Bump Steer! It's not what you think it is (FM Live with Keith Tanner 12-8-23)

Chances are you’ve experienced bump steer at some point in your life, even if you didn’t know it. This week on FM Live, our suspension guru, Keith Tanner, tackles what you need to know about bump steer for your Miata. What is it? How do you change it? Why should you care?
R-Package tie-rod ends are available at Flyin miata!
flyinmiata.com/products/r-pac...
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[@jamesinoregon1081]

Thank you for bringing easy to understand science to the Grassroots community

[@FlyinMiataVideo]

Thanks for watching!

[@westbrionage]

I got recommended some other videos by youtube on suspension engineering, Its not as flashy and sensational as other aspects of cars, but its actually a really interesting and involved topic when you get into it.

[@chrisrcarraher8800]

The first time I measured bump steer for my Mustang it was confusing, but once you go through the process, it's actually pretty basic. The improvements in steering response and grip were well worth the effort. Setting this up on my NB should be even easier with the double wishbone vs. macpherson. Great video.

[@FlyinMiataVideo]

Thanks for watching!

[@baribari600]

If you have a significantly lowered car, should you just go ahead and drop the tie rod pivot and/or raise the rack some nominal amount? E.g. 5-10 mm. Actually measuring bump steer is a pretty significant undertaking. My FD came with a bump steer kit on it, but I've never made any adjustments.

[@FlyinMiataVideo]

We like to use the R-package (dropped) tie rods over other options on any car that's lowered. You know they're gonna help and you don't have to do all that math stuff :) You can find them here flyinmiata.com/products/r-package-tie-rod-ends?_pos=1&_sid=a6351d743&_ss=r

[@SPYDOC1]

Thanks for the info. We run a rally car, so very rough surfaces on stages, which makes for some obvious problems with suspension.

[@FlyinMiataVideo]

Thanks for watching! Are you running your Miata on the stages?

[@SPYDOC1]

@@FlyinMiataVideo no, it’s a Vauxhall Corsa B, but still good video 🍻

[@FlyinMiataVideo]

@@SPYDOC1 Ahh, those seem to be pretty light. I bet it's fun!

[@SPYDOC1]

@@FlyinMiataVideo yes, great fun, and easily fixed as there are plenty around

[@philjones5728]

Great video Keith, nice explanation of bump steer (yes, including the 3 pieces of wood/MDF!!). Having a lowered mk1/NA I've heard that they can suffer from big front toe changes under significant compression and was wondering how to check how much toe in or out I have. So now I know what to do! Also do you consider steering rack spacers to be as effective as R-package tie rod ends? Thanks.

[@FlyinMiataVideo]

Mazda used modified tie rod ends rather than steering rack spacers, so their preference is pretty clear. You can use steering rack spacers in conjunction with the tie rod ends IF you need them. For a Miata sitting at a streetable ride height, it's pretty unlikely.

[@yOnKiNaToR]

Great video guys! This is not a commonly understood topic. Could you also do a video about compliance steer from bushings, tire offset/diameter choices and built in geometry steer (like used on the NC and ND)? I know my NC behaves wierd in the rear due to its design, bushing compliance and tire offset i run. Now that i think about it, those are loaded topics. You could almost do a series of videos on this.

[@FlyinMiataVideo]

We appreciate hearing your feedback! While we can't guarantee each and every request will be met, we keep a list of all video ideas, and we've made sure to add yours - keep an eye out!

[@fudoshin811]

Great video, as it highlighted that you can't just lower your vehicle without unseen consequences. What is your opinion on how do different anti rollbar settings affect bumpsteer? I guess if the car rolls less, than you lose the factory toe out feature?

[@FlyinMiataVideo]

They shouldn't make any difference, other than minimizing the actual movement of the suspension and masking any bump steer problems.

[@Dystyrbed]

I'd appreciate a diagram or better mock up of the bump measuring jig. Having a hard time picturing how it works.

[@MrSprintcat]

If you at the real tool you will understand

[@KennyKnoxify]

How could I get my hands on the R Package Bilsteins and springs?

[@FlyinMiataVideo]

At this point, a used/salvage Miata vendor will be your best bet - here's a link that should help: help.flyinmiata.com/en_us/does-flyin-miata-sell-used-parts-HJ6UkPUT8