my torqueless dx is having major torque steer problems....what could be the cause of this?

I just had my alignment done and when i do not accelerate then my car goes straight but as soon as i slightly touch the gas the car will steer to the right...

help anyone?

 

Somebody snuck in at night and swapped in a bigger engine without your knowledge. But seriously You ever drive a DX with a ZC engine swapped with the DX tranny still in it. You would learn real fast NOT to ever wrap your thumb around the wheel. I nearly broke mine the first time out with the new motor. I can't explain why it just started for you, but its a problem thats endemic with unequal length axels. Even with smaller engines. Thats why most cars now have intermediate shafts to equalize axel length and minimize tourge steer.

 

ive heard that the zc tranny's have equal length shafts on both sides there for eliminating most of the tq steer problems is this true?

will the zc tranny bolt up to a d16z6?

if so what will i need to complete the tranny swap?

 

its hard to say what EXACTLY could be causing your torque steer. it could be the left axle or hub is going out or theres a problem where the left driveshaft connects to the tranny.

 

The ZC tranny WILL fit, you will have to play some majic making axels fit as it requires a few different pieces. Yes the ZC has an intermediate shaft and therefore equal length axels, And unequal length axels cause tourqe steer EVEN with NEW AXELS. Thats why few cars have unequal length axels any more. You could get the same results with an SI trans which is easier to get axels for. It has an intermediate shaft also. Also the ZC AND SI transmissions have much better gear spreads that will make the car more lively but at the expense of fuel economy.

[Modified by virginia_dude, 4:03 PM 3/21/2002]


[Modified by virginia_dude, 4:05 PM 3/21/2002]

 

The Si trans has unequal shafts, and I don't notice horrible torque steer with it. Its there, but it doesn't sound as bad as what he's talking about.

 

My Brothers '91 1.6 DPFI DX HB has some harsh tourqe steer, My '89 ZC DX w/dx trans has wicked tourqe steer due to unequal length axels. I thought the Si trans had an intermediat shaft on it. Maybe I missunderstood this, in anycase I am picking up 2 1990 Si transmissions tomorrow, so will know then for sure. ZC with a DX trans will go 75 MPH in second gear without even redlining the motor, Sucks, I want lower gears, Putting in a Si box soon.

 

so the dx tranny does not have intermediate shaft??

 

No, the DX transission does not have an intermediate shaft. And if your hub was going out your car would be pulling to one side in steady state driving, you said that it only pulled under acceleration. Tourque steer would ONLY take place under acceleration. Pulling at any other time would be a result of something different.


[Modified by virginia_dude, 7:43 AM 3/22/2002]

 

It doesn't. It has the same setup as the others.

 

OK thats clarified, now for me, I had a big missunderstanding on that. I would have sworn I heard otherwise, but I must have gotten it confused with something else. Now for another question? Are the DX and Si Axels the same? I know for sure the HF and STD are different. I am picking up 2 Si transmissions today and need to know if I need to get axels somewhere else BEFORE I take my car apart.

 

it's not your axles....look for broken bolt(s) in your suspension....look hard and closely


[Modified by Slow_ass_4dr, 11:46 AM 3/22/2002]

 

Yes, great idea, if this started sudenly put the car on jackstands and check all the bolts, also look for anything cracked. Just because a bolt is there don't assume its fine, some of these can be broken and friction and binding hold them in place. Who knows maybe the alighnemt guy broke something. I would say this is a great idea because if something is broke or loose finding it now could save your life. If you find nothing what have you lost. I was assuming earlier this person knew how to tell tourque steer from a more serious condition. And Its always better to err on the side of caution on a possible saftey issue. Remember you were only issued one body when you were born.


[Modified by virginia_dude, 3:02 PM 3/22/2002]

 

So my si does have an half shaft I knew it.

 

back to Axles: D-series axles are unequal...b-series axles are equal length with an intermidiate shaft...

Back to the subject: Look for broken bolts thoroughly....do not skimp on this matter, like Virginia dude said, it's life or death....The reason I say that is because I had a bolt break on me after my swap. Car pulled hard to the side everytime I did hard acceleration or swerve hard when doing high speed driving....