Suspension "float"

[alec_b]

I'm not sure whether this should be here, or somewhere else, but then again I'm not even sure if it's a mechanical problem.

The best way to describe it would be that above about 60, the steering gets a disconnected feel to it. It still handles OK, and I never feel like I'm not in control of the car, it just seems to get a dead spot on center where light adjustments left or right have very little or no effect.

Around town, she handles great. I love the stiffer steering compared to my cadillac or aurora. I'm almost thinking it's a tire problem, the Goodyear assurances I have on there right now aren't in the best of shape, but I was hoping to get to use them through summer because of the other work the car needs. The other thing I was thinking (that desperately need to be replaced) are the original struts/mounts with 200k on them. Could that have something to do with it also?

Thanks everyone.

[Bob Dillon]

The other thing I was thinking (that desperately need to be replaced) are the original struts/mounts with 200k on them. Could that have something to do with it also?

A definite "maybe" on the struts. Checked your tire inflation pressures? Bump the front ones up a few pounds and see if the handling changes. Bet it will.

[alec_b]

Tire pressure eh? I can check that for sure. I've been meaning to do it... just been busy. Which isn't really an excuse seeing as how I work at a shop.

I know, the struts are way past due. I've only had the car for a couple months, not enough time to get the cash together to get it done. I want to do all of them (sensatracs) at the same time so it's going to be ~$300, not something that really fits in my budget right now. But it's going to be done for sure.

[slug]

Check your tire widths against factory recommendations. If your tires are too wide for the car, you can get a "steamroller" feel on the highway just as you describe.

I put extra-wide tires on my Jeep XJ once, and the highway feel was atrocious. I don't know if Bonnevilles are susceptible to this as well, because I never strayed from factory recommended specs on any cars after that.

If your alignment is "toed-out" a bit, this can also cause a very uncomfortable steering feel at highway speeds. Have your alignment checked at a well-recommended alignment shop.

[alec_b]

The tires are a factory size 225/60/16. I'm really not sure about the alignment, maybe some day I'll throw it on the rack at work. Thanks for all the suggestions!

[LeSabre in Buffalo]

Monroe is having a rebate on Sensatracs right now. $80 for 4 struts. Makes it closer to $200.

[alec_b]

Sorry, I forgot I was including mounts in that too.

Does the price at RA reflect the rebate at checkout? I knew sensa's were on sale, we have a sign up at work about it. Funny you mention it, I was just looking at it the other day.

[LeSabre in Buffalo]

No, it doesn't. It's an old-fashioned snail-mail rebate.

Using the discount code knocks $12-13 off the price. So it's not too bad for 4 struts shipped.

[alec_b]

Yea I double checked, with shipping from 2 locations, with KYB mounts and the rebate, it was $270 ish.
Thanks for the tip!

[LeSabre in Buffalo]

No problem!