Car Handling feeling darty lately?

[Cliff8928]

Anyone have access to the factory service info? (SI). I only have it until 2005 and it states alignment specs for the AWD and RWD only. No other different specs.

If anyone has the newer information it's located in Suspension -> Wheel Alignment -> Specifications ->Wheel Alignment Specifications

The CTS only has two different specs. One for FE1, the other for FE2, FE3, FE4. (FE4 is the V suspension)

[CIWS]

Originally Posted by rathbone

Well after my short vacation I was back to work today. I checked to see about the sts-v and there was no option. Just the STS and on the CTS there was an option for the sport suspension or standard.

This is what I was suspecting. Despite running different size tires (OEM), and suspension there is no difference in the settings. Go figure GM.

Thanks for looking.

[nscarafile]

mine is feeling "darty" as well after 4 wheel alignment done to correct factory alignment problem that at 7000 miles wore inside edges of front tires to the cords! I mean bad as there was ONE inch plus of inside edge tread gone. Two new Euforias and the alignment and th edarty fell shows up. Bring it back and re-check th ealignment and all is in spec according to Cadillac Dealer. Darty feel still there like this thread stated over small bumps and road irregularities it just doesnt feel right and yes, passengers notice it right away.GM techs out there, help us out. It must be something in th ealignment for it to appear after aligned and new tires.

[WillySTS]

Not enough toe in can cause dartiness as could too much negative camber, which it looks like you may have had previously. What you should keep in mind is the normal specs for STS's call for .5 - 1.0 deg of negative camber. The fact that you wore the insides of your tires out does not necessarily mean the alignment was waaaay out but, perhaps only a little. You may not drive your car into turns hard enough to use the rest of your tires(yes, that means you baby it). You car may have to be aligned out of spec to help your situation. Ask them to use 0-.3 deg of positive camber and see if that helps also to set you toe in to the max setting(I don't know what it is).

[ewill3rd]

I am no alignment guru, but I can do them. Our machine is smarter than I am so I just do what it tells me.
The CTS has a crazy setup for alignment. It looks like a strut but it is actually a shock.
There are adjustments for everything but as noted they just use slots and bolts, sometimes it is hard to get them tight enough to keep them where you want them to be.
I would do this car regularly just to be sure.
As for specs, I am not surprised that they are the same as anything.
The settings make the cars feel consistent.

[nscarafile]

Ewill and Willy...thanks. Just to reiterate t hough i am talking about an STS, not CTS as Ewill mentions. Being a Tech, do you agree w WillySTS asi am going to try his advice. I drove it this morning and the DARTNG is really making me nuts. Any last minute advice before i go to the alignment shop?

[LITTLEELVISDAN]

Most STS's wear the outside of the front tires especially the passengers. If I could get mine to to wear the inside it would be short of a miracle. Take it somewhere else this time.. see what a different machine says. I'm betting its out.. Maybe the last person to do it hasn't had their machine calibrated in a while

[ewill3rd]

I was just talking about the CTS, sorry for the confusion.
The STS has pretty much the same setup though.
A "good" alignment guy will probably already know how to tweak the settings to help a problem you are having with handling or tire wear.
The factory specs aren't always the "best".
Ask the guy what he thinks when the car is on the rack.