182Cup -wandering slightly?

[Munson]

Someone somewhere in another thread mentioned that track rod ends could be the cause of squirming under braking. The massive squirming under braking is something I've only really noticed when ultra-late braking on the limit, trailing slightly into the apex, so I wasn't that surprised.

However, yesterday I noticed that the car doesn't feel quite right anymore. This has only just come to my attention, so whether or not it has was a factor on track will probably remain unkown.

When crusing at the straight-ahead, I get the very slight feeling that the car is wandering. Nothing you can really feel in the steering. Difficult to describe. Almost like I suddenly realise that I need to correct it slightly. One of those things you'd probably never notice if you didn't know your car inside out after owning it from new for 4 1/2 years. There doesn't appear to be any play in the steering at all. Also, twice yesterday I noticed what I can only describe as a slight mechanical knock when parking.

I'm guessing the track rod ends are f**ked? Or...I think I also need new engine mounts. There seems to be lots of engine movement. Could this be the cause?

Sorry, I know this post is long and vague, but I'm hoping some of the more mechanical minded folk here could offer some opinions. Obviously I'll be getting it looked at anyway somewhere. I'm all set to book up another track day, and could really do with the engine mounts and perhaps rod ends replacing beforehand. Just do it anyway?

EDIT: The car has been fine long since the last track day, but on my kast trip to Europe, I was forced to do a lot of driving over horrid cobbled streets that shook the bean to pieces...it's all slotting together I think...

 

[CHRIS172CUP]

could be the track rods, mine always used to make the car pull to the left and the steering wheel never sats straight. they had to be heated up to undo though.

 

[Inferno]

Check the basics first. Check the tyre pressures and tread depth, look for evidence of any leaking shock absorbers.

 

[Aluco]

Mine does this too mate, as you say its only on the dead straight, mine is worse under heavy acceleration, I'm having it serviced on saturday so will check the track rods when its on the ramps and let you know what I think.

My shocks and tyre pressures are fine been checked recently so in my case it wont be those.

 

[Munson]

Tyres are ok except the edges are fucked from track days. I always keep the pressures maintained. I'm definitely leaning toward track rods, owing to the mechanical clunk (sometimes) and the fact that it's just spent 4+ weeks running over seriously harsh cobbles twice a day.

 

[Inferno]

The mechanical clunk you described when parking - were you using full lock?

 

[Chris n nic]

Same as Nic's m8....was going at speed down the motorway and there was a slight right hand curve...I pulled back into the slow lane and I shat myself trying to gently steer as it felt like the car was floating

Chris

 

[bunzee]

Same as Nic's m8....was going at speed down the motorway and there was a slight right hand curve...I pulled back into the slow lane and I shat myself trying to gently steer as it felt like the car was floating

Chris

I know mine's not a Clio but that's exactly how mine feels at times, scary!

 

[Munson]

The mechanical clunk you described when parking - were you using full lock?

No. If it's going to happen, it'll usually happen around the straight ahead.

 

[172cupwizard]

Same as Nic's m8....was going at speed down the motorway and there was a slight right hand curve...I pulled back into the slow lane and I shat myself trying to gently steer as it felt like the car was floating

Chris

Your going to fast lol

 

[Chris n nic]

lol could be. TBH it was fine up until a local road got fucked up and you couldn't avoid the potholes and by the time the road was fixed the damage was obviously done

Chris