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Car wanders like something fierce in the rain.

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Old 02-13-2009, 02:49 AM
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Default Car wanders like something fierce in the rain.

I was out in a pretty good storm (those in NorCal will know what I mean). And as im driving on the freeway my car keeps on weaving left to right or right to left. It really gave me the sense that it was floating and barely had any traction. Same exact feeling as being on bald tires in the rain. As soon as I got off the freeway and was driving around 25-35 the car felt fine.

I have heard some clunks from the suspension but the car feels completely fine (at all speeds) in the dry.

Tires are some BF Goodrich all seasons with plenty of tread and good pressure.

Any ideas where to start looking? A visual inspection of the suspension and attempting to wobble the wheels while the car was in the air yielded nothing.
Old 02-13-2009, 03:11 AM
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Default Sounds like tramlining, when is the last time you had it aligned?

If it's lowered without correcting the alignemnt
by utilizing @b casmber plates or modding your stock plates via Igor's method your car can't
be aligned to specs.

What suspension do you have?
Old 02-13-2009, 03:16 AM
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Default Re: Sounds like tramlining, when is the last time you had it aligned?

The car has Bilstein HDs on it but I think otherwise its stock. I have not had it aligned yet since I bought it last year.

It tracks fairly straight if you let go of the wheel..
Old 02-13-2009, 04:25 AM
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also, sometimes a bad bushing or other part will only deflect at speed...
Old 02-13-2009, 04:50 AM
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Old shocks? Loose subframe bolts? Blown steering dampner?
Old 02-13-2009, 05:59 AM
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Default I've had this same problem since I bought the car months ago...

(except I don't think it was that severe as your case it seems) so I didn't worry about it for a while. Going to get an alignment done today actually and hoping that will fix it... I will let you know!
Old 02-13-2009, 08:24 AM
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Default Tracking straight means nothing

There should be the right toe, camber, etc. Some cars like a little toe and others perfer to have negative toe to make them more stable.
Old 02-13-2009, 09:48 AM
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Default +2 on the tramlining comments and alignment advice

My S6 tramlined some with the my stock wheels and more so with my +1 sizing summer set up. Like you, I didn't have an alignment done when I purchased the car. I then lowered the car and had it aligned by a reputable local shop that works on performance vehicles and those with modified suspensions. The result: no more tramlining on my stock wheels.

I would find the best aligment shop in your area that knows Audi and have you car aligned for two reasons. You get an alignment that is done properly and you will get a good assessment of any issues your suspension may have. Yes, a local specialty shop costs more, but not much more. Les Schwab wanted $90 for a 4-wheel alignment; my specialty shop wanted $140. A no brainer. Very cheap in the scheme of things when it comes to paying someone to work on our cars.

-Mike
Old 02-13-2009, 10:45 AM
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Steering damper, +1
Old 02-13-2009, 10:55 AM
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I had that problem. replaced mine as well as removed wheel spacers and the S4 is a champ again.


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