Lowering springs problems

[UniqueToy]

I have a 2000 Grand Am Gt and installed sprint lowering springs on the car ( 1.6" front, 1.7" rear). After installing the springs i had the car realigned twice and the car still pulls hard to the right. Both shops say that the car should be driving straight according to the computer alignment. I have heard and read that if u install the camber adjustment kits this will correct the problem. Also the strut support bar bearings on the front end are squeaking when u turn the steering wheel. I thought when the springs are properly installed u should not have this problem unless the springs were cut. Has anyone had these problems with their cars being lowered? And can anyone give me any suggestions or ideas.

Thanks,

Jrock

[2003GAGT]

Cross rotate your front tires. It might be a tire pull causing the problem.

[UniqueToy]

I can't cross rotate my front tires because they are directional tires. I did rotate my tires from back to front and it did not correct the problem. Thanks anyways. Any more ideas guys?

[2003GAGT]

Post the alignment specs from the printout they gave you. There are several things that could cause that pull, but I need to see those before and after specs.

[mfuller]

I recently had this problem. The shop aligned the car perfectly (I inspected the alignment numbers on the printout), but as soon as the car was driven, the car would pull to one side. Turns out the serrations on the strut-to-knuckle bolts were severly worn and were slipping, so camber wasn't staying in spec. New bolts cured the problem.

[dongalonga]

Ok I just installed my Eibachs and ST struts and I am having a similar prob. The car feels like it wants to wander all over the road. It will basically drift with the road. I think that my impact didnt tighten the strut mounts enough. Could that be the problem ot would it be something else?

[coupe]

I thought i had this problem also. But after getting it aligned numerous times (for free hehe) we found that its not the car at all. Its the grooves in the road. Since the car has a lower center of gravity it tends to want to "follow" where ever the grooves go. To test this i found the flatest pavement i could (a large parking lot for example). The car drove straight as an arrow but as soon as i got on a heavily travelled road it would pull one way or another.

[dongalonga]

no i tried on flat pavement but it still does it i mean this car is just all over the place i cannot even drive 50mph. it doesnt just follow the road it goes wherever it wants to. i was told that the bearing not being tight enough can cause this.

[redfox]

what size of rim you have? I have a h&r drop, and my car does that every once in a while, I'm running 18's with a 245 tire, has more traction and "follows the road?

[dongalonga]

stock chrometechs. i think it is a combo of the alignment cause i can see that it needs it in the front and the strut rod bolts not being tight enough. i was just wondering if there could be anything elses like tie rods or something.

[AznGA]

If the springs are installed properly, you shouldn't hear any popping noise. However you could still get the squeak when you turn the wheel. Mine used to do that, but it went away.

[coupe]

I still gotta fix my shiot. Hey AznGA, in the spring im gonna PM ya on how exactly to fix my squeak and pop noises.......it phuckin sucks.

[dongalonga]

im not as worried about the popping as i am bout the car going whereever it wants to. what is causing the drifting?

[dongalonga]

Ok problem solved the alignment was waaaaaaay off. The car feels like its on rails now. I highly suggest the ST Struts as opposed to the KYB GR2s. I say save the money and get a strut of the exact same quality.

[NorKoastal]

So your saying your install with the KYB's went bad.... When you installed the Sprint Struts you got it right (springs settled) and everything is quieter, better handling, alignment better?????

[dongalonga]

No i never installed KYBs I am just saying I have driven cars with Eibach/KYB and I dont think they are worth the extra $$$ as opposed to the ST Struts. I believe the ST Struts were a great deal. Ill tell ya what though I am very happy I did lower the car and next are the headers and SLP piping which I just ordered today!!!!

[Hodge]

yeah i'd like to know why u went with st struts as well

[NorKoastal]

Let us know how it goes....I am two steps behind in mods (DHP, Headers)

I have CAI, IAT extension, 180 T-Stat, Eibacs, and SLP pipes/Mag muffler....

[dongalonga]

I went with ST because they cost less and I wanted to try them so everyone could finally know how they work. I actually decided to be a guinea pig for once, as I will with the Stage 2 cam I am getting from MilzyZ34.