I just bought a 2004 RX8 from a private party. Everything seemed to check out. It has very low miles (19,000).

I noticed an issue though at certain times. First off, the car doesn't seem to pull consistently when driving (you can let go of the wheel, and the car goes straight), but randomly, it will just want to turn in a direction rather suddenly. It has happened stopped, and while doing about 70 on the freeway. It has also happened in both directions. I'm thinking it may be just overreacting to uneven roads, but I'm really not sure. I was told to check if there was any play in the steering, and there is none.

I was driving an old Honda Accord (front wheel drive) before (only other car I've really ever driven), so I may just not be used to it, but I want to make sure this isn't indicative of a large problem.

Any information is greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

 

get an alignment check your tires are all the same and installed correctly but mostly its just tramlining

 

Thanks for the quick response. I actually didn't know what tramlining was, but thanks to you and Google, I'm slightly more informed. I'll drop it by Les Schwab this weekend too (I heard they do free/cheap alignment and tire checks).

Thanks!

 

yes i agree check your alignment. if front tires are towing out it will wamt to dart left or right.

 

tramlining is pretty bad on this car, its worse on my R3 19 inch tires. sometimes when I go over small dips on the road, the steering wheel would shoot to the left or right soo fast I feel my wrists hurt.

 

If you drive the same routes frequently, pay attention to when it seems to do this the most and how switching your lane position can affect it. As stated, its most likely tram lining.

Mine gets much worse on worn tires, I know which roads I have to be awake on, that's for sure.

 

Wow, I have felt some pulling before but nothing like that.

 

Went to Les Schwab and everything checked out. Have to say that I love that company. Always have had great experiences there.

Looks like it's just tramlining. Seems to be happening in the same stretches of road, so it makes sense.

Thanks for all the responses.