running 18s was very nervous especially straight ahead was not quite so bad when in a fast corners and the steering was under a load. Had it tracked and did not make much off a difference. Did some research and had it re tracked with more front toe in ( still within spec just though) and less negative camber all on the front. Transformed the car even as an ex technician I did not think it would make so much difference, can now drive car one handed again. Mic

 

[Buddy]

Hi, you don't say if there are any noises or if the cornering is also effected. What mileage had the car done when you got it and how many miles have you done in it?

I would expect that as when the front tracking was done they found no great amount of wear in the steering and so that puts the probable source of the problem as either the shocks or possibly top strut bearings. Other points in the suspension would most likely have been noticed by a competent mechanic.

Neither should be giving problems 2 months after buying it given normal use, a Porsche alignment is all four wheels and includes camber setting too so insist it is done correctly whether done at an OPC or elsewhere. Lots of tyre dealers who say they do 4 wheel alignment only align the fronts against the rears and do not even check camber so they won't identify worn top bearings.

 

[metropolis986]

Yes, probably should have given more info, thanks for the replies.

Right, there are no noises or indeed anything else wrong with the car as I can see or hear. Mileage is 67,000 now. In the 2 months I have had it I have done 700 miles or so (so it has deteriorated over that). Cornering weirdly does not affect this as much as straight down the line though to be fair I haven't tried cornering at 50-60 mph! It is indeed mostly apparent and felt on a straight line (and even more in the wet, it was raining last night and it is slightly worse in those conditions though it is also felt in the dry).

Tracking was done at the place I got the tyres (KwikFit) so maybe this explains why this hasn't been done properly?

 

[BartyB]

I think you might have answered your own question there Metropolis. Sadly KwikFit and most other fast fit centres appear to employ poorly skilled and poorly paid fitters rather than skilled specialists. Their corporate training programmes manage to achieve consistently mediocre performance and abysmally low standards of customer service. I've NEVER found one who can fit a tyre competently so I certainly wouldn't let one track a car.

 

[Nick_USA]

Metropolis

ORIGINAL: BartyB

I think you might have answered your own question there Metropolis. Sadly KwikFit and most other fast fit centres appear to employ poorly skilled and poorly paid fitters rather than skilled specialists. Their corporate training programmes manage to achieve consistently mediocre performance and abysmally low standards of customer service. I've NEVER found one who can fit a tyre competently so I certainly wouldn't let one track a car.

+1

Metropolis whereabouts are you then maybe we can steer (non pun intended) towards a reputable, cost effective solution.

 

[mic]

Hi, if you have just had 4 new Michelins fitted that is the ideal
time to invest in a good alignment before the tyres have any incorrect
wear on them. In my opinion alignment settings need setting to
what you the use car for if it's track days then less front toe in and more
Negative camber, but if like me it's a road car and your local
roads are more like cart tracks like mine then I recommend
More front toe in for stability and less front negative camber all within
the manufactures spec mind. Look for a good alignment centre
which a few Porsche owns recommend in your area. Mic

 

[metropolis986]

Dorset.

While I agree they might potentially have done a poor job the problem was there before the replacement of the tyres and tracking. I did attribute it to the very worn rear tyres but it was there nonetheless.

Anyway, any recommendations would be welcome.

I am already thinking about taking it to the OPC here but will try and see if the garage I bought it from (the car is still under warranty), is willing to send it to them for tracking. If not I will probably take it myself. Anybody else who may be more cost effective?

 

[Mark_Bennett]

+2 !

It's worrying when you consistently know more about fitting tyres than the 17 year old doing it. Don't get me started on wheel balance weights []

I'm sure there are great Kwik-Fit (and the like) guys out there, but few and far between []

If you've problems with handling, check all the aerodynamic appendages under the car are in place, that the tyres are the Porsche approved versions (n-marked) and then have a proper Bleise-Barth alignment done (excuse the probably incorrect spelling!).
There has also been a spate of broken springs on here lately - have a look in case one of yours has gone!