normal driveway

[too many]

S2kers,
I need your help. While backing out my driveway with my wheels turned deep left I heard a pop noise that came from the right front. I took the car to the dealer and they found nothing wrong. About two months later while backing out my driveway with the wheels turned deep right I heard a pop noise from the left side. Again, I took the car to the dealer and was told I needed a front end alignment (even though I didn't need one I allowed them to do it) About a week ago while backing out of my driveway with the wheels turned deep left the right front wheel felt like it was loose. Needless to say I took it to the dealer and they found nothing. Now the front end vibrates at different times and I get an rougher than usual ride. And on the freeway when I change lanes the car seems to jerk as it crosses over the cuts in the pavement.

[Java Junky]

You catchin' the inner fender linin'?

[SilverS2K422]

most cars will jerk a little when you hit a cut in the road i think, my s2k does it my brother vette and truck do it too.

[Scooter]

After re-reading your original post, it makes me wonder about tire inflation - I had something like that feeling on the freeway when one of my rears was very low. You probably checked that already, but it's what I thought of...

[Java Junky]

The last part of your post about the jerkin' as you go over the cuts jus' sounds like normal, high-intensity Stewie traction n' sensitivity.
It takes some gettin' used to TM, especially if, like most'uv us, you've come from a mere mortal car before you slid yer posterior inta Stewie.
About your tires n' rims: we're talkin' stock, correct? No oversized aftermarket stuff?

[DJJSR]

Originally Posted by too many

Now the front end vibrates at different times and I get an rougher than usual ride. And on the freeway when I change lanes the car seems to jerk as it crosses over the cuts in the pavement.

A vibration that occurs at a certain speed can be caused by a wheel that is not balanced (or damaged) or a tire that's cupping, usually caused by misalignment or bad shocks. Also, the lugs must be tightened with a torque wrench. Air operated impact wrenches used at most shops can distort and damage alloy wheels.

Jerking during a lane change is not normal and almost always due to improper alignment. I think the person that aligned your front end either did it incorrectly or you have some bad component in your suspension or steering causing the alignment to go out again.

[Java Junky]

DJJ, you don't think that there'z any chance that Stewie'z inherent twitchiness, which isn't present in most of the cars that we use to get to this point . . . . you seriously don't consider that somethin' that someone unaccustomed to it might consider "jerking" when crossing the lane cuts?
I'm not sayin' that it can't be misalignment 'r bad components, but simplest solutions first n' it's nothin' that ain't been gone over before: Stewie'z road manners r' somethin' beyond what most of us're used to.
If TM'z been drivin' Stewie on a regular basis then, he should be familiar with Stewie'z immediacy to steerin' input 'r road surface change, n' I'll let go of the "gettin'-use'ta-it" suggestion.
But if TM'z relatively new'da Stewie . . . .
Well TM?
Belay that. With a join date'a March '06, I think TM'z had enough time to adjust ta Stewie'z immediate response.
Back ta you DJJ.

[jagg]

Hi guys,
I've been watching this thread since it popped up......

I can understand that the complaint may be difficult for the dealership to duplicate, considering that it happens so infrequently to the OP, and they don't have the driveway on hand for testing purposes. (and if it's under warranty, they're not likely lookin' all that hard for something that hasn't actually failed yet......the wait 'n see approach would be used in a case like this)

BUT----my opinion and my opinion only.......

have somebody take a close look at everything that would be stressed when the wheels are turned to full lock one way or another. Everything connected to the control arms.....(ball joints and control arm bushings especially, along with the connections at the rack, and the links)

good luck
jagg

[DJJSR]

I know what you mean JJ, it's like driving a go-kart on steroids and imperfections in the road surface are going to be more noticeable. But my thinking is that if it feels different now than it did before, something has changed. If some component is damaged or worn out it could explain the vibration and/or alignment problem.

[DJJSR]

TM - Just to verify - You've had this car for a while right?

[s2000isu]

"Also, the lugs must be tightened with a torque wrench. Air operated impact wrenches used at most shops can distort and damage alloy wheels."

A good shop will use a tq stick with a impact gun.

[too many]

Fellow s2kers,

Once again you've stepped up to the plate to help me in with my s2k concerns. This site is the best thing since early Sunday morning sex. My fellow s2kers you are the bomb. Oh, I bought my s2k brand new in '03.

Peace and a long life.

[Pablo]

I would like to thank one and all for responses to this thread. I have about 1000 mi on Baby '05 stewie at this juncture and have noticed may of the traits described in this thread such as twitchiness, wheel hop on rough roads, sensitivity and so on. It's nice to know that stewie is just being stewie.

Have a great New Year everybody!

Pablo