Twitchy Steering / Handling.

[Klank]

Good afternoon, all. Not very often that I post on here, I'm more of a reader than a contributor, but thats only due to my limited Supra knowledge.

 

Anyhow, I've noticed a fairly sudden change in my N/A Manual's handling, it was literally fine one day, then the next, somewhat twitchy and unsettled when cornering or if I hit a bump in the road, which lets face it, theres plenty of.

 

Now I've had a good look through past threads to find a solution, but I'm hoping someone may be able to point me in the right direction. I'm thinking my own winter driving antics may be to blame for said change in handling.

 

My search has brought up anything from loose front and/or rear subframe bolts, bent arms, knackered dampers/springs, bad tracking, buckled wheels and even poor quality or badly worn tyres. The car tracks straight and true, with no vibrations in the wheel and the suspension doesn't knock. Tyres are only a few months old, Kumho's on every corner with no sign of uneven wear, still running stock 16" alloys which are in very good condition. I instantly checked tyre pressures as soon as I noticed the change and was only a few psi down on each corner. Correctly inflated, it's no different. Basically, the ride seems to be unchanged and would be perfect if not for this issue.

 

So here I am, picking the brains of the forum's finest minds. Is it possible something has twisted/bent/worn as a result of the stress of the car's recent punishment? I checked my VIN plate and the digits indicate it's got a Torsen LSD, but with any luck, this isn't on the way out.

 

I'll be able to get the car to a trustworthy local garage on Monday when I return to work, but I'm hoping someone here may be able to offer more immediate assistance. That being said, I'll be having it put on the ramp regardless.

 

I hope I've made the issue clear enough, but look forward to receiving your advice.

 

 

Kind regards,

Keith.

[Abz]

Hello Keith, its good that you have done your research. I am not one of the forum's finest mind, but will give you what I have a feeling it might be.

 

* No vibration's in the wheel can pretty much take out tracking & balancing\Wheels being buckled.

* If it is running true in a straight line then it takes out wheel alignment.

* Although the wheels are pretty new have you check for flat spot\bumps anywhere over the wheel, any damage or bumps in the tyre side wall?

 

I'd have my finger on it being some sort of suspension component, most likely will be pointing towards the bushes. Have you checked shocks? And springs to check they are fine and the car rebounds okay?

 

Good luck with getting it sorted and update us when you find out what it is.

[AndyT]

Hello Keith, its good that you have done your research. I am not one of the forum's finest mind, but will give you what I have a feeling it might be.

 

* No vibration's in the wheel can pretty much take out tracking & balancing\Wheels being buckled.

* If it is running true in a straight line then it takes out wheel alignment.

* Although the wheels are pretty new have you check for flat spot\bumps anywhere over the wheel, any damage or bumps in the tyre side wall?

 

I'd have my finger on it being some sort of suspension component, most likely will be pointing towards the bushes. Have you checked shocks? And springs to check they are fine and the car rebounds okay?

 

Good luck with getting it sorted and update us when you find out what it is.

 

Can't add anything to Abz post. Just wanted to congratulate you at writing a great post. And a bump too.

[Guest martz]

Hello Keith,

Had the same problem, I was expecting to have to change the rear upper wishbone, but on closer inspection I found the rear shock absorber was leaking. I took it off the car removed the spring and it gave no resistance/ rebound at all at all. Fitted a pair of new ones and everything is once again fine

 

Regards

Martin

[Klank]

Many thanks for the advice, everyone. And cheers for the kind words and sneaky bump, Andy!

 

Quick update:

I've had the car on axle stands today, where a more mechanically minded mate and I had a good nosey around at all the suspension components etc. Everything seems fine and theres nothing untoward about any of the arms/joints or linkages. All clean and tidy, bushes are all in decent condition. I actually have a receipt from a few years ago for 4 new genuine Toyota dampers and Eibach springs, all in as new condition. However, I did find a good ~4mm of play in the rear offside wheel.

 

So I believe the bearings are the cause of my handling issue. Which makes sense as my XR400 offroader had a very similar problem a few weeks back, again, wheel bearings to blame. Now to price up a solution! Quite surprised it isn't giving any vibrations in the steering wheel or knocking/squeeking. Even if this isn't the problem directly, it requires rectifying nonetheless.

 

Anyhow, time to hit up the search and find the right bearings, then to work on Monday to put our 50 ton press to use!

 

I'll post next week and let you know how it pans out. May be a worthwhile thread for others who have similar problems in the future.

 

Kind regards and all the best for the New Year!

Keith

[AndyT]

Hopefully that'll sort it Keith.

Happy New Year mate.

[stevie_b]

When the PPS (progressive power steering) system develops a fault and over-assists the steering at speeds > 50mph, that can cause twitchy steering. That is usually flagged up by the MIL warning light and/or a speedo fault though.