[Vwdiesel] Being hit by "Phantom Winds"

[Val Christian]

There could be many causes...but one cause I've seen with FWD cars
of this behavior, is worn rear struts.  A coworker of my wife's 
spent over a half dozen trips to different shops, including the 
dealer, and did not isolate nor fix the problem.  $2K later, I
saw her at a soccer game, and looked at the car.  Heard her 
descriptions, and didn't have time to test drive it.  Told her to
get the rear struts replaced.  She did, the problem went away,
and I got a bonanza box of cookies.

If your rear end is squishy, consider the rear struts.  On the other
hand, if they seem OK, there are lots of things which could cause this.

You're lucky that you aren't driving a TDI.  Fixed caster, set to 
be "responsive" makes the car much more of a chore to keep on the 
road then the good old 91 Jetta.

Val


> 
> Dave,
> 
> Check the bushings that the rear axle pivots on at the frame.  One on each 
> side.  The rear wheel will move forward and backward while parked if you 
> grab it and try to roll it if these bushings are worn out as bad as mine 
> were..  That was the problem with my `91 Jetta and it was absolutely white 
> knuckle trying to drive it and very dangerous.  It was not exactly intuitive 
> what steering corrections were necessary to keep the car from going out of 
> control.   A bit like a trailer fishtailing out of control, trying to put 
> you into the ditch, but not exactly the same.
> 
> Rob
> 
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "David Cook" <vwdieselbunny at yahoo.com>
> To: <audi-vw-diesels at yahoogroups.com>; "diesel list" <vwdiesel at vwfans.com>
> Sent: Sunday, January 21, 2007 9:09 PM
> Subject: [Vwdiesel] Being hit by "Phantom Winds"
> 
> 
> > Sorry, I really couldn't think of a good way to
> > subject this...
> >
> > This morning while driving home from church, I
> > experienced the car suddenly shifting to the side.  It
> > feels exactly like being out on the highway and being
> > hit by a strong gust of side wind.
> >
> > It isn't like I am being thrown into the other lane,
> > but it is most definately noticeable.
> >
> > It happens from both ways, doesn't just get "pushed"
> > on one side.
> >
> > I put it up on a lift and checked out the front end.
> > I cannot find anything loose or wrong looking.
> >
> > The tie rods and ends are practically brand new.
> >
> > Any ideas on what could be going on?
> >
> > Thanks,
> >
> > David
> >
> > David Cook
> > Red '86 Cabriolet Diesel Powered
> > Red '90 g60 Corrado
> > Brown and White '78 Westy Campmobile "Bear"
> > and others in various states of disrepair
> > Pictures here: community.webshots.com/user/superdave5599
> >
> >
> >
> > ____________________________________________________________________________________
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> > now.
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> 
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