Wandering problem over 60 mph

[wookimdc]

Hi all,

I have a 2005 Carrera that is completely stock except for new wheels and tires (Victor Equipment and Hankook Evo's). The steering felt really loose so I had the alignment and camber adjusted at Autowercks in Woodbrige Canada. It tightened up the steering making it more stable but it still wanders at speeds over 60 mph and is a bit scary after 140 mph. The car has a floating feeling as well especially in a turn at high speed if the road has some undulations. This is my first Porsche and I love the car but this problem is really bothering me. Any suggestions?

Kim

[PAULSPEED]

You can have the alingment set for track use. They add

very small shims in the front to increse the camber.

I noticed that the car gets light above 150mph. I feel that

a new nose that reduces the front lift would help.

Paul

[wookimdc]

Thanks for the reply Paul,

That is what the guys at the shop recommended (but they didn't mention the shims). They said the factory settings makes the car feel like that at high speeds. So I had the alignment and camber adjustment done last week and it did improve the drive. However, it still wants to wander at high speeds. Changing the bumper did cross my mind but I want to leave the car as stock as much as possible. That said, I would consider going with coilovers if this would be the only option.

I am surprised the 997 drives like this. I have a BMW X6 that steers more perscise at high speeds. I love everything about the car except this one issue.

Kim

[theOne]

Try a new set of Porsche N-specification tires. 

[AIB]

Hi all,

I have a 2005 Carrera that is completely stock except for new wheels and tires (Victor Equipment and Hankook Evo's). The steering felt really loose so I had the alignment and camber adjusted at Autowercks in Woodbrige Canada. It tightened up the steering making it more stable but it still wanders at speeds over 60 mph and is a bit scary after 140 mph. The car has a floating feeling as well especially in a turn at high speed if the road has some undulations. This is my first Porsche and I love the car but this problem is really bothering me. Any suggestions?

Kim

I have the same issue with my 2005 C2S! Have been trying to solve the issue for a year now with no result. Had it checked out by the dealer and all steering components were said to be ok, even had the manager there take it for a test drive, he hit 200 km/h on a slight bend, he said it was ok. Also took it to a porsche independent specialist and he did a check up on the steering components and said everything was good. However I get that same nervous wandering / floating feeling at high speeds. I'm starting to get the feeling that the 2005 steering set up or components are inferior to the 2007 - 2008 models cause my friends who have those models don't have this problem at all. Tried wheel alignment, the steering got tighter but like you said I still have the floating feeling at high speeds.... Hopefully some one out there knows what the culprit is or you find out what it is and can send me the fix, until then you're going to have to do what I do, grab the steering wheel with all your might and let her rip :) (some praying is involved)...

[wookimdc]

Thanks for your post AIB,

I am so glad to hear that it is not just my imagination. I was told by the shop that everything was tight and normal. I am not happy with the way the car is and I will take it back to the shop and have it checked again. I do not believe the alignment is the issue. If I cannot find a solution, I will try coilovers to see if this fixes the problem. If you find a solution, please let me know and if I find one, I will surely let you know.

Kim

[AIB]

Thanks for your post AIB,

I am so glad to hear that it is not just my imagination. I was told by the shop that everything was tight and normal. I am not happy with the way the car is and I will take it back to the shop and have it checked again. I do not believe the alignment is the issue. If I cannot find a solution, I will try coilovers to see if this fixes the problem. If you find a solution, please let me know and if I find one, I will surely let you know.

Kim

If I find a solution I will definitely write up a huge post with details, this problem has been hunting me for a year and a half now, gets very frustrating when I go on Porsche trips and everyone is hitting high speeds and is comfortable while I'm a nervous wreck... Anyways, I will definitely be upgrading to the new generation 911 ... this time might opt for a 4S... so I guess one more year of having to live with the floating feeling :)

[oskibear]

Funny... before I bought my 997 4S from a friend, I had borrowed it driven it a few times whenever I was visting him... I mentioned to him that he should have it checke out as I thought the front-end floated around a bit... He mentioned it to his wife, who has only ever owned/driven porsches, and her response was: "how many porsches have you driven"... the implication was that they did that all did this...

Now that I own it, I have become acclimated to the light front-end... It feels less solid than my front-engine BMW, but must admit that it still seems to perform accurate, even though it feels like it is floating... so perhaps it is just the nature of rear-engine high performance cars...

Perhaps a bit of weight in the boot (not an elegant solution) or it needs more down-force... a nice aftermarket nose that generates more downward force on the front-end might do it...

[wookimdc]

Thanks for the advice Oskibear,

An aftermarket nose makes sense but I might try to play with the front shocks first. Changing to a heavy duty shock up front may help to keep it in better control. I will take it back to the shop later in the week and see what their recommendation is and I will post it afterwards.

Kim

[dphatch]

Funny... before I bought my 997 4S from a friend, I had borrowed it driven it a few times whenever I was visting him... I mentioned to him that he should have it checke out as I thought the front-end floated around a bit... He mentioned it to his wife, who has only ever owned/driven porsches, and her response was: "how many porsches have you driven"... the implication was that they did that all did this...

Now that I own it, I have become acclimated to the light front-end... It feels less solid than my front-engine BMW, but must admit that it still seems to perform accurate, even though it feels like it is floating... so perhaps it is just the nature of rear-engine high performance cars...

Perhaps a bit of weight in the boot (not an elegant solution) or it needs more down-force... a nice aftermarket nose that generates more downward force on the front-end might do it...

My C4S feels rock solid at speed. Though I can't comment on speeds above 140 mph as did the OP I can certainly confirm that up to 110 MPH my car is rock solid. The car is bone stock and running PS2's. I do make sure that my cold tire pressures in the front are identical and I mean as identical as I can get them with an accurate gauge. These cars are sensitive to variances in tires pressure and it pays to check them often.

