Greetings,

I have a 2019 Bullit with 23000 miles that has recently began "wandering" whenever it goes over the crown of the road or a rut. It also makes a clunking noise when backing out of the driveway and it feels like the lug nuts are loose as the car kind of wiggles when it does this. I took it to the dealer and they said there is nothing wrong that they could find. They initially said it was probably an alignment issue, but the car doesn't pull one way or another until it goes over a rut or bump, especially under braking (The harder the braking the worse the behavior) at which point I have to fight it to stay in my lane and on the road. I've had the car since new and it never behaved like this until about 500 miles ago. Has anyone else seen this, or know where to start looking into the EPAS? Thanks

 

hmmmm . . . those wide sticky tires on the front do tend to induce some "tramlining" but I don't know why it would have changed recently; maybe has to do with tire wear? (Google "tramlining" to learn more about this; basically it is when wide sticky tires tend to follow the road, which they do because they are big and sticky . . . "for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction")

That car came with soft summer-only tires, right? If yes, they are probably about due to be replaced, and you might want to try some different tires. Narrower front tires, less sticky compound, and/or no solid center rib; all might decrease the tramlining. But they also decrease the ultimate grip of the tire, which is the trade-off.

Then again, it might not be tramlining at all . . . and since the dealer apparently can't find the problem, it might be worth spending a few bucks with a private shop to check everything out, basically look for any play or anything that is worn out or loose, maybe a tire/alignment shop . . . or maybe try a different dealer

PS -- welcome to the forum, hope you'll join the conversation on some other topics as well

 

Possibly time for new tires mine was doing that and new tires fixed it.

 

Thanks for the reply,

The fronts are probably 2/3 tread and the backs are getting close. I looked up tramlining and I suppose that's what it could be, just disappointing since the tires are still in good shape. I've also got a hemi charger with a trac pac that has never done anything like this, but those tires are a step down from the michelins on the mustang. I am getting ready to replace the backs and would like some suggestions for a good tire for general use with some performance, I don't track the car but I do like the way it handles and I have been known to push it up a bit.

 

Regarding the new tires, you'll need to decide the balance of performance versus comfort that you want. The Michelin MPSS/P4S are probably some of the best street performance tires, but they do have some compromises on comfort, such as this tramlining thing (apparently better when new and worse when worn, if that is really what is gong on here)

 

Thanks for all the help, I think since the backs are close I'll go with the Michelins again and see if that clears it up. If it does Ill look at a different set next time when the fronts will be ready to go as well.