VX "tracking" when I hit a bump...?

[Breezy]

So when I hit a bump or anything, my vx shoots sideways. It like tracks itself towards w/e imperfection in the road I hit. Sometimes pretty aggressively. Any ideas on what may cause this?

[Ebenezr]

Replace all your balljoints, tie rods and tighten the adjuster screw on your steering gear and you will have a front end that rides like brand new. Promise.

[Ldub]

Also, check here for more ideas...

[Ebenezr]

Also, check here for more ideas...

Good write up Larry. I just read your modifications in your profile and goodness gracious you must have an 20K into your VX.!!

[Ldub]

Good write up Larry. I just read your modifications in your profile and goodness gracious you must have an 20K into your VX.!!

LOL...I've never dared to add it all up...

[samneil2000]

Also, I don't remember what you have for tires, but if you have aggresive tires they really like to follow ruts etc in the road.

[Breezy]

nothing aggressive at all here. actually very far from it. rims and tires will come in the winter =] but for now...I need to make 'er drive true

[Y33TREKker]

Tires and tire pressures was going to be my suggestion too. Is this tracking issue something that just started happening overnight on the same roads, or has it been a gradual change?

And along with tire pressures, a set of tires whose tread is getting lower and lower will sometimes have the same effect as they eventually become more like a set of slicks, which will tend to "track" like you're describing too.

If it's not the tires though, I'd agree that adjusting/tightening the steering box would be one of the first things to try.

[subject47]

At first glance it looks like you are talking about the back jumping out on bumps.

I know my rear axle will hop while going over large bumps that cross the road while I am under speed. I know I have a bad OEM shock back there that may be lending a helping hand in my issues.

[Ebenezr]

When i bought my VX a year ago it had the same problem. I replaced the ball joints and tie rod ends with a cheap kit from ebay. What difference. And if you are good with the wrench it is not too hard to do yourself. Marlin mentions whacking the joints with a sledge to seperate them. He is right. You don't need to rent a ball joint seperater. It is also a great chance to replace the tie rods with the tough Indy 4x4 ones.

[stangri]

When i bought my VX a year ago it had the same problem. I replaced the ball joints and tie rod ends with a cheap kit from ebay. What difference. And if you are good with the wrench it is not too hard to do yourself. Marlin mentions whacking the joints with a sledge to seperate them. He is right. You don't need to rent a ball joint seperater. It is also a great chance to replace the tie rods with the tough Indy 4x4 ones.

Could you please post a link to the kit you've used as well as the tie rods? Also, did you need to get the new rubber boots (and where from)? How labor-intensive is this task on VX (in terms of how much a mechanic would ask for the job)? Is it possible to do without removing caliper/rotor?

Thanks!

[nfpgasmask]

I refer to this as "crabbing". My VX did this A LOT before I lifted with OME 912s. Since then, the crabbing effect has been minimized. I suspect this is a feature of both our short wheel base frames and coil springs in the rear, as I have never experienced this kind of behavior in any other vehicle. On dirt roads that are badly washboarded I have this problem the most, travelling at 20-30 mph causes the VX to shimmy back and forth over the washboard.

I just did my center link, ball joints and tie-rods up front and I definitely notice a difference up front, but I am not sure how the front end would effect the bouncing and crabbing in the rear.

Bart

[Triathlete]

On dirt roads that are badly washboarded I have this problem the most, travelling at 20-30 mph causes the VX to shimmy back and forth over the washboard.
Bart

Lower air pressure (<15psi) in tires helps tame this tremendously.

[VXR]

I refer to this as "crabbing"

That's funny I think I will start calling it that

[stangri]

Anyone, anyone?

How labor-intensive is this task (replacing ball joints) on VX (in terms of how much a mechanic would ask for the job)? Is it possible to do without removing caliper/rotor?

The shop I'd trust to do that is pretty far away, I wouldn't want to drive there just to get an estimate.