Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Troubleshooting SVT unstable

I have a 98 SVT with ~94,000 miles, and when I follow in the wake of a large truck, the cars front end starts to wiggle. As soon as I pass,the truck, the car rides normal. Anyone else have this problem. I replaced the struts at 80,000 miles, and have had several alignments. Tires wear ok, with little uneven wear. If it matters, the tires are Firestone SZ50 EP. Thanks in Advance for your help and Advise

Chris Matthews :p

How close are you following? How large is the truck (F350 size or semi-tractor trailer)?? How fast are you going???

If you are moving at 70-80 and following a semi too closely, then it sounds like wind buffetting or turbulence coming off the truck rather than anything mechanical...

On another note...ditch the Firestones ASAP...just my $0.02 worth

Regards, Art

Chris,

IMHO, I think the stones are your problem.
You should be running KDWS' or similiar.

I think this is common to Contours. Lots of turbulence behind big rigs, causing that side to side feeling. It's a problem on my SVT (82K miles) and was present from day 1. I've been through F1's, KDW's, and Yokohama Avids, with no perceptible difference. My solution is pass 'em!

Vortex shedding from a tractor-trailer has everything to do with the aerodynamics of a semi, and nothing to do with Contours specifically. If the ride is otherwise "normal," I think Chris has ruled out other potential problems. No worries.

And watch the bashing of the SZ50 EP's... These are very good "real world" tires. Long treadlife, quiet, more than enough traction, VERY good in the wet. In Houston, where we get our rainfall 3 inches at a time, resistance to hydroplaning is a BIG plus. Okay, they're a bit pricey for doing burnouts or auto-X, but that's the only negative I can come up with. :rolleyes: