[CruznSVO85.5]

Hi all,
85.5 SVO is experiencing suspension issue.
Car will wonder from lane when driving over slight uneven pavement on highway especially during acceleration. However if pavement is fairly smooth, I don't notice the problem. At the moment, the problem is manageable.The car is not lowered and as far as I can tell, suspension system is completely stock.

Has anyone experienced this same problem and how did you correct it? Is this what is called bump steering or is this a result of tired and worn suspension parts?

Your response is greatly appreciated.

Thanks

[NavySVO]

The first thing in order is to inspect your components very carefully for wear. Inspect the tires as as well for even wear.

Take some measurements from the ground to the wheelwell and I can tell you if the car has been lowered.

How are the tierod ends? Have they been replaced in the last 5 years or so? If not, go ahead and do that, it's not that expensive.

[CruznSVO85.5]

Navy,
Thanks for your suggestions.
1. Aside inspecting the front suspension and steering components, should I also look at the rear suspension components? I'll take a look under the car this weekend.

2. Tires: Yokahoma uni-directional. Tire wear looks normal; no cupping and plenty of thread life.

3. Measurement from ground to wheelwell:
Driver side: 25 15/16"
Passenger side: 26 3/8"
note:front Konis adjusted to aggressive settings.
Strange, one side is higher than the other. What does this mean?

4. Tie Rods - I've only had the car about a year and half. I think I will opt to replace them. Do you recommend a particular brand and model? (I was just looking at AutoZone and Kragen Auto Parts)

Thanks again.

[NavySVO]

I will measure mine. It is stock with 65k miles.

The 2 different measurements are only about 1/4" off. It could be due to several reasons: spring settling differences (from only a driver in the car for XX years), strut wear, body flex (check for cracks in the driver's side floorboard as well). If the difference was 3/4" or more, I would say that you might have a broken coil in one of the springs. My SVO had a broken bottom coil in the driver's side rear and it was 7/8" lower. I never noticed it until I was looking at it in the garage from across the street while BSing with the neighbor.

Are these measurements the same front and back? I am hard-pressed to believe it if they are (not saying you aren't telling me the truth), because the front and rear measurements are usually different with the rear of the car sitting a bit higher.

The Konis are only adjustable for rebound and not compression. More rebound = counter-clockwise. Most people think it's the other way.

As for tie-rods, just get what the local parts house has and you will be good.

[NavySVO]

OK, I got off my lazy arse and measured my front end height and both sides were right at 25-7/8".

[CruznSVO85.5]

Thanks.

Measurements from ground to wheelwell.

rear driver side: 26 5/16"

rear passenger side: 26 5/8"

front driver side: 25 5/16"

front passenger side: 26 3/8"

Additional info, the car had collision on rear driver's side. (see attached pics)

Anything I should be concerned about?

Outer tie rods still scheduled for replacement soon and still need to perform an inspection of suspension.

[NavySVO]

Originally Posted by CruznSVO85.5

Additional info, the car had collision on rear driver's side. (see attached pics)

Anything I should be concerned about?

Nah, it doesn't appear to have put much out of whack

[CruznSVO85.5]

Thanks Navy.

I know you mentioned any tie rod end will do but I'm unsure which brand I should stay away from and which I should consider besides prices. Can you suggest/recommend a brand from the list below or your own prefference?

McQuay-Norris $
Moog $$
Ford part $$$

Thanks

[ExtrmZ]

i dont think it really matters, just make sure its got a grease zerk on it

[CruznSVO85.5]

Thanks for the input ExtrmZ. Going with MN, the most inexpensive of the three.

[NavySVO]

Have you looked at the ball joints as well. There is a little "nub" of an indicator on the bottom side. Is it recessed, flush or sticking out? If it is sticking out, how far?