Bumpsteer Bump Steer

[SuffolkD at aol.com]

Repackage for easier searching -Scott by BOSTON

> Subject: Re: Type 44 Swaybar Questions..or: Listing Like A Spanish
>     Galleon
> 
> FWIW, "Bump Steer" is the phenomenon of the car straying from it's intended 
> line as the suspension moves through it's travel. Usually caused by a
> change of Ackerman angle (difference in turning radius from the inside
> front wheel to the outside front wheel) in a somewhat poorly designed
> suspension. So, as you hit
> mid-turn bumps or even changes in elevation, the car either turns in harder 
> than
> expected in a smooth corner, or turns in less. This can also be caused
> by other things, but in your case, I'd check the condition of the
> steering rack and tie-rods
> post accident. Perhaps there is a bent tie-rod, which could still
> allow proper static straight ahead alignment, but may not allow enough
> travel (needed to achieve appropriate Ackerman angle) during turns
> with bumps/dips etc. Also, FWIW, although I really haven't bothered to
> seriously compete or track my type 44, I really hadn't noticed any
> bump steer issues. My GTi (SCCA Solo2 stock, which means stock
> springs) was actually worse, and it was hardly an issue. Then again,
> most
> stock ride height vehicles don't have a lot of bump steer issues. It's
> in severe lowering (or raising) that limits the tie rod length issue
> in turns that causes it to raise it's ugly head, as you are now
> setting the vehicle beyond it's normal suspension travel design
> limits.
> 
>