Xsara VTS Handling Problems

St0n3y · 24 Aug 2007 at 13:01

I recently bought 2 new tyres (Avon ZV3) and put them on the rear of the car. I also switched the worn ones (hard & cheap no makes) to the front as they still have a few thousand miles left in them. My plan was to end up with new tyres front & rear, but since I've put the better tyres on the rear my car is very "nervous" especially at speed. It feels like the rear has a mind of its own

Is this due to the softer compound tyres at the rear or do you think I might have something more seriously wrong like worn bushes or bearings? I’ve also heard the Xsara has active rear steering could this be at fault??

Seems funny this only happened after the new tyres but a friend thinks I might have a suspension problem which is only being highlighted by the fact I have tyres that grip the road better.

bad_ass_neil · 24 Aug 2007 at 14:49

have you had a look under the car for obvious things like broken drop links for the ARB and leaking shocks etc ?

Dutch Guy · 24 Aug 2007 at 14:49

I would assume it is something else than the tyres as softer new tyres should give you more grip at the rear, not less :confused:

By 'nervous' do you mean when cornering or also in a straight line?

St0n3y · 24 Aug 2007 at 15:40

Had a quick look and can't see anything out of the ordinary..

By 'nervous' I mean the car is ok in a straight line however the slightest movement on the steering wheel and the car twitches. Seems ok once in the corner but entering and exiting is where I noticed it more..

About the only way to describe it is its like running on flat rear tyres (and yes I've checked the pressures and they are fine)

Dutch Guy · 24 Aug 2007 at 15:48

Maybe the feeling you get is the rear of the car having more grip than you used to have so the moment your steer and start the corner the car doesn't move as easy as the rear tyres are better than before (jeez, hard to explain)

Dogbreath · 24 Aug 2007 at 15:49

Try swapping the front and rear tyres and see if the problem goes away.

Matt82 · 24 Aug 2007 at 15:53

new tyres do take a fair while to 'bed in'.

my golf on the new yokos felt dodgy for about a week

NightShadow · 24 Aug 2007 at 16:09

As said, the new tyres will need a little while to wear a little, just take it easy.

NS

St0n3y · 24 Aug 2007 at 16:11

Think I'll try them on the front see what happens..

I've owned this car for 18months but I've owned other Xsara VTS's in the past probably around 4 years in total and I've always found the handling very stable but now I feel like I'm losing the back end.

Matt82 · 24 Aug 2007 at 16:25

so youre having more fun now then lol