Do front strut suspension cars get buffeted more in cross winds?
#1
Do front strut suspension cars get buffeted more in cross winds?
My older little Dodge is - well, last night driving home, it was like I was encountering wind sheer, - and one minute some gust would take me toward the shoulder, and the next minute the wind would either stop or reverse direction and I'd have to fight from heading toward oncoming traffic, while going down the highway at 59 mph! I felt I had to hang onto the wheel with 2 hands, for dear life, and was getting unnerved by this.
My front end is very 'tight'. No slop or play in the wheel. No weird sounds. Rides smooth. Wears tires out evenly! Yet, I get this buffeting from pulsing side winds. Like I can never recall having in my other rear wheel drive, regular front end vehicles. (Never had strut suspension before)
These tower struts are not anchored at the bottom by the wheel, and only the BOTTOM pivot joint is really 'fixed'. It is as if that entire tower can laterally sway (in theory).
Am I right on this?, or do I have some problem even though the front end feels as 'tight' (no play in the steering wheel - do not have to 'saw the wheel' while driving) as a new car?
......
Oh. And the bolts at the top of the towers are not loose. And like I said the front end does not make any noises.
My front end is very 'tight'. No slop or play in the wheel. No weird sounds. Rides smooth. Wears tires out evenly! Yet, I get this buffeting from pulsing side winds. Like I can never recall having in my other rear wheel drive, regular front end vehicles. (Never had strut suspension before)
These tower struts are not anchored at the bottom by the wheel, and only the BOTTOM pivot joint is really 'fixed'. It is as if that entire tower can laterally sway (in theory).
Am I right on this?, or do I have some problem even though the front end feels as 'tight' (no play in the steering wheel - do not have to 'saw the wheel' while driving) as a new car?
......
Oh. And the bolts at the top of the towers are not loose. And like I said the front end does not make any noises.
#2
Hey Ecman,
I've heard or read that cars with sway bars have a tendency to be more sensitive to wind gusts. They handle better on curves and sweeping turns, but in straight line driving you feel the wind more. Really can't say myself.
I went from 67 GTO's, 71 Gran Prix and 72 Jimmy straight to an 81 Accord (wow, big improvement..lol) and then new "modern" cars.
I've heard or read that cars with sway bars have a tendency to be more sensitive to wind gusts. They handle better on curves and sweeping turns, but in straight line driving you feel the wind more. Really can't say myself.
I went from 67 GTO's, 71 Gran Prix and 72 Jimmy straight to an 81 Accord (wow, big improvement..lol) and then new "modern" cars.
#3
Gun,
I like your first 2 car choices.
Now that you mention a sway bar, maybe THAT is what I should be looking at, and checking any mushy/loose bushings.
.....................
If anyone else who frequents this forum has comments on how THEIR car behaves in buffeting cross winds, I'd appreciate it. I have not owned as many vehicles that have the set up mine has, or owned them long enough, nor gave it the thought that I now am.
I like your first 2 car choices.
Now that you mention a sway bar, maybe THAT is what I should be looking at, and checking any mushy/loose bushings.
.....................
If anyone else who frequents this forum has comments on how THEIR car behaves in buffeting cross winds, I'd appreciate it. I have not owned as many vehicles that have the set up mine has, or owned them long enough, nor gave it the thought that I now am.
#4
i had best car ever owned - 86 lebaron gts - and it was fantastic, except for that rear end.
buffeting wise, i never had any trouble with any strutted cars except one: 04 CRV. it'll do things! but then again, it had that speed proportional steering, so don't totally blaim it on large side profile only. i did not like that steering a bit, it had mind of its own at very high speeds, that it did.
speaking of which - you do have rack and pinion, right? because if you have idler and pitman, then that's your culprits right there. did i have grief with them and my silverado snaking all over the freeway!
#5
I've never even thought about the difference........
My vehicle isn't affected much by wind because of it's low stature and tires, but I can feel it slightly hitting the windows.
If I'm in my wifes SUV on the other hand, the wind can almost blow me across the interstate
I think it all depends on the weight and size of the vehicle. Bigger vehicle= more surface for the wind to catch.
It's not uncommon for us here in Tornado Alley to have strong gusts......
My vehicle isn't affected much by wind because of it's low stature and tires, but I can feel it slightly hitting the windows.
If I'm in my wifes SUV on the other hand, the wind can almost blow me across the interstate
I think it all depends on the weight and size of the vehicle. Bigger vehicle= more surface for the wind to catch.
It's not uncommon for us here in Tornado Alley to have strong gusts......
#6
You would have the other day, if you were in mine. I was like "What the h____!", while hanging on for dear life. And my car rides low to the ground. I have 600 pounds of work stuff in it.