1.4i ZX Feels floaty at speed

rossnunn · Unread post by **rossnunn** » 11 Jul 2004, 00:02

Hi all,
This is a post I keep meaning to put up.
At hight speed 65/70mph+ (on a private road officer[;)]) my ZX seems very 'floaty' at the front, so much so that I've been backing off to 55mph to settle my own nerves!
I had a 1.4 before this one, that didn't have power steering and can't remeber it doing the same. I have driven a couple of 1.9D ZX's and they feel so much better, much more solid.
Could it be down to the power steering / weight combo?
The 1.9D being a heavier lump, the power steering is heavier too.
I have checked the tyre pressures and they seem to be ok.
It has just passed its mot so we'll assume the bushes / shocks are ok.
I've lowered the front -35mm on springs too.
Cheers
Ross

Stuart McB · Unread post by **Stuart McB** » 11 Jul 2004, 00:10

Don't forget the tyre size on the ZX TD is a 14inch rim with bigger tyres than a 1.4. Think they are 13 inch rims, with a narrow tyre. This could be the reason why you feel a little 'floaty'.

rossnunn · Unread post by **rossnunn** » 11 Jul 2004, 01:26

hiya yep it could but I failed to mention that I'm running volcane style alloys. - Sorry lol

Stuart McB · Unread post by **Stuart McB** » 11 Jul 2004, 18:20

Sorry to be a pain, but is the cambre all set up for the bigger wheel that you are running? This may account for the floaty bit. As you get faster your in effect putting a smaller foot print of rubber down then is required. Just because the wheels have the right size tyre if the camber is out you only have narrow band on the floor. But don't quote me. Most tyre fitting places do a free check.

uhn113x · Unread post by **uhn113x** » 11 Jul 2004, 21:19

Can you change the camber on a ZX? You can't on most cars.

wrinklet1 · Unread post by **wrinklet1** » 11 Jul 2004, 23:21

Hi, this sounds like your shockers could be on their way out, a typical syptom is floating sensation when driving. Take your car to a local shock absorber centre have them check your car, normally for free (go to a couple of places to check they aren't ripping you off though)
Paul

bxbodger · Unread post by **bxbodger** » 11 Jul 2004, 23:33

Also check your balljoints- when one of these starts to go cars tend to get a bit vague and floaty, particularly over bumps and white lines, and can sometimes feel downright scarey with only a small amount of play.

rossnunn · Unread post by **rossnunn** » 12 Jul 2004, 02:56

ok I'll cheack all, thanks for the relpy's, but why would they not have picked it up on the MOT? When I say its just been done I mean like last week.
On the camber aspect, would there be a difference in swappig the 13" steelies to the 14" alloys?

rossnunn · Unread post by **rossnunn** » 14 Jul 2004, 03:13

all seems to be ok.
what about if I strap a breeze block to the front wings (under the bonnet) and see if that helps? (im serious)