Seeking advice to minimize over-steer

[MisterMac]

I knew going in that over-steer would be present by switching from Staggered stock 19's to squared 255/35/19 at +25 offset and 9.5inch width wheels. My steering is super sensitive now.

While I can manage it just fine, I am seeking thoughts on how to minimize it. Perhaps by using spacers on the rear? Other options?

I'd rather not use different size tires so that I can rotate regularly.

Thanks!

 

[itguy61]

One way to reduce under-steer is to add sway bar tightness to the front and subtract from the rear. Have you added aftermarket sways? Bigger bars on the front or smaller ones on the rear generally reduce over-steer or increase under-steer.

 

[WildBill]

Interesting. Last week I got a flat in one of my factory 225/45R18s so I'm moving to 255/35R19s later this week.
This weekend I installed Eibach front & rear sways both set on firm. Then tonight I will be installing the ATQ collars.
I doubt my change will be as noticeable as yours but with all the changes I won't really be able to put a finger on what did what..

Similar to itguy, with the adjustable sway bars F&R you can dial in the under/oversteer characteristics to your liking. If you don't have them that might be an option.

 

[NS_Stinger]

I'm with these guys. I would add the eibach front and rear sway bars, both bars offer a soft and hard setting that should allow you to correct this issue.

 

[MerlintheMad]

One way to reduce under-steer is to add sway bar tightness to the front and subtract from the rear. Have you added aftermarket sways? Bigger bars on the front or smaller ones on the rear generally reduce over-steer or increase under-steer.

These seems backwards to me???

 

[itguy61]

These seems backwards to me???

Large front sway bars increase under steer and decrease over steer. Opposite in the back.

 

[MerlintheMad]

Large front sway bars increase under steer and decrease over steer. Opposite in the back.

One way to reduce under-steer is to add sway bar tightness to the front and subtract from the rear.

Sounds opposite!

A thicker front bar "tightens" the front, that's what I am getting from your text.

I put a thicker bar on the rear to reduce oversteer (not just to button down the movement in the rear). Adding a thicker bar to the front could undo the effects that I have gained. And playing with "stiff" or "soft" settings could return the amount of understeer I prefer, but then what would the ride feel like? Too hard?

 

[eflyguy]

In general, stiffening reduces traction, so firmer up front induces understeer, and in the rear induces oversteer. There are always exceptions, but stiffening the front and/or softening the rear will help. Personally, small adjustments in tire pressure have balanced the vehicle just fine for me.

 

[MerlintheMad]

In general, stiffening reduces traction, so firmer up front induces understeer, and in the rear induces oversteer. There are always exceptions, but stiffening the front and/or softening the rear will help. Personally, small adjustments in tire pressure have balanced the vehicle just fine for me.

That agrees with what I THINK I have learned over the past few months, reading on here and experiencing the Eibach rear sway bar.

 

[WildBill]

This is from the Eibach installation instructions. I added the text in parentheses to relate everything to over-steer as the OP was looking to control it.

EIBACH FRONT BAR ADJUSTMENT
a) Softest Setting. Reduces under-steer (Increases over-steer)
b) Firmest Setting. Reduces over-steer

EIBACH REAR BAR ADJUSTMENT
a) Softest Setting. Reduces over-steer
b) Firmest Setting. Reduces under-steer (Increases over-steer)

 

[MerlintheMad]

This is from the Eibach installation instructions. I added the text in parentheses to relate everything to over-steer as the OP was looking to control it.

EIBACH FRONT BAR ADJUSTMENT
a) Softest Setting. Reduces under-steer (Increases over-steer)
b) Firmest Setting. Reduces over-steer

EIBACH REAR BAR ADJUSTMENT
a) Softest Setting. Reduces over-steer
b) Firmest Setting. Reduces under-steer (Increases over-steer)

Okay, maybe I'm overthinking this, but those instructions only apply with BOTH bars in place.

The Eibach rear bar is 76% stiffer on "soft" than the Stinger OE rear bar. So in effect using ONLY the rear Eibach is like stiffening up the rear compared to the OE bar; and thus a reduction in understeer will be the result.

 

[eflyguy]

stiffening up the rear compared to the OE bar; and thus a reduction in understeer will be the result.

No, you have it backwards. I posted it, Bill posted it from Eibach instructions - that do not apply to only having both bars in place, they apply to any vehicle - stiffening the rear relative to front will increase oversteer.

In my case, lowering front tire pressure relative to rear (I run both lower than "standard") increased grip to where the vehicle is perfectly balanced for my style of driving on my style of roads.

 

[WildBill]

No, you have it backwards. I posted it, Bill posted it from Eibach instructions - that do not apply to only having both bars in place, they apply to any vehicle - stiffening the rear relative to front will increase oversteer.

I think Merlin was in the right. Reducing understeer as he put it , and increasing oversteer as you put it are effectively the same thing.

 

[eflyguy]

Yeah.. now I'm confusing myself. They are indeed the same.

 

[Pnbnationsbest]

Drive slower.

 

[MisterMac]

Thanks to most everyone. Special thanks to @eflyguy

I should've done some online research first. Could've avoided this post.

I adjusted my tire pressure and my drive is where I want it again.

 

[Pnbnationsbest]

You're welcome!

 

[MisterMac]

You're welcome!

 

[MisterMac]

@Pnbnationsbest, somehow I doubt you drive slowly along on I-696....

 

[Pnbnationsbest]

@Pnbnationsbest, somehow I doubt you drive slowly along on I-696....

Just as slowly as I did on 37, 35, 181, 1604 and 358! Having a badge is a bonus