C7 low speed handling question

[JayJay]

I just picked up my new C7 on Friday. My question relates to the tires and how they react when the steering is put hard over (left or right) and the car is just starting to move. In my case instead of the tires tracking smoothy where they are pointed, I can feel the tires "chattering or hopping" for the lack of better words. Up until this point I have driven a pickup and never experienced this issue when tight turning the vehicle. I suspect it is just a differences issue and the solution is to not go almost or completely to the steering stops when turning in tight spaces. Is this assumption valid or is it just as likely that it is the result of a system malfunction that needs tending to by the dealership. Other than that, the car drives like a dream! Any thoughts?

 

[Nik]

I just picked up my new C7 on Friday. My question relates to the tires and how they react when the steering is put hard over (left or right) and the car is just starting to move. In my case instead of the tires tracking smoothy where they are pointed, I can feel the tires "chattering or hopping" for the lack of better words. Up until this point I have driven a pickup and never experienced this issue when tight turning the vehicle. I suspect it is just a differences issue and the solution is to not go almost or completely to the steering stops when turning in tight spaces. Is this assumption valid or is it just as likely that it is the result of a system malfunction that needs tending to by the dealership. Other than that, the car drives like a dream! Any thoughts?

Typically I'd say have your diff checked out but I think you're ok:

Tire Chatter When Cold - 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Long-Term Road Test

 

[Simpleman]

This is perfectly normal. You can read lots about this on the U.S. Corvette Forum. For instance, I get this when backing slowly out of the driveway,

 

[smackYYZ]

I just picked up my new C7 on Friday. My question relates to the tires and how they react when the steering is put hard over (left or right) and the car is just starting to move. In my case instead of the tires tracking smoothy where they are pointed, I can feel the tires "chattering or hopping" for the lack of better words. Up until this point I have driven a pickup and never experienced this issue when tight turning the vehicle. I suspect it is just a differences issue and the solution is to not go almost or completely to the steering stops when turning in tight spaces. Is this assumption valid or is it just as likely that it is the result of a system malfunction that needs tending to by the dealership. Other than that, the car drives like a dream! Any thoughts?

JayJay,

That is caused by what is known as the Ackermann effect. It has to do with the width of the tire and the turning radius.

Here is a page and video that explains it. Explaining the "Ackermann Effect" in the 2014 Corvette Stingray

 

[JayJay]

JayJay,

That is caused by what is known as the Ackermann effect. It has to do with the width of the tire and the turning radius.

Here is a page and video that explains it. Explaining the "Ackermann Effect" in the 2014 Corvette Stingray

Thanks everyone, I was in full blown panic mode thinking that with 33km on the car I was off to my first "unscheduled" warranty session! Now I can relax! I'll be dammed I've never heard of the Ackermann Effect until today. I read the article and watched the video and it described my experience to a tee. I also had a quick look at the U.S. forum and found a thread that listed 9 other "events" that could take the newbie owner by surprise but is actually just normal corvette operations. Again many, many thanks!

 

[Riley P]

I'm not sure about the previous generations but my C5 even does that when in a parking lot. It's a little bit disconcerting at first driving your Corvette and feeling the front end hop around as you pull into a spot. But similar to yourself, once you find out it's normal, well, it doesn't feel good, but at least you don't have to worry about something being wrong.

 

[Tony Gull]

I just picked up my new C7 on Friday. My question relates to the tires and how they react when the steering is put hard over (left or right) and the car is just starting to move. In my case instead of the tires tracking smoothy where they are pointed, I can feel the tires "chattering or hopping" for the lack of better words. Up until this point I have driven a pickup and never experienced this issue when tight turning the vehicle. I suspect it is just a differences issue and the solution is to not go almost or completely to the steering stops when turning in tight spaces. Is this assumption valid or is it just as likely that it is the result of a system malfunction that needs tending to by the dealership. Other than that, the car drives like a dream! Any thoughts?

Yeah my C7 totally does this but never noticed it on my C6.

 

[Matt]

Yep, all normal, dont worry.

When you have steam-roller size tires, you get a little hopping on tight turns.

Matt

 

[Ntmd8r]

It also has to do with the design of the tires (tread, etc.)
With the OEM tires, this effect does happen.

But with my Toyo R888s it does not.

 

[tyho]

When this first happened I thought that something was wrong with the car, panic set in. I read numerous posts about the issue, tires, tight turning radius etc. All is normal. I can't wait until these tires wear out so I can get something a little lighter, non-run flat and a better, smoother tire.

 

[tinman3]

I just picked up my new C7 on Friday. My question relates to the tires and how they react when the steering is put hard over (left or right) and the car is just starting to move. In my case instead of the tires tracking smoothy where they are pointed, I can feel the tires "chattering or hopping" for the lack of better words. Up until this point I have driven a pickup and never experienced this issue when tight turning the vehicle. I suspect it is just a differences issue and the solution is to not go almost or completely to the steering stops when turning in tight spaces. Is this assumption valid or is it just as likely that it is the result of a system malfunction that needs tending to by the dealership. Other than that, the car drives like a dream! Any thoughts?

Congratulations on your recent delivery. You will actually find this in the owners manual explaining that this is normal. smackYYZ actually had the term that it is known as.