So, I picked up my new car today, a 2012 obsidian ISF with 53,000. I'm driving it back from Texas to Georgia in the morning but after driving it for the first 100 miles I notice a pull to the left under hard acceleration and to the right when I let off. I've never driven an F before and I'm coming out of an IS350. I haven't had a chance to check tire pressures yet but I notice the right rear tire is a Dunlop and all other 3 are Bridgestones. Could this be the cause?

Thanks in advance and I'll post pics of the new ride over the weekend.

 

Lots of factors here: tire pressure not the same, bad alignment, bad tires. Also maybe one tire has more tread than the other. Start with tire pressure and inspect the tires. Take the wheels off to get a better view of inside tread

 

I had the same issue after replacing my tires. Turned out to be radial pull...I had a bad tire. One easy way to check is swap your rear wheels and check if the pull changes direction. If it does not, return wheels to their correct side and swap the front. If the pull does not change you can eliminate the tires as your issue.

Here is what happened to me. https://www.clublexus.com/forums/is-...dial-pull.html

Edit: just read about your one Dunlop - that is the most likely cause. Swap sides and see if the pull changes direction.

 

Thanks for the replies. About to hit the road, 800 miles until I'm home!

 

When you get home, replace all the tires with Michelin Pilot Super Sports, and get an alignment.

 

Mixed brands on the same axle? Very bad idea. I would never even try that.

 

Like others have said, it could be either the tire pressure, wheel alignment or different tread depth/wear (especially since one of them is a different brand).

 

Ok, so I made it home after 13 hours on the road, plenty of time to bond with my new ride!

Since I had already filled up with gas, the next opportunity to check the tire pressures was after about 280 miles @ 26.7 mpg, not bad at all!

I babied the car a little as I wasn't confident with the way the car would almost lurch to the left and then back to the right after acceleration. Checked all 4 pressures, right rear was 34.5 (Dunlop), left rear was 33, left front was 34 and right front 33.5 (Bridgestones).

I corrected to the manufacturers recommended 36.0 PSI all round and then hit the road again. The car felt a little better but still a noticeable pull under acceleration.

It took me about 600 miles to start feeling comfortable with the characteristics of the car, especially as it's a whole different animal to the 350 and also difficult when you're driving in a relatively straight line. I stopped for gas 3 more times, each time giving a little more gas on the on ramp. Total distance from Houston was 902.1 miles!

I have the car booked in on Monday for new tires and a 4 wheel alignment, hopefully it'll fix the issue!

Thanks for all the tips and suggestions and I'm looking forward to being part of the F community

P.S. I'll post pics later after I give the girl a good bath

 

Bring it to the meet in Atlanta next Saturday!

 

I looked at my calendar last week and I'm working unfortunately!

I'd love to go and meet all you guys, hopefully next time!

 

UPDATE:

I had the rear tires replaced yesterday, went with stock size Continental DWS06 as I have used them for the past 4 years (DWS) and been impressed with the ride and handling in all conditions.

The car felt better but had a slight wander in the rear. I stopped at a gas station about 5 miles up the road and checked the tire pressures. LR43, RR45 & both fronts 37.5! Put everything back to 36 psi and it felt great!

So glad it cured the problem!

Thanks for all the replies and advice!!

 

Better recheck those pressures when the tires are cold - after sitting overnight if possible. 36 psi warm does not equate to 36 psi cold, and the OEM spec is for cold tires. I only run under spec pressure at the track. 32 psi cold gives me 44 psi hot which is exactly what I am looking for to get even tire wear and consistent handling.

 

Thank you for the advice