FF bump steer

That's interesting and understandably annoying. Can you explain when and how the problem manifests in your car?

 

I have driven 3 FFs for a total of about 300 miles and can't say that I have sensed anything unusual in the steering. Since the front wheels normally are not driven I would not expect an issue from the FWD mechanism.

 

there is a bit of bump steer in there, but I find it quite normal. the front geometry has the driveshaft to contend with, but candidly it feels better than an R8 (as a comparison). In any of these cars, bump is pretty subtle so if you're feeling it, something is likely off.

The "wobble" is something new, can you explain more?

long shot, but last year before I swapped the PZeros for Sottozeros for winter, in cold temps the PZero's would skate and shudder like mad, though I presume you've checked your tires/pressures and factored that in. 6K miles is too low for bearings/hub/bushings to loosen up (which can mimic excess bump) though it can happen.

alignment specs all within limits?

 

I don't mean to doubt what you are experiencing but could it also be torque steer that you are feeling from the AWD? I imagine it would depend on the conditions when the bumps are taken. Do you also get the bump steer or wobble sensations when you run over those softened speed bumps with both wheels hitting simultaneously? Has the problem been there from when the car was new?

 

Take the car to a shop that specializes in alignments? That might get you some answers on the alignment.

 

Michael - the FF really has almost zero torque steer at the front; a combo of the geometry, the PTU clutch mechanics and the software controls. It's actually amazing, plus the fronts only receive a (small) percentage of the torque anyway.

Of course, if something is not working properly....but sounds like the OP has been to the dealer so would imagine no PTU or software-related issues.

 

Actually the car is RWD almost all the time. Perhaps it gives some bump steer on uneven roads under hard cornering such that the front transmission is working.

 

I think you guys are confusing torque steer with bump steer. Bump is seen as unpredictable steering that varies when the chassis is moving through its static ride height. Torque us what you feel on the gas at the steering wheel because of power being put down taking away steering angle, the FWD feel. The op needs to clarify his complaint.

 

No, the original poster is correct. There is bump steer in the FF (but also with all the other Ferraris I have had). It is particularly noticeable when I ride down the horribly paved roads of Wilshire corridor. It knocks the front wheels to the right and I am not sure anything can be done about it. Requires quick correcting on my part. Not an alignment issue. Surprised to see on an AWD but then again the system is mostly rear wheel drive. I think best thing to do would be to ride down a given road with the Manettino on wet or snow and compare to sport or comfort to see if the bump is eliminated. I suppose it was even worse on the Cali which had much lighter steering. Absent on the Porsche.

 

You have to realize that design is a compromise. If you hit the same manhole in a diesel pick-up truck or a BMW 5 series on runflat tires you might not even feel it. When you change the connection to the road like the ps2 that made a difference with that chassis but might not on another. When you lower a car you change it's bump steer characteristics. You need to properly measure the bumpsteer through the wheel's travel and evaluate what lowering does to the car. You might be much better with a higher ride height and all season tires if your roads are that bad. A performance tire is very poor choice for bad roads yet will lower your laptimes on an occasional trackday. There is a reason for that. The FF is not an "all" road car. You are better getting advice from a race shop who aligns rather than an alignment shop who fixes alignment to numbers issued by Ferrari with no concept of what those numbers mean. A very large number of alignment monkeys have no clue what Bumpsteer really is or ackerman or how to design out issues for drivers nor would they do it because of lawsuits. Raceshops do that.

 

I will have to pay close attention to my FF driving home tonight but I don't think I ever noticed bump steer.

Rick

 

me either

 

me either. Must not be sensitive enough.

 

Lone Wolf, when you wear out the tires, try the newer PSS. They really do ride noticeably better- and grip better too!

 

I agree. They are terrific on our V8s. No reason why they should not be great on the FF. Am hoping mine will come with them but probably Pzeros.

 

+1

 

If you request Michelin tires you should get the PSS.