Shaking, vibration, and shitty steering feel :(

[kronus]

2 weeks ago we installed new front control arms on the eta. At the same time, put on Powerflex offset CABs (the old 1-piece design) and IE3 springs on the back. Front has remained on Eibach Pro-kit because I haven't had time to swap it over. These changes have caused (or accentuated) these effects:

Shaking and vibration - especially strong when turning at speed. It could have been the road surface (shitty LA roads, woo), but still seems weird compared to what it was before.

Vague steering feel - it almost feels like my steering column has been switched with a limp noodle. The wheel does not spring back to center anymore and turn-in is guessy and unstable.


Ideas? I know the mismatched springs are probably having an effect, but the steering is confusing. Would new tie rods help out? Do I need to realign toe after going to offset CABs?

[Quadrajet]

Were your old CAB's offset as well. If not it's probably played hell with your caster. And perhaps the new CA's weren't the exact same length, so the toe may be off some as well.

I just replaced my CAB's, original stock offset for E36 stocks. I thought it felt pretty good. But after a resetting of the alignment it feels really nice. In spite of the fact my caster is still of a little. But then I didn't have the car "loaded" properly either.

I just had a thought can the rack "wiggle" back and forth? I haven't messed with one yet.

[kronus]

Were your old CAB's offset as well. If not it's probably played hell with your caster. And perhaps the new CA's weren't the exact same length, so the toe may be off some as well.

I just had a thought can the rack "wiggle" back and forth? I haven't messed with one yet.

I had stock CABs previously... this confirms my suspicion that it needs to get aligned.

The rack can wiggle... I don't think mine does. It responds to small motions of the steering wheel, but just seems to take a long time to actually start moving.

[T Verdier]

Your shits fucked!
All I know is suspension componants should always be done in pairs.
As for the steering well I hate e30 steering racks with a pation, it's the worst part of the car hands down. I would just get a e36 rack and be done with that limp noodel steering that comes stock on the e30

[Farbin Kaiber]

whack alignment.

[T Verdier]

I had stock CABs previously... this confirms my suspicion that it needs to get aligned.

The rack can wiggle... I don't think mine does. It responds to small motions of the steering wheel, but just seems to take a long time to actually start moving.

You get an alignment for sure. If you got offset cabs then you have fucked up toe.

[kronus]

Ok, got the springs put on at a shop because I ran out of time and patience. At least it was (hopefully) done properly, and I got the alignment it sorely needed.

Haven't driven it yet, but the tech says that I have -1.5 degree of camber on the left front, and -2 on the right front... which is causing a drift. I don't have camber plates, and a Sparco strut bar has been spanning the towers for a long time. What could be causing the uneven camber?


Also found out that all four wheels are out of round. FTL.

[Quadrajet]

What comes to mind first, and I could be wrong, is perhaps the control arms are a little short on span.
Or the spindles on the struts are tweaked. But what would tweak them the wrong way?
Gonna mull this over some more.

[MR 325]

Should have done the tie rods before doing that alignment. Would have completed the newness of the front end!

[kronus]

Should have done the tie rods before doing that alignment. Would have completed the newness of the front end!

Yeah, I know. They were in good shape, though. Certainly newer than the control arms.

I've driven it a bunch and it feels considerably better. That makes my suspension hopefully sorted for now. Next is fixing cosmetic issues, then motor time! :D