Ed30 Suspension/Allignment Problem - lane drifting

[theBatch]

Hi guys, need some help. Got a problem with my 07plate Ed30 and its a strange one, so going to be difficult to explain but here goes...

Got a strange handling problem where it feels like the car is drifting when in a straight line. Best way to describe it is when im on a motorway/dual carriage way it feels like i have to constantly make corrections to the steering. Only real minor changes but doesnt feel like its planted. Its not that the steering allignment is out as it doesnt just pull to one side, its just feels like there is some play somewhere in the suspension. Almost like a suspension bush issue.

Just wondered if anyone can spread some insight into this before i get the car to a dealership. Also, ive read a bit about the steering rack issues and was wondering if this could be in anyway affected.

Cheers guys

[Horney]

tramlining!

What wheel/tyre combo you running? This is pretty common on cars running big wide wheels. Basicly the car is sticking in the ruts on the motorway caused by trucks and it's following those which is why it feels wierd.

I don't know if MKV's suffer from this usually so someone else will know but it's not uncommon in most cars with big fat wheels.

Nick

[theBatch]

Im just running the standard Ed30 rims and tyres (conti sportcontact 2)

Really appreiciate your comments but it feels more than just tramlining, more as if there is play in the steering suspension causing the sight movements.

[Cass]

Check your tyre pressures first and then get the steering and wheel alignment checked. I don't notice any wandering on my car but on some road surfaces I do get some tramlining on 18" wheels. I also asked my dealer to check the steering as I felt some play at the 12 o'clock position on A roads - just a few degrees play either way. Dealer came back and said all was OK - never really noticed it since.

Cass

[theBatch]

Hi Cass, thats for the info. Its funny you mention tyre pressures because i religiously check them every week and are always spot on. But this morning the TPMS light came on whilst driving to work. Immediately stopped and checked all tyres and they were all ok. As this TPMS is using the ABS wheel sensor im starting to wonder if this is somehow related.

[Andy B]

Hi the batch.

Our car doesn't have any play between the steering wheel and the wheels - it feels very firmly connected - very direct.

I've been on some tramlines on the motorway and it's not totally neutral, but not that bad (less so than the old 306 we had).

I wonder if something really odd like the tracking is out (shouldn't be on a new car). On the old car, the tracking ended up being way out, and the car was so horrible feeling  - it would react even to driving across wet white lines in a very unnerving way...

Certaintly, I'd not be very happy with any play at all between wheel and steering wheel. It's a car, not a boat!

[joesgti]

 It's a car, not a boat!

pmsl 

[Cass]

Hi Cass, thats for the info. Its funny you mention tyre pressures because i religiously check them every week and are always spot on. But this morning the TPMS light came on whilst driving to work. Immediately stopped and checked all tyres and they were all ok. As this TPMS is using the ABS wheel sensor im starting to wonder if this is somehow related.

This is worth getting investigated as well. I've never had the TPMS come on at all so far.

Cass

[Hurdy]

I'd follow Andy B's advice as I've not had this issue either.

[theBatch]

Took the car to MotorWorld in oxford today and must say the service i received was top class.

Explained the problem to service department, had a technician come striaght out and drove my car. Was very knowledgable and explained a bit more about the new electric motor steering on the mk5 and how it works compared to the old hydrolic mk4 system. Also mentioned the camber and cross wind functions built into the system.

After a longish drive he said he couldnt find anything out of the ordinary but will put the car on the ramps to take a look. Insepected all the bushes and checked the tyres for unusual wear but nothing. Said they can check the allignment if i wanted to book it in, so will have this done when its due a service in 600miles.

Must say, was very happy with service and didnt cost me a penny. Maybe its just in my head......