Veering while accelerating

[paulus]

My 2004 c2 is veering left under hard acceleration in eg 2nd & 3rd gears.
It became noticable a few months ago & is definitely getting worse since.
I'm convinced it's originating from the rear suspension.
The cars done 60,000miles & has had no suspension changes.
Has anyone any ideas where i should start looking for worn bushes etc?
Paul
2004 c2 40th Anniversary

 

[Richard_Hamilton]

My Turbo did a bit of that. In my case it was either a 'coffin arm' or a diagonal control arm. Chris Franklin changed both when I had the suspension refurbed, so I'm not sure which it was. The coffin arm bush was in a poor state though, so I expect that was what was causing it. As the power goes on and off, it changes the wheel alignment slightly.

 

[rhkumar]

I had exactly the same 2002 C4S with 57k miles. Also took mine to Chris who changed the coffin and diagonal arms. Had all coffin and diagonal arms changed and Chris charged me Eurocarpart prices and the car drove so much better. Roy

 

[paulus]

Thanks guys - i'll start with those & see what i find.

Paul, 2004 C2 40th Anniversary

 

[Terry]

At 60k miles it probably is caused by wear in the rear suspension but one other cause can be uneven rear tyre wear or unbalanced tyre pressures.

I had a strange experience after fitting a brand new set of non directional N rated tyres to my car, which had driven perfectly before the tyre change, it then pulled right under acceleration and left under lift off. Changing the back wheels n/s to o/s and vice versa caused the opposite to happen pulling left under acceleration and right under lift off. I got the tyre dealer to fit another pair of the same make N rated tyres and the problem disappeared. I have since experienced this on other Porsches as well.

 

[924nutter]

How bizzaarre!

 

[paulus]

I don't believe it's the tyres on mine as the problem started before they were changed & it feels suspension related.
However i also have experienced similar problem due to cheap tyres on wifes previous BMW 2.8 Z3.
I had a BMW M3 at the time on good Pirellis.
I swopped the wheels & tyres & the problem disappeared.
It appeared that the sidewalls onthe cheap tyres were flexing differently under power - causing it to veer.
I swopped the wheels back & then replaced the cheapo tyres with new Pirellis & problem was gone for ever !

 

[tscaptain]

To me it sounds like the rear tracking could be out giving off centre line thrust when you accelerate. But best to get the suspension components checked for wear before realignment. When did it last have a four wheel alignment? I would splash out on a trip to Centergravity - probably not that far from you, Paul?

 

[paulus]

I have to admit to never having 4 wheel alignment checked.
As you suggest, Chris Franklin isn't far away.
A visit has been on the to do list for a while - but I've not got round to it yet.
The cars had no impacts & previously handled superbly, so the main reason for a tracking problem should be worn bushes.

Due to the weather I've not been underneath yet to check.
As soon as the weather gets a bit better for an hour or so, I'll see what I can find.
If nothing obvious, I think a phone call / booking with Chris may be next.

Paul

2004 C2 40th Anniversary