Possible Steering Issue ?

[TJB_902]

The other day I had someone slam their brakes on in front of me to avoid hitting a cat, forcing me to do the same. The ABS engaged, but I still knew I wasn't going to be able to stop in time as it was raining, so to avoid rear ending him I was forced to try and quickly turn into a side street (thank god it was there). I managed to stop safely without hitting anything (as did he), but as I was jamming the brakes and trying to make the turn, the back end kicked out sending the car sideways a little bit, all the while the ABS still pulsing like crazy. Ever since the incident my steering feels as though it is "looser" than normal (requires more input and doesn't seem to stick to the road as well). I am wondering if jamming the brakes so hard that it threw the car sideways while taking the turn could have damaged something that would make my steering feel more loose the way it does? or maybe I am just imagining it because I'm paranoid about the car being hurt? lol

[chas3wba0]

Originally Posted by TJB_902

The other day I had someone slam their brakes on in front of me to avoid hitting a cat, forcing me to do the same. The ABS engaged, but I still knew I wasn't going to be able to stop in time as it was raining, so to avoid rear ending him I was forced to try and quickly turn into a side street (thank god it was there). I managed to stop safely without hitting anything (as did he), but as I was jamming the brakes and trying to make the turn, the back end kicked out sending the car sideways a little bit, all the while the ABS still pulsing like crazy. Ever since the incident my steering feels as though it is "looser" than normal (requires more input and doesn't seem to stick to the road as well). I am wondering if jamming the brakes so hard that it threw the car sideways while taking the turn could have damaged something that would make my steering feel more loose the way it does? or maybe I am just imagining it because I'm paranoid about the car being hurt? lol

Most likely just paranoia... modern cars are designed to perform emergency stops repeatedly without ill effect.

Is the steering wheel still pointing straight? Did any of your tires lock up?

[TJB_902]

Originally Posted by chas3wba0

Most likely just paranoia... modern cars are designed to perform emergency stops repeatedly without ill effect.

Is the steering wheel still pointing straight? Did any of your tires lock up?

yeah, steering wheel is still straight and alignment seems fine as well (doesn't pull when wheel is let go). Hard to say if the tires locked up or not, but I would assume they must have in order for it to throw the back end out?

[chas3wba0]

Originally Posted by TJB_902

yeah, steering wheel is still straight and alignment seems fine as well (doesn't pull when wheel is let go). Hard to say if the tires locked up or not, but I would assume they must have in order for it to throw the back end out?

I was more curious on whether your fronts locked up, which might have created some flat spots that cause the front to feel like it isn't "sticking" as well when steering, but it's unlikely, thanks to ABS.

I think you're fine. You say you didn't hit anything, which is the best-case scenario, so it's hard to say what might have affected your steering.

[continuecrushing]

you're probably over thinking it!

[Turdinator]

I also think you are probably worried about nothing. However playing devils advocate, perhaps the unusual and extreme loads from the pulsing brakes has torn or damaged a bush in the front end. It should be easy for someone who knew what they were looking at to spot if that was the case.