Tramlining - do I have it?

[greencode]

What exactly is tramlining and what would it feel like? I have runflats on 18" wheels on my 2.5 Zed and recently got a Hunter alignment done just to a) rule out any alignment issues and b) get my steering wheel straightened. Now the car feels much better but when I'm on, generally, uneven roads the steering feels a little sloppy (although I do also own a Type R and the steering on that is tight, responsive and spot on) and sometimes feels as though there's a little gremlin in my steering wheel trying to pull the other way (but doesn't feel dangerous).

Just wondering if that's what tramlining feels like? I don't mind replacing all 4 tyres for non run-flats but also don't want to waste my money if that's not the issue.

Any advice would be much appreciated.

 

[Chris_D]

Its a feeling as though your not really steering the car yourself, like it's on rails, hence the term.
The zeds weird electric and sometimes sticky steering doesnt help but getting rid of the rft's can only help to diminish the effect as can a decent alignment and i've found keeping the sport button engaged at all times helps as it softens the assistance and 'weights up' the steering.

 

[1972nail]

You'll notice tramlining most if you drive along the white line or a construction joint in the road surface and you feel the steering tugging to follow it. Our MX5 suffered from it a bit but the Z4 on Khumo run flats was horrendous!

 

[buzyg]

What you described does sound like it could be trammelling. The steering tugging off centre when you accelerate hard on a road with a large camber is another classic sign. Feels a little bit like torque steer but on none driven wheels.

 

[Mr Tidy]

What you describe may be tram-lining - my E87 1 Series only did it when the tyres were getting worn and/or the pressures were low. (Pirelli RFTs).

While my first Z4 seemed seemed quite prone to it, my current one isn't too bad (both sadly on Bridgestone RFTs).

What does make it really noticeable is a worn out road with HGV ruts in the 1st lane, like the M6 North of Birmingham for example.

 

[obewan]

What you describe may be tram-lining - my E87 1 Series only did it when the tyres were getting worn and/or the pressures were low. (Pirelli RFTs).

My first Zed did what you are describing when I bought it and it had Bridgestones on that were getting close to the tread limit (about a couple of mm left)
I changed the fronts out for Pirelli P Zero's (RFT's) and it was fine

 

[MrPT]

Has the car ever had its front wishbone rear bushes (the so-called "lollipop" bushes) replaced?

The car will tramline a little - that's normal - but if the steering feels a little disconnected from what the wheels are doing then it could be worn bushes. A garage will probably check them for free, but it's easy enough to do yourself.

 

[greencode]

Has the car ever had its front wishbone rear bushes (the so-called "lollipop" bushes) replaced?

The car will tramline a little - that's normal - but if the steering feels a little disconnected from what the wheels are doing then it could be worn bushes. A garage will probably check them for free, but it's easy enough to do yourself.

When I had the Hunter alignment done they checked all of that and didn't find any issues.

 

[MrPT]

Has the car ever had its front wishbone rear bushes (the so-called "lollipop" bushes) replaced?

The car will tramline a little - that's normal - but if the steering feels a little disconnected from what the wheels are doing then it could be worn bushes. A garage will probably check them for free, but it's easy enough to do yourself.

When I had the Hunter alignment done they checked all of that and didn't find any issues.

Then yes, what you can feel is probably tramlining. Ditch the runflats, if you can. It will help with this (depending on which tyres you get) but, more importantly, transform the overall handling of the car.

 

[greencode]

Has the car ever had its front wishbone rear bushes (the so-called "lollipop" bushes) replaced?

The car will tramline a little - that's normal - but if the steering feels a little disconnected from what the wheels are doing then it could be worn bushes. A garage will probably check them for free, but it's easy enough to do yourself.

When I had the Hunter alignment done they checked all of that and didn't find any issues.

Then yes, what you can feel is probably tramlining. Ditch the runflats, if you can. It will help with this (depending on which tyres you get) but, more importantly, transform the overall handling of the car.

I was looking at the Rainsport 3 which Camskill are selling for £272. Obviously need to factor in the fitting cost as well but as I don't use the car that much I didn't want to go crazy.

Good choice of tyre?

 

[1972nail]

I went for Michelin CrossClimates from Black Circles in 225/45x17. They are quite limited in sizes with no 18" available yet, but get great reviews. £328 delivered, £8 each for fitting at my local. Watch the video below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zNuqGUgbcIk

 

[MrPT]

When I had the Hunter alignment done they checked all of that and didn't find any issues.

Then yes, what you can feel is probably tramlining. Ditch the runflats, if you can. It will help with this (depending on which tyres you get) but, more importantly, transform the overall handling of the car.

I was looking at the Rainsport 3 which Camskill are selling for £272. Obviously need to factor in the fitting cost as well but as I don't use the car that much I didn't want to go crazy.

Good choice of tyre?

Not sure myself, but they are pretty popular on here.

 

[Mr Tidy]

What you describe may be tram-lining - my E87 1 Series only did it when the tyres were getting worn and/or the pressures were low. (Pirelli RFTs).

My first Zed did what you are describing when I bought it and it had Bridgestones on that were getting close to the tread limit (about a couple of mm left)
I changed the fronts out for Pirelli P Zero's (RFT's) and it was fine

Thanks, that's interesting - I have been wondering whether to stick with RFTs or not when my Bridgestones wear out! Think I may just try a different brand - I'm not keen on relying on a can of goo and a compressor. :lol:

 

[George7]

Know how you feel, thought I was going to lose it on motorways with lorry ruts. Solution was to have four way wheel alignment and got rid of part worn bridgestones. These had been run under pressure by previous owner(s) and were well worn on the edges with 4 -5mm in the centre. Changed to budget non run flats and now is much improved, with only normal trammelling with deep tuts.