RE: Understeer problems

[Tim Irwin <timi@Interlinq.com>]

Actually, what you are describing is torque steer. Understeer is when you
turn into a corner and your car doesn't, or doesn't turn as much as you want
(front tires are sliding). Oversteer is when you are cornering and your car
turns a bit more than intended (tail hanging out). As a NASCAR driver said
-- Understeer is when your nose hits the wall, oversteer is when your a**
hits the wall.

As far a handling the torque steer, it is a problem endemic to front wheel
drive cars. Uneven traction between the front tires allows one tire to "pull
ahead" of the other, turning the steering wheel and car. Make sure your
tires are evenly inflated (+- 1/2 PSI or less), at the proper inflation (see
rear passenger door jamb, along the wheel hump), and that your alignment is
correct. Other list members have reported a reduction in understeer by going
with better tires that slip less under acceleration. 

On the pricier side, a Quaffe [sic?] differential ~$1200, 4-Motion (4wd &
unavailable), Audi Quattro, or BMW 32-, would also help the problem.

Aside from that, welcome to a major disadvantage of a powerful FWD car.
Rutted roads and loose or slippery surfaces under one wheel can exacerbate
the problem to the extent that the car is difficult to control. Back off of
the gas before this happens.

Tim Irwin
'98 GLX

> -----Original Message-----
> From:	Anthony Noel [mailto:Anoel@holyredeemer.com]
> Sent:	Monday, September 20, 1999 1:40 PM
> To:	'Jetta'
> Subject:	Understeer problems
> 
> I am having problems with some understeer. I have stock suspension, and
> wheels. I have been noticing after I start to shift after a red light, or
> at a stop, the steering wheel to give to the left or right. If I lightly
> hold onto the wheel, the car gives a lot more than holding the steering
> wheel tighter.
> Would any type of suspension get rid of this at all? Or any type of strut,
> or sway bars help? I don't really need a suspension yet, since my car is a
> 98 with only 16,000 miles on it. 
>