badtone

i have a 2002 sc430 car is hard to keep centered while on freeway .not that it is pulling to either side but more like it floats i find myself constantly having to move the steering wheel back and forth to stay in my lane .feels kinda squirly changed inner and outer tierods seemed to help a little but not completely and now there is also a clunking noise when i accelerate away from a stop . any ideas ?

Seattle SCone

I would be most suspicious of bad lower control arm bushings and/or steering rack bushings. The LCA bushings you can see behind and inward from the front wheels. They should not be torn.

Check rack bushings by having someone move the steering wheel left right as you look at the rack. Rack should not move left right much as they turn the steering wheel. Engine does not need to be running but key in on position.

if you are able to jack up front end. Grab wheels front and back edge and see if there is any play in the tie rods.

All above assume you have already verified alignment and tire inflations

GmanSC

Hmm, my SC just made 70k miles and it’s still dead center and still hugging the road. Believe it or not, I am among very few members at the club who still have runflats. I don’t mind a little rough ride on the bad roads, fortunately, Southern California roads are fairly good especially in OC and San Diego. I will eventually get rid of the runflats and will acquire the Michelin AS4 and will also replace all shocks. That will be next.

Wilson2000

Keep us posted Gman! I'm considering changing the shocks in my 08 too, but not sure how good of an idea it is. I changed the shocks in my 85 MR2 in 1991, after almost losing control on curve while pushing it. However, the aftermarket replacement shocks didn't hold up well. After 4-5 decades of changing shocks and having great results in improved handling, I'm now gun-shy (or shock-shy)! So, you go first and report back your experience please.

BTW, you will love the AS4's over the runflats. Consider moving up from a 245/40/18 to a 225/45/18 as some members have done to give a little more cushion to your ride. If you are willing to change wheels, consider going to 17's for even greater comfort.

GmanSC

I will go with 245/45/18 but will not go with 17. I like my rims.