I just got an alignment done and roadforce balance about a week ago at the dealer. The car (02 GS430) rides smooth now and tracks pretty straight. But, i notice, which i really didn't notice before the alignment and balance, that when going over any type of bumps, my steering wheel feels loose and disconnected from the road. I got the Daizen steering rack bushings put on about 2 weeks ago and firmed up my steering a bit during regular driving. But this looseness when going over any bumps is getting on my nerves. Anyone have any suggestions as to what this could be?

Thanks

 

Check if your power steering fluid is good. Use the search for DIYs on this

 

This could mean your shocks are shot. When shocks go out, they no longer keep the tires on the road (which is the sole job of shocks.) So when your tires start jumping off the road, you have no more control.

Now I dont know to what degree your losing control, but I'd test the shocks and see.

Personally, I have the same issue to a small extent, and I'm wondering if its my shocks, or I have another issue (I have some noise issues as well over slight bumps) but i haven't met any GS owners in the area so we can diagnose these issues by switching cars, and testing. Some issues make you unaware if its a particular problem with yoru car, or an isssue related to outside forces.

 

I had a similar problem with my last ES. it turn out to be the top cap part of the shock. i did'nt bother with it to much and it effected my control arms causeing more bumps and swirveing.

 

I know what you mean. Although different cars, my wife's Infiniti I30 shocks were bad. She never told me anything about but it was until I drove the car one day. I didn't like the loose feeling driving over small and medium sized bumps. It had a lot play and was loose when I pushed up and down on the hood of the car. It rocked up and down for awhile until finally stopping.