Guys, I'm at a loss. My '04 MCS has started getting mushy on the freeway. Used to be very tight when changing lanes at 70 - 80 mph. Now, it feels like the rearend is slowly following the front and has a tendency to walk back and forth abit. Seems like the rear is "loose". It actually feels dangerous. Here's what I've done to try and fix. Replaced tires. (Z Rated), had a four wheel alignment (twice) and had the wheels/tires checked for balancing and to verify they are not bent. I won't let my wife drive the car right now because I don't feel safe letting her drive it right now.

Any light you guys can shed on this would be very helpful!!!

 

I had the same issue running on snow tires but when I went with new summer tires things cleared up. I agree the car felt spooky and it scared me to drive at top freeway speeds.

 

Mine does that if I don't have 38 Lbs in the tires...might check.

 

Thanks fpr the input, I'm runnig 35 lbs all the way around and they are definitely street tires. please keep the suggestions coming.

Cheers..............

 

Until I replaced the shocks, my car acted just like an old mustang or cougar. The front would start to turn and a second later the rear would lock in and start to turn too. I had many miles on those cars and it was easy for me to deal with (This is sweeping turns I'm talking about) after the FSDs went in with the stock springs, that is all gone. To be fair, at the same time I moved the Rear bar from the first setting to the middle. I like to go really slow with the changes and then I can register the differences. At this point I am happy with the setup. Your car looks lowered, so I know it isn't factory shocks, but if they are old, or you can tighten the rears, it may help.

For me, 35 lbs is not enough BTW, I would be noticing it and pump up the pressure. It isn't my preference, but the car's it seems.

 

Sounds like your dampers are worn out. If it was me, I would seriously consider a four wheel damper replacement. While I am at it I would get some springs to match if I decided not to go with stock.

 

Sounds like the shocks to me. Also a nice track set up. We try to get the rearend to rotate like that on the track. Makes the car faster but you better know what you are doing. Never lift off the throttle in acorner or you will spin. You tend to drive the car more witht he throttle to keep the rear end in check. Fast but dangerous to someone not familiar with the car. MINI puts in lots of understeer in at the factory for safety for the masses. I say check your suspension. That is the only way the handling of the car will change that much.