Car wobbles and slides side to side over manhole covers & different road surfaces

kfull · 06-26-2018, 06:55 PM

So whenever I drive over manhole covers, specifically ones that sit slightly lower than the street, when my rear tires ride over them, the entire car slides left and right very noticeably. This also happens when going over potholes, or different road surfaces. It was even more pronounced recently when it was raining out. I had alignment done a few months ago and they did mention that the right rear adjuster was maxed out, not sure if this could contribute to it. It almost feels like the car is trying to fishtail when I go over these manholes or dips in the road. Bumps in the road don't seem to cause this, only dips or manholes. Is this simply an alignment problem or could it be a major repair job? I'm bringing the car into the shop on Saturday to get it checked out.

wanker · 06-26-2018, 07:05 PM

Could be a million things.

First I'd check my rear tire treads and air pressure. You might be surprised how quickly the rear tires wear on a Z.

Then you need to clarify if you've modified your suspension with lowering springs or changes to your wheels and tires. Any of these modifications can affect your alignment.

Ian B · 06-26-2018, 07:08 PM

Try going around those manholes whenever you can, I do.

Ian B

flyfish · 06-26-2018, 10:03 PM

Any suspension mods?
What were your alignment specs?
Always happened, or getting worse?

SouthArk370Z · 06-26-2018, 10:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kfull

... I had alignment done a few months ago and they did mention that the right rear adjuster was maxed out, ...

I'd start by trying to figure out why they had to max out that adjuster. My guess is that something is worn/broken or the shop doesn't know what they are doing.

Mauricioz34 · 02-24-2023, 11:24 PM

Did you ever end up finding out the fix having this issue atm

06-26-2018, 06:55 PM	#1 (permalink)
kfull Track Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 909 Drives: A lot Rep Power: 14	Car wobbles and slides side to side over manhole covers & different road surfaces So whenever I drive over manhole covers, specifically ones that sit slightly lower than the street, when my rear tires ride over them, the entire car slides left and right very noticeably. This also happens when going over potholes, or different road surfaces. It was even more pronounced recently when it was raining out. I had alignment done a few months ago and they did mention that the right rear adjuster was maxed out, not sure if this could contribute to it. It almost feels like the car is trying to fishtail when I go over these manholes or dips in the road. Bumps in the road don't seem to cause this, only dips or manholes. Is this simply an alignment problem or could it be a major repair job? I'm bringing the car into the shop on Saturday to get it checked out. __________________ 2012 GM 6MT sports package \| FI non res cf exhaust \| K&N Drop Ins \| Viper 3303 security system w/ tilt sensor \| GTR start button \| 35% rear 45% side window tint \| Michelin PSS

06-26-2018, 10:03 PM	#4 (permalink)
flyfish Base Member Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Morrison CO Posts: 64 Drives: '16 Sport 6m Rep Power: 12	Any suspension mods? What were your alignment specs? Always happened, or getting worse? __________________ 2016 Sport 6sp Deep Blue Pearl \|\| AAM intake \|\| FI TDX non-res CF + HF-Cats \|\| TEIN MonoSport w/EFDC-II \|\| Hotchkis sways \|\| Z1 34 row oil + ps cooler + diff cover + oil pan spacer \|\| TWM Short Shifter \|\| SPL everything \|\| MA-MS diff cooler \|\| Stillen brake duct \|\| ++

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06-26-2018, 07:05 PM	#2 (permalink)
wanker Enthusiast Member Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: San Diego Posts: 443 Drives: 2011 370Z S/T A7 Rep Power: 2901	Could be a million things. First I'd check my rear tire treads and air pressure. You might be surprised how quickly the rear tires wear on a Z. Then you need to clarify if you've modified your suspension with lowering springs or changes to your wheels and tires. Any of these modifications can affect your alignment.

06-26-2018, 07:08 PM	#3 (permalink)
Ian B Track Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Cedar Park Posts: 679 Drives: 2010 Nissan Rep Power: 137465	Try going around those manholes whenever you can, I do. Ian B

02-24-2023, 11:24 PM	#6 (permalink)
Mauricioz34 Base Member Join Date: Jun 2021 Location: Colorado Posts: 1 Drives: 16 Nissan 370z WT M6 Rep Power: 4	Did you ever end up finding out the fix having this issue atm