Simple Bump Steer Fix?

[Miko_Z]

Hi everyone,

First post, happy to learn from you all. So I bought a 2020 mk5 last week and the first thing I noticed was the bump steer which made the car feel unpredictable at times. I thought it was a faulty control arm or a bad alignment but then learned its a common issue on the earlier mk5. Is there a simple solution(s) to fixing this?

Thanks!

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[exe36m3]

Let's see what the autocross and race guys say but I'd suggest...

Try an alignment first.
My CPO 2022 alignment was pretty bad. Super vague up front and the rear end liked to kick out under throttle.

With an alignment, it stabilized the car dramatically for me.

Bump steer... generally I don't drive at the limit across uneven or bad road surfaces but with an off alignment, any bump steer would be worse.

So try the alignment first before throwing parts at the car.

 

[Kolme]

Let's see what the autocross and race guys say but I'd suggest...

Try an alignment first.
My CPO 2022 alignment was pretty bad. Super vague up front and the rear end liked to kick out under throttle.

With an alignment, it stabilized the car dramatically for me.

Bump steer... generally I don't drive at the limit across uneven or bad road surfaces but with an off alignment, any bump steer would be worse.

So try the alignment first before throwing parts at the car.

Agree with the alignment. My alignment guy who does a lot of Supras in DFW noted that the alignment from the factory is substandard. His alignment did help - though it was confounded by new lowering springs.

 

[bk5]

Thirding an alignment. I found a shop that specializes in alignments for race cars and explained the problem. He said it was probably the e-diff but he'd see what he could do. From the factory, the passenger side toe was way out of spec. The car has been amazing since.

That being said, I have a 23, so there might be some differences.

 

[DarkZupra]

https://verklineusa.com/products/was-400

 

[BA9092]

Agree with the alignment. My alignment guy who does a lot of Supras in DFW noted that the alignment from the factory is substandard. His alignment did help - though it was confounded by new lowering springs.

@Kolme , that reminds me, I need to take mine in for one. Who/where is he?

 

[Miko_Z]

Thanks for all the info. I will try an alignment from someone more specialized as the first thing I do ? If you guys used someone in the LA area, let me know

 

[Miko_Z]

https://verklineusa.com/products/was-400

Thanks for the link, just watched the vid on the Verkline kit but don’t have $8k to throw at the moment As of now, it isn’t horrible by any means but I do plan to track this car and just don’t want it getting weird on me. I was hopping it could be pin pointed to a single part that could be swapped out for the time being. Still need to try a good alignment too

 

[bk5]

Thanks for the link, just watched the vid on the Verkline kit but don’t have $8k to throw at the moment

That recommendation is insane. You do not need to replace the entire rear end of the car to address this problem. That's not even a solution to the problem, it's just a really expensive bandaid.

Get an alignment, that will avoid the problem in most situations. Also driving with the dampers in the stiffest setting will help. Beyond that, coil overs. If you get the point where you've done all of that and are still experiencing problems, sell the car and buy something else.

A most of street cars have this same issue. It's just a lot more pronounced on the Supra because it has an insanely short wheelbase and a ton of power. The solution is pretty often stiffer suspension.

 

[Kolme]

@Kolme , that reminds me, I need to take mine in for one. Who/where is he?

It’s a place called T & P Auto Body & Used Cars, 2360 W Main St, Grand Prairie, TX 75050.

It’s run by two older brothers. Cash only ~ $80 if stock/springs. I think $100 if on Coils. Super knowledgeable, lowered car friendly.. like… low. 3 month warranty. If you know who “Juan” is in the DFW scene, he’s the one that told me about them. He sees a lot of Supras.

 

[BA9092]

It’s a place called T & P Auto Body & Used Cars, 2360 W Main St, Grand Prairie, TX 75050.

It’s run by two older brothers. Cash only ~ $80 if stock/springs. I think $100 if on Coils. Super knowledgeable, lowered car friendly.. like… low. 3 month warranty. If you know who “Juan” is in the DFW scene, he’s the one that told me about them. He sees a lot of Supras.

Sweet! Thank you! Yeah, I know Juan. Cool guy!

 

[Miko_Z]

That recommendation is insane. You do not need to replace the entire rear end of the car to address this problem. That's not even a solution to the problem, it's just a really expensive bandaid.

Get an alignment, that will avoid the problem in most situations. Also driving with the dampers in the stiffest setting will help. Beyond that, coil overs. If you get the point where you've done all of that and are still experiencing problems, sell the car and buy something else.

A most of street cars have this same issue. It's just a lot more pronounced on the Supra because it has an insanely short wheelbase and a ton of power. The solution is pretty often stiffer suspension.

Got it, yeah that makes sense. The alignment was done by the dealership so who knows what they actually did but it does drive straight. Off to try a new alignment. Thanks!

 

[Evolution]

Thanks for all the info. I will try an alignment from someone more specialized as the first thing I do ? If you guys used someone in the LA area, let me know

there is a mobile guy that would come to you. He does a great job for not too much. You can find him on IG. Pretty sure it’s @ocmobilealignment.

 

[Miko_Z]

there is a mobile guy that would come to you. He does a great job for not too much. You can find him on IG. Pretty sure it’s @ocmobilealignment.

Thanks for the recommendation! I’ll have to reach out to him

 

[MisterSkiz]

My alignment was messed up from factory - 2k miles on the car.

https://www.supramkv.com/threads/21-swift-springs-alignment-results-pic.22208/

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