Incredibly twitchy and sensitive at higher speeds.

[lolcantturn]

I finally got my E30 going at highway speeds for its first time in a while. I have no power steering. I noticed my steering wheel is incredibly twitchy and sensitive going about 65mph+. It's kinda scary. Any way to fix this?

[nrubenstein]

First place to start is with your alignment. A couple tape measures, flate plates, and a buddy will get you a toe measurement.

Here's a commercial product with instructions that is pretty self explanatory:

http://www.longacreracing.com/catalog/item.asp?id=152&catid=5

No need to buy it (although it is nice to have).

[lolcantturn]

I am 100% sure I need an allignment but i didn't know it would be correlated to this problem. Would it be worth the hassle doing an allignment myself, or should I have some place do it for me?

[Philo]

An alignment is definitely the source of your problem. If the toe is improperly set, the "twitchy" feeling you described can happen. If you're not comfortable aligning it yourself, and/or have the money to blow, take it to a shop.

Any alignment place should be able to do it. All they need to, and can, adjust is the front toe. Don't let them tell you otherwise, and don't get overcharged.

[lolcantturn]

Thanks man, will do!

[a3ternus]

Too much toe out in the front I guess...
N.

[jlevie]

First place to start is with your alignment. A couple tape measures, flate plates, and a buddy will get you a toe measurement.

And alignment is actually the second thing to do. The first would be a full inspection of the suspension and replacement of worn parts.

[lolcantturn]

Thanks guys!

[e46s54dr]

Also, if your car is lowered and you are running lower profile tires, you might be expiriencing a "tramlining" effect. It's when your tires grab on to the random grooves or cuts of the road. Especially if you're in the fast lane of the freeway where the fast lane and emergency lane meet. (at least here in socal anyways)