Front end instability question
 

I don't normally get much over 80mph but had a wonderful high speed lead on the interstate a few days ago and had somewhere to be so I took advantage of it. As the car got over 90 it felt kind of unsure of itself. At first I figured it was the pavement, then I figured it was the new(ish) tires but over a variety of pavement types it continued. I've pretty much ruled out the tires because on some brand new pavement a little while later it was fine so this leads me to think the struts are worn out. The car has ~115k now so it doesn't surprise me much. Whaddaya think, am I in need of some suspension replacement or is it the tires? General G Max AS05 at 35psi.

instability?
Jumping up and down?
Moving right and left?
Shaking?

More like just vague and doesn't instill much confidence. There was a little bit of lateral movement but that could have been the pavement.

Vague, Like the description of your problem?

Yeah pretty much :( I was just hoping for some insight not definitive answers. Ok, here's a more pointed question. How long is reasonable to expect the stock front struts to last?

Well... that's a pickle. Sounds like it's time to find a jerry can and an empt lot. Time to send her off in a Viking funeral.

But.... if you don't want my logical advice, fine. Here's the "real" stuff:
Might me time for a suspension refresh. I would start with ball joints, tie rod and bushings if need be struts.

Shocks can be expected to need replacement at 80k, so that's probably it right there. That said, you're creeping close to 120k so control arms and tie rods are a good idea while you're down there.

I have the same tires, I drive 80-90mph on the interstate all the time and don't have an issue with any kind of instability. You should replace your struts and have your alignment checked.

What's the alignment, sounds like some toe in would help.

Did the car get unsure of itself …. or, did you get unsure of yourself ..??

Chew on that fer ah spell.

I have found that the older I get, the less stable, at high speeds, my cars get - :iono:

Yep, like said, if it makes you feel better, have your car's suspension updated … or, just don't drive that fast - ;)


humfrz

I'm with strat. Stock package comes together above 90 through 110-ish. Check alignment.

I had the alignment done when I got the tires ~2 months ago but it's entirely possible that with all of the super high quality pavement here in the northeast that I knocked it out again. I guess I'll have it checked again, it's cheaper than suspension components.

A good alignment guy should be able to tell if you need replacement parts.

I didn't suggest you get another alignment, I asked what the alignment was. It's unlikely the alignment slipped in two months of street driving, but sloppy alignments can show green on the machine but be crap at 90 mph. It could slip, don't get me wrong, but if you've got zero toe in the rear and a 1/16 out in the front that will want to go wherever the road and wind want it to go.