Directional Tires and unstable handling (97 Accord 200K)

I have a Honda Accord with 200K miles.
Over the past year, I have had two different brands/sets of directional
tires (Yokohama Avids & now Michelin Exalto A/S tires). I keep
experiencing erratic handling, mostly noticable on the freeway. Road
texture, especially grooved pavement seems to trip up the car's
handling, causing erratic lateral movement as if the car riding on
rails. In the past year, 3 mechanics checked out my steering and
suspension system and found nothing wrong. My alignment has been
checked many times over the year and is fine. I did have new Monroe
Sensatrac strutts installed before these sets of tires. This was my
second set of Sensatracs, where the previous set were fine. I have the
stock alloy rims. Not sure if old age or corrosion on wheels could
cause this problem. I did hear from one mechanic that directional tires
are more prone to these type of handling problems. I wonder if anyone
else has experienced these type of handling issues. Thanks

 

I drive on directionals god knows how many years and miles by now, and I
never had this problem...

 

========================================

I'd try about 30 PSI (cold) and see if it helps. Have you determined if
your guage is OK? I think that's the only detail you didn't provide.

'Curly'

 

Dear techman41: Stop spending your hard earned money on an old car
with 200,000 mi. on it. Unless you are really attached. Then replace
the entire steering mechnism. Then buy exotic parts for it.

 

If you are not aware of this, hondas tend to last way more than 200 and
even 300K with a proper maintenance...

 

On what planet do simple wear items like tires and struts cost more than
the payments on a rapidly depreciating new car?

 

What tire pressure are you running? Too low will make it wallow, to much
will make it follow every groove in the road.

 

WTF?

 

Why? I love my Accord. Other than this problem, it runs like it's new.
In fact I take such good care of the interior, it looks brand new. At
the least I am waiting until the 2008 Accord.

 

check the condition of the suspension bushings and ball joints - when
they wear, handling can get squirrely, especially the upper front
wishbone pivot.

 

Rather than having your alignment adjusted to spec, have it adjusted for
your desired handling. A good mechanic can maybe do it. Your average
tire store is lucky if they hook up the alignment testing machinery
correctly.

 

It might be related to the directional tires. My 99 Mustang GT came
with directional Goodyear gatorbacks and those were replaced with
directional Yokohama's and both tracked something fierce. Sometimes
even slightly rutted roads would jerk the car from side to side. I
recently replaced the yoko's with asymmetrical tread Kuhmo all season
tires. The difference is night and day, the handling is about the
same but gone is the terrible tracking plus they are quieter then
either of the other tires were.

 

========================
I am using Yokohama AVID Touring TRZ directional tires on a Camry with
153,000 miles, but have replaced the ball joints, and control arms. The
factory service manual calls for zero play in the ball joints and I
found some on one side so replaced both. When changing the axles,
noticed cracking in the rear bushing for the control arm so replaced
them. When removed it could be seen that portions of the rubber were
cracked all the way through.
I get some very minor occasional tracking along freeway pavement rain
grooves, but it diminished after a few hundred miles of driving so it
is now barely even noticeable. I'm actually quite pleased with the
tires overall.

 

I had them same issue with an older GM, After changing several front end
parts that were just marginally worn and an alignment, the car still
followed ruts and pulled to one side or the other when braking. When I put
my cheap snow tires back on all four corners the problem went away.
Champagne tires on a beer car, go figure.

 

What are you driving?

My 10 year old Honda Civic runs great. Can do 80+ all day or take the
kids to school on a ten minute drive. I am keeping it as long as
possible given that I have a $1,500 a year budget for parts. I have a
new front drive axles, new Pirelli 400's all around, and relaced the
water pump/timing chain, catalytic converter last year. Only 77K.

What the hell do I need car payments for??????