just purchased a 09
boxster base
model with 45k miles. ---with the wheel locked, turning in a parking lot at low speed the tires seem to hop or skip. changed both front strut mounts. no difference. is this normal? does it only with the wheel locked left or right. --backing up or going forward at slow speed. otherwise the steering is normal. --any ideas. thanks, chris
Not quite sure of all the details, but sounds similar to an issue I had with a 2003 996 I bought years ago. It had a scrubbing feel, and somewhat jerky feedback in the steering wheel when turning hard left or right at low speeds. Brought it to my mechanic and he informed me that the tires were old/outdated and the rubber was hardened and had lost its resilience. New tires, and an alignment and it was like new. Are those tires possibly original, and if so, based on the age of the car is probably what you are experiencing. You can at least check the date codes on the tires. Any tire shop will verify all that I suspect, unless your issue is a suspension problem. Hope you get to the bottom of it.
I believe at super-low speeds, this is actually normal -- aka, the "Ackerman Effect." From a sister
718
forum, someone had posted:
"As long as you're not feeling metal on metal (which is unlikely) then yes, it is common and is not an issue - just something to be aware of. It is a result of the Ackermann steering geometry and is amplified by wide, low profile tyres and the cold weather; so certainly not unique to Porsche (my Megane RS did it). Google "Ackermann effect" and go down the rabbit hole."
I've experienced this myself both in my 987.1 and I think in my 987.2. Hopefully this helps!
thanks for the info, i'll check into that
i live in ne pa, so it's still cold. thanks for your advice.
My
987.2
with relatively new
Pirelli
PZeros summer tires does this on certain pavement types when temps are below 60. My
BMW
M235 does the same with summer tires in colder temps as well.
Hi Chris,
Normal, it is somewhat a factor involving the Ackerman angle, the tires you're using, the temperature of the tires and road surface, and the coefficient of friction of the tire/surface interface. You'll find it doesn't usually do it on wet pavement, at least not that you can hear or feel.
I wouldn't be concerned.
Meanwhile - how about visiting
New Member Introductions
and introducing yourself and your Boxster. Pictures are pretty much mandatory or you'll have people nagging you for them.
And welcome to Planet-9, the Friendly Porsche Forum!
Don't know if someone mentioned this already but it could need new steering tie rod ends. The rubber around the ball joint wears out after 17 years. a dried out ball joint would give you that jumpy behavior you're feeling in the steering. because the ball joint is not moving smoothly.
