VX R8 Wanders on Freeway

[VladN]

Hi, I have a VX Series 1 Clubsport R8 which tends to wander when on the freeway at freeway speeds, around 110km/h. I have tried (when no one around) to go slightly faster, up to 130km/h, and the wander seems to get worse as speed increases. Conversely, the wander is less noticeable to non-existant as speed decreases, where at around, for example, 60km/h, it is pretty much unnoticeable.

Also, in windy conditions on the freeway, it gets much worse if there is a cross wind buffeting the car. It gets quite annoying and tiring to always need to slightly correct the steering when cruising along at 110km/h, as I often need to do constant 5 hour trips on the freeway.

I have put 4 brand new tyres on (original HSV specified Bridgestone SO3's 235/40/18), all balanced when fitted, and the car has the standard R8 18 x 8 inch rims. The cold tyre pressures are at 40 psi (tyre placard on the car recommends between 33 to 44 psi, depending on maximum 3 passengers up to full load). The car has the standard suspension as fitted by HSV, has done 51,000 km's, and all suspension parts etc have been checked by Pedders and pronounced ok.

Pedders also did a wheel alignment, I assume to standard specs as I gave no specs for them to follow. I have a printout of the wheel align specs, a scan of which is included. The car has never been in an accident or had any damage, and all services are up to date.

I am assuming that it must be a wheel alignment issue? Could anyone advise on what wheel alignment settings would alleviate this problem, or does it need something done, such as a rear camber kit installed?

It's starting to drive me nuts, and I am almost considering trading it in if I cannot solve this problem, as I otherwise am happy with the car.

Thanks in advance.

[Wojtek]

Hi,

I have a few questions first if I may...
Did you get your wheel alilgnment just checked or actually adjusted as well?
The print out does not show any "after adjustment" figures for the front axle.

Regards,
Wojtek.

[VladN]

Hi, yes, wheel align was actually done, this printout is the only one I have, in which Pedder's was highlighting the facts about the rear camber and toe, suggesting I may want to consider installing a rear adjustable bush kit to correct, or minimise, this. It may have been printed out before the wheel alignment was actually done.

The front toe was out by a fair amount before the wheel alignment was done, due to the tie-rod ends being replaced, just in case they were the cause of the problem.

[Wojtek]

Hi,
Thanks for your reply. Yes, toe-out would have definitely been the major cause to your wondering. For your car with standard suspension, we would suggest a toe setting of about 1.0mm toe-in per side. Toe-in encourages stability.
As your rear (and possibly toe) settings are not adjustable in standard form, based on your settings I would suggest that you fit a rear adjustment kit suitable for your car. revised settings of around negative 1.25 degree (-1deg15min) and about 1.0mm toe-in per side, should not only further stabilise your car but also greatly improve rear tyre wear, grip and handling.
We offer two read adjustment kits;
KCA330 - camber & toe kit, to suit cars without factory toe-control-link
KCA384 - camber kit, to suit cars with factory toe-control-link

But, based on your original comments about stability effected by cross winds, I would suggest that you reduce your tyre pressures to around 34 psi.

Hope this helps. Let us know.

Regards,
Wojtek.

[VladN]

I will be taking the car back to Pedders to fit the rear camber and toe kit (it has no factory toe control link), and will tell them to source the kit KCA330 from Whiteline.

They have previously sourced products from Whiteline for me, as per my last request, which was for the Whiteline front adjustable castor rods for my other car, a VL Turbo, for the improvement of steering, which I was very happy with the end result.

I will also follow your recommendations as to the wheel alignment settings by telling Pedders to set the alignment to your specs, and I shall lower the tyre pressures to 34psi.

Hopefully, all this will cure the problem, fingers crossed. Will let you know the results.

Many thanks for your prompt reply, and for your suggestions to correct the problem.

Cheers,
Vlad