[355bhp]

My C4S feels rock solid at speed. Though I can't comment on speeds above 140 mph as did the OP I can certainly confirm that up to 110 MPH my car is rock solid. The car is bone stock and running PS2's. I do make sure that my cold tire pressures in the front are identical and I mean as identical as I can get them with an accurate gauge. These cars are sensitive to variances in tires pressure and it pays to check them often.

I'm with dphatch on this one: rock steady up to 110 mph too. And it gets there effortlessly. I'm on my second set of PS2's and a recent 4-wheel alignment. Good advice re tire pressures.

[AIB]

Funny... before I bought my 997 4S from a friend, I had borrowed it driven it a few times whenever I was visting him... I mentioned to him that he should have it checke out as I thought the front-end floated around a bit... He mentioned it to his wife, who has only ever owned/driven porsches, and her response was: "how many porsches have you driven"... the implication was that they did that all did this...

Now that I own it, I have become acclimated to the light front-end... It feels less solid than my front-engine BMW, but must admit that it still seems to perform accurate, even though it feels like it is floating... so perhaps it is just the nature of rear-engine high performance cars...

Perhaps a bit of weight in the boot (not an elegant solution) or it needs more down-force... a nice aftermarket nose that generates more downward force on the front-end might do it...

My C4S feels rock solid at speed. Though I can't comment on speeds above 140 mph as did the OP I can certainly confirm that up to 110 MPH my car is rock solid. The car is bone stock and running PS2's. I do make sure that my cold tire pressures in the front are identical and I mean as identical as I can get them with an accurate gauge. These cars are sensitive to variances in tires pressure and it pays to check them often.

Exactly!!! That's how porsche's should be... Even C2S models are quite solid at high speeds...The excessive floating wandering feeling some of us are getting is not right, maybe its the older models who have this issue while the newer models have been upgraded to solve it, I don't know but I'm assuming... By the way when the car is still cold (first ten minutes of driving) I feel clunking on bumps under my left foot, had the dealership check it out but they couldn't find anything wrong.... You are 100 % right about tire pressure, I also make sure my tire pressures are identical and just right.... Anyways enjoy your 4S to the max, recommend the softronic ecu flash for a more aggressive sporty ride.... My bro (Targa 4S) and I (C2S) got it and are loving the change...

[wookimdc]

Thank you all for your input. I am still trying to resolve the issue with the shop and will let you know if I can find a solution. Now that I have driven the car for several months, it maybe because I have never drove a rear engine car before and the feeling of floating at high speed may be the result. I also notice that the steering feeling is very light at high speed, more so than other performance cars. At high speed, especially in a turn with undulations, the steering feels too light and I find myself grabbing the wheel very tightly as not to move it inadvertently.

Even with this issue, the car is a joy to drive. It is so quick that I cannot even imagine driving a turbo. As you all already know, there are few cars on the road that can keep up.

Cheers.

[wookimdc]

Hi guys,

I have improved the problem with a low teck solution. I got a steering wheel cover from Canadian Tire for $15 bucks to make it more thicker and it helps a lot. The original steering wheel is too thin for me. The wheel being thicker makes me feel more confident and there is less play. I am now searching for more of an elegant way to thicken the wheel using alcantara cloth. Will let you know if I can find a cost effective solution.

[nosturbo]

I think it's the Hankook Tires. I am having the same problem after I replaced the tires. Please check out my other post.

[PAULSPEED]

I added a bigger rear sway bar with some big size drop links.

Very easy fix and does not cost to much.

Paul

[halsyknox]

I'm going to say its the tires as well. Mine was rock solid before I put on new tires and after the steering seemed really light and the car a little twitchy. I also had the alignment person split the difference between porsche specs and flat for camber on the rear because I didn't like the inside wearing so much faster. I still have few miles on the new tires so I'll wait a little longer before I make any adjustments. I can tell you one thing, the ride sure is a lot smoother and quieter with new tires. BTW I also put on all season Conti DWS.

[tunetec]

Hi , I am little late jumping on this thread but have the exact same problem with my 2005 C2S. Very light and twitchy on the front, any bump or groove in the road will try and pull it from side to side. Speeds over 100mph start to become quite twichy and i will be holding on to the wheel pretty firm.

After reading the other threads I am starting to think the tyres may be contributig to this as the car seemed fine before having the wheels refurbished. I had all four wheels refurbished not long back, had brand new rear tyres fitted but put the fronts back on as not worn as such. Like a fool i never marked which tyre was N/S or O/s and although the Pirellis aren't directional tread pattern i'm thinking i may have the tyres on the wrong sides. This shouldn't really make any difference as both wheels were balanced properly and directions are correct. The only thing i am thinking is if they were the wrong sides and the tyre wear was fractionally out then the wheels could be toeing in more than before. I guess i need to swap the tyres back over but now living in Melbourne australia and not been able to drive much over 80kmh not had the need. Think i will see what happens when i put new tyres on the front again.

Also have the same knocking/bumping sound coming from front suspension/tyres from cold. I am too thinking this could be the Pirelli P Zeros compound as had exactly the same feeling from a Ferrari 360 i had, all front ball joints were fine but still felt hard on the front.

[PAULSPEED]

High speed driving above 150 mph is dangerous. I have

been up to 155 mph and the front end was light and

there were small gusts of wind.

I think a 50 lb bag of concrete in the front trunk would help alot.

Paul

[tunetec]

High speed driving above 150 mph is dangerous. I have

been up to 155 mph and the front end was light and

there were small gusts of wind.

I think a 50 lb bag of concrete in the front trunk would help alot.

Paul

That is funny, one of the old school mechanics I know who is over 70 years of age used to put paving slabs in their older 911's in the day to stop this.