R32 & bump steer

My R32 seems to experience a bit of bump steer on uneven roads (i.e. tracking along grooves in the pavement). The mechanic at Nissan said it was due to large tires. Another mechanic said it was too much negative camber, because the car is lowered.

My C5 corvette developed this issue after year and was fixed by a front end alignment. However, I don't want to pay for an alignment first and find out I need a bump steer kit later.

Questions:

1) The front wheel gap is about 1.5 -2 inches from top of the tire to fender. Is the car lowered? What is stock?

2) Anyone have a lowered R32 and Steering issues? Fixes?

3) Anyone know of a good bump steer kit for R32? Website?

I'll hit the local Japanese magazine stand this weekend but any advice is appreciated, from someone who has been there.

Thanks,

-AL

Tramlineing?

On my car, I just changed the tires. If the tire has a lot of srtaight channels in the tread, they then to tramline a little more, also the width.

I went with a 245/45 front, and a 275/40 for the rear. I used to have 255/40 on all 4 corners.

My car as a little over an inch of a gap in the front, stock shocks, with HKS springs. Perfect ride quality, if you ask me.

Yeah, I'd try a different tire also. Also check that handling ratings people give for certain types/brands. My personnal experience is that Falkens suck in the front. I have had a couple different types and sizes in the front, and every time I have Falkens in the front, I tramline all over the place. That's my personnal experience, which has also been shared by my friend's Altezza.

from the looks of the pictures you posted if it has been lowered at all it has not been lowered much at all

Thanks guys,

Maybe I am jumping the gun a little. I chatted with the Nissan dealer last night after he did a complete inspection. He said overall the car is in really good shape.

However, he said that the front suspension has been lowered and will keep prematurely wearing the tires unless I put the stock springs back. (Currently the insides of the front tires are bald, but good tread on outsides.)

I won't have the car for long so maybe the best answer is just putting some reasonably priced performance tires on the car, and getting a front end alignment later if needed. One mechanic suggested reducing the negative camber.

-AL

My car does the same thing. I have yet to mess with the camber, but it should be able to adjust for a little better tire wear.

When I put DNA/GP's on, Yellow Hat realigned to stock specs and I haven't had any irregular wear patterns. Funny...since it seems my right side sits just a tad lower than my left.....

Thanks guys,

However, he said that the front suspension has been lowered and will keep prematurely wearing the tires unless I put the stock springs back. (Currently the insides of the front tires are bald, but good tread on outsides.)

I won't have the car for long so maybe the best answer is just putting some reasonably priced performance tires on the car, and getting a front end alignment later if needed. One mechanic suggested reducing the negative camber.

-AL

When I put DNA/GP's on, Yellow Hat realigned to stock specs and I haven't had any irregular wear patterns. Funny...since it seems my right side sits just a tad lower than my left.....

Yeah, I am thinking an alignment may help. Just more money down the drain...errr ... I mean well spent. ;)

I waited too long on an alignent while owning my vette. It was well worth the money, as it improved the overall driving experience and overall enjoyment. It's just tough not knowing for sure.

I'd hate to spend more money with no result...

Ehh... we'll see I guess. It's only green paper!

These GTRs aren't cheap on maintainance!!! I feel like I have a crack addicted super model girlfriend, who's putting my paycheck up her nose. It's fun while it lasts, but it's killing the bank account!

-AL

I finally put on some new rubber and it seemed to do the trick!

I got a good deal on a set of Bridgestone RE-O1R tires, and they appear to have solved my bump steer (tramlining) issue. The shop inflated them a little hard and used nitrogen, but it feels good.

The car rides well and the steering response seems more immediate. The roads that gave me a lot of tramlining problems are no issue now. Very interesting as I never thought tires could make such a big difference.

I suppose the old tires (bridgestone Grid III) were pretty worn down and old as well. They were also unevenly worn. The inside edges were bald and the entire tire was at minimum tread depth or less. It is not suprising that there is a different feel with newer tires. The RE-O1Rs are probably a better tire with a more rigid case anyway.

-AL

Tires make a huge difference. I had a set of Kumho Supras on my GTR and they just plain suck for tramlining. When I get the V8 GTR running those tire are going on the back, so I can smoke the hell out of them, I'll film it of course :)

Glad to see that one is solved.

Tires make a huge difference. I had a set of Kumho Supras on my GTR and they just plain suck for tramlining. When I get the V8 GTR running those tire are going on the back, so I can smoke the hell out of them, I'll film it of course :)

Glad to see that one is solved.

Almost ordered some Kumhos from "Tire rack", but decided to go for the gusto. Kinda glad I didn't go for the Kumhos now!

-AL

(Heck it's only money! I'll just have to print some more...)