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Problems with steering when braking

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Old Oct 23, 2008 | 07:25 AM
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From: Sebring, Fl
Problems with steering when braking

okay after searching around different topics i decided to post this...sorry if its already been discussed...not all the time but at times when i brake the car wants to pull to the right almost like the power steering is doing it bc i starighten back up while im still braking and its fine unless i tilt it a lil back to the right. the brakes are fine so i dunno if you can help but it would be much appreciated
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Old Oct 23, 2008 | 10:57 AM
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Sounds like you need to take your car for some wheel alignment
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Old Oct 23, 2008 | 11:06 AM
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alignment comes to mind.
You said brakes are fine, have you actually inspected them recently?
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Old Oct 23, 2008 | 11:22 AM
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I actually get the same thing sometimes. I got my new tires put on so the alignment is fine. It doesn't happen everytime. I found if you let off the brakes and apply them again it tends to straighten out. I always wondered why it does it. Although mine isn't always to the same side. Brakes were checked and they are fine.
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Old Oct 23, 2008 | 03:12 PM
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The only time I've seen that is when the brakes are shot or one is worn in a way that the other isn't. Think of a paddle boat. When people one one side are paddling faster than the other side, the boat turns. Same thing. If one of your brakes is tighter or slowing one side faster than the other, you're naturally turn due to the inertia of the car.

I'd take another look at them. Better still, get a professional to look at them.
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Old Oct 23, 2008 | 03:39 PM
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the alignment is fine and brakes are fine....i asked if they could adjust the alignment and they said the vehicle doesnt give them much play without ordering a kit and it seems fine... the brakes still have a lot of life...of course they squeak now and then but thats common on the 8's even with good pads... i figured there might be something electronic that aids in braking... has anyone heard about sensors being in the sway bars of the rx8?
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Old Oct 23, 2008 | 04:20 PM
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No sensors on the sway bars or strut bars or anything like that.

More likely than not its alignment, brake pads, tires, or 1 side of the road is stickier than the other.


Edit: If your tires are worn out and you brake hard in an RX-8 the car will feel extremely unstable. At least thats what mine feels like right now. I'm 99% sure that when I get my new tires on all will be well again.

Last edited by HeavyMetal699; Oct 23, 2008 at 04:23 PM.
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Old Oct 23, 2008 | 04:49 PM
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It could be your tires catching smalls groves in the road causing your car to go to the right? Does this happen everytime you hit your brakes?
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Old Oct 23, 2008 | 04:51 PM
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Originally Posted by GTConversion
The only time I've seen that is when the brakes are shot or one is worn in a way that the other isn't. Think of a paddle boat. When people one one side are paddling faster than the other side, the boat turns. Same thing. If one of your brakes is tighter or slowing one side faster than the other, you're naturally turn due to the inertia of the car.

I'd take another look at them. Better still, get a professional to look at them.
Is the similar to a one armed man swimming?
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Old Oct 23, 2008 | 09:11 PM
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okay so it does it to the left to...i was playing with it today... im pretty sure its when im rolling at a low speed then decide to brake( like in a 25mph zone and theres a stop sign) it will pull to one direction. if i leave my hands on the wheels its unnoticeable but if i let up to a loose grip it will follow this course
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Old Nov 7, 2008 | 11:46 PM
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i have a sensor on the driver side rear sway bar..what is this?
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Old Nov 7, 2008 | 11:51 PM
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Originally Posted by alexanderiv99
i have a sensor on the driver side rear sway bar..what is this?
It's not ON the sway bar, but it's probably the sensor for the Auto-Headlight Leveling.


Edit:

About your problem.

Assuming all the alignment specs are correct, your wheel nuts are properly torqued, and your brake system is tested and functioning normally...

And, assuming that you've checked all the hardware under the car for loose bolts, etc.

Then, I'd have to say it's pretty normal for (at least my) RX-8 to 'tramline' more than other cars I've owned. What this means is that the steering is set up with a small amount of caster, and the wheels want to follow ruts or imperfections in the road, especially under braking. You should, if possible, arrange short swapping test-drives with other RX-8 owners to see if this is the case.

Good luck

Last edited by Silver06; Nov 8, 2008 at 12:03 AM.
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