Whenever it hits a bumpy road surface it seems to swerve unsteadily and I have to pull the steering wheel to stop it veering to the right or left. Also when I pull away quickly at a roundabout, the car sometimes skids to the right and left, and if I hit surface water it also skids uncontrollably. Is it wheel alignment or balance or something else, please help?
2007-07-01 21:42:44 · 13 answers · asked by stripcheese 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Its a Nissan Almera 03 - so not exactly high performance! Also, was serviced in March with new brake pads put in, but I've never had anything else done to it.
2007-07-01 22:08:39 · update #1
Check your tyres for uneven wear, you should check the insides as well as the outsides as they can wear unevenly. You must get it checked by a garage anyway if this is happening, it's very dangerous.
2007-07-01 21:49:44 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It could be several things. If your tyres are unbalanced or bald and worn, it will effect handling. So will worn shock absorbers, or ball joints, or suspension. So first thing to do is get the car checked out. Have a mechanic go over it, after having explained the problem. If it comes back OK, then have a look at the other possibility, that it might not be a mechanical issue at all. It might be the way you drive.
If you are asking more of the car than the suspension and tyres can handle, you will swerve, skid and aquaplane. If you take off at speed while cornering (at the roundabout), it will dip to one side. And if you hit any water at speed the car will aquaplane (slide on top of the water). And on a bumpy road the trick is to travel slow enough to stay in control. So you have to learn to adjust your driving to the conditions as well. Even the best of cars, needs a driver who can read the conditions and make compensations for them.
Stay safe on the road, for your sake and for the rest of us.
2007-07-02 04:58:24 · answer #2 · answered by Barb Outhere 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First of most front wheel drive cars pull to the left or right during hard pull aways, this is called torque steer and is normal.
The other issues sound like a problem with worn suspension linkages. Over time the ball joints, steering tie bars and anti roll bar bushes become worn and need replacing. All the parts are very cheap and easy to replace.
Take the car down to quick fit and get a price for doing the job.
2007-07-02 07:27:27 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The way you describe both are involved. The best thing to do is have a service station offering wheel alignment and wheel balancing have a look. It is too dangerous to use the vehicle as described. It is an accident waiting to happen.
2007-07-02 04:49:05 · answer #4 · answered by rudykint 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Is your front suspension in good condition for you appear to be experiencing problems where there are uneven road conditions. I suspect you are using heavy acceleration and without ESP and utilising front wheel drive occasional difficulties can arise. I would have your car checked.
2007-07-02 04:54:58 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yes, check your wheel alignment and check your tyre pressure. Make sure both are right then you may well find that the swerving stops. xx
2007-07-02 04:50:16 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
I don't know, but get your car to a mechanic! That sounds really dangerous not just for you but for everyone else on the roads.
2007-07-02 04:47:12 · answer #7 · answered by House 3 · 4⤊ 0⤋
sounds like shock absorber's have gone and your coil springs are taking all the load and by now your tracking will be way out , get it checked quick, and you will need new tyres too as the side walls will be shot
2007-07-02 04:56:02 · answer #8 · answered by ufo18 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
dont know what kind of car this is, or how many miles it has, but it sounds like the struts may need to be replaced. i would check that first. tire pressure also.
2007-07-02 04:57:32 · answer #9 · answered by keith_19798@yahoo.com 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Check your tyre pressures. If you are getting any vibrations, get the wheels balanced. Check your tyre wear.
2007-07-02 04:46:19 · answer #10 · answered by Sal*UK 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