Steering wobble with new tires

[78 280zcar]

I just recently bought all new tires because the front right one was worn bad on the outside of the tread. Now when I get to about 60 mph the car starts to float or wobble from side to side in the front, kinda feels like the front right tire is just flopping around. I hope thats a good explanation. Does anyone know what would cause this? Help!

[hls30.com]

1) Did the shop verify your alignment-previous tire wear says there is a problem

2) Were the tires balanced.

Will

[78 280zcar]

They pretty much just slapped the tires on, I only paid 80 bucks for the set. It took them about ten minutes to do it:ermm:

[Arne]

Z cars are very sensitive to tire balance and roundness. Go back to your tire shop and complain.

[78 280zcar]

They told me to bring it back if I have any problems, but it was just some rinky dink shop that my mother in law told me about, so I will probably take it to big O tires and get them proffesionaly balanced, I got an appointment for saturday. So what would cause the uneven tire wear on the outside of the tire, is that camber?

[KDMatt]

The uneven wear is definitely an alignment issue.

The bouncing/wobbling, on the other hand, will be helped by a proper alignment. I know it made a big difference in my car's freeway driveability.

[sblake01]

Bouncing is usually bad balance while wobbling, uneven wear etc. is usually alignment. At any rate, take the car in and have the tires properly balanced, and get a 4 wheel alignment using the kit for the rear if necessary. It will be worth the money in the long run.

[hls30.com]

Bouncing is usually bad balance while wobbling, uneven wear etc. is usually alignment. At any rate, take the car in and have the tires properly balanced, and get a 4 wheel alignment using the kit for the rear if necessary. It will be worth the money in the long run.

Having both done will also make the car drive like a Z is supposed to, and probably re-introduce you to the driving fun you had forgotten-the worn tire has been affecting your cruizez for guite a while, and you probaby weren't aware of it, but after the fix, you sure will be!

Will

[rtaylor]

Stephen, when you say get the lit for a 4 wheel alingnment, what kit are you speaking of?

[sblake01]

Look in this link. My front didn't need it but I installed it on the rear. Without it, the shop was only able to get it close. With it they were able to get it within spec.

http://www.thezstore.com/page/TZS/CTGY/PSDC07A

[DatsunZsRule]

78 280zcar,

yep, sounds like they didn't even balance your tires. That's something that must be performed after mounting tires.

As for your abnormal tire wear on the outside edges. Yes, thats an alignment issue. NOT camber. It's the Toe-In thats out of adjustment. This adjustment is done by loosening the side rod lock nut and adjust the length of the side rod correctly. Correct Length between boot and siderod lock nut is 37.9 mm. Adjust that and you should be set. (Sorry I don't have a photo) Your front tires are probably sitting like this \ / not to that extream but you get the point

I just recently replaced all my Ball Joints and Tie Rod Ends with new factory ones and I got my Z aligned perfect myself. It's not hard really if you know what your doing for example knowing where exactly the start and end points are when measuring and knowing the correct measurement listed in the FSM. If it's so bad that it requires a 4 wheel alignment like sblake is talking about then going to a shop is necessary.

[sblake01]

I really only mentioned the kit for the rear. Shops seem to have trouble getting the rear camber set to spec without it especially if you have larger than stock rear tires.