Tyres and tracking

[pit_stop]

I'm at the point of getting some new rubber and am after some advice. I have had my SE turbo for two years and the Michelin Pilot Sport 15" have come to the end of their life.
I have found them excellent in the wet and dry, although not so hot in the snow. Small question though on tracking. I have always found that the car is reluctant to track back to a dead straight line on its own, and the steering needs positive nudges all the time to keep her straight. Is this an elan thing? Or is my steering duff? Is it a tyre issue?

I'd love to hear what others have to say on this. it may put my mind at rest, and i just might get some more of the same old rubber !

Cheres.

[Dave M]

I've found some tires to track a bit better than others. Some tend to wander around on irregularities in the pavement. However most of the time, tracking issues can be solved by a proper alignment. You may need a bit more toe-in (or less toe-out) in one or both wheels. If you like the Michelins, stick with them and maybe have an alignment done. Better yet, have the alignment done first, see how the old tires do, then decide on new ones.

[Sy V]

...Some tend to wander around on irregularities in the pavement...

I was doing that a bit last night Dave!

I'd try driving on the road if I was you...

[paulrwebster]

I've found some tires to track a bit better than others. Some tend to wander around on irregularities in the pavement. However most of the time, tracking issues can be solved by a proper alignment. You may need a bit more toe-in (or less toe-out) in one or both wheels. If you like the Michelins, stick with them and maybe have an alignment done. Better yet, have the alignment done first, see how the old tires do, then decide on new ones.

Dave
Which tyres have you found to track well? I have Pirelli PZero's at present which do seem to wander around quite a bit (tracking has been checked) and was thinking of changing them. M100 Two said in one post that he found the F1 Goodyears to be good in this respect. Does anyone concur?

[John_W]

M100 Two said in one post that he found the F1 Goodyears to be good in this respect. Does anyone concur?

Paul,
see this thread, especially JIMBO's contributions.

Sy,
the USA meaning of "pavement" vs the UK meaning did provide some interesting moments during the driving test I had to sit in Houston a few years ago.

John

[pit_stop]

Tracking checked now and all sopt on so it must be either tyres or steering somewhewre. I haven't driven another Elan so i don't know if mine is typical. Quite heavy at slow speeds, but lighter as she gets quicker. Ace at 70mph +.
Interested to know if my problem is normal, oh,....and does eveyone elses make that slurping noise at slow speeds and in tight turns. Mine does !!!

[Dave M]

...Some tend to wander around on irregularities in the pavement...

I was doing that a bit last night Dave!

I'd try driving on the road if I was you...

A "lost in translation" moment, eh?

The last two types of tires (or should I say "tyres" ) I've had were the Kumho 712 and the V700.. Both tracked well without much wander.

As for the noise at low speed...yes, that's normal! The gerbil in the power steering system just gets grumpy sometimes.