MS3 on roller coaster hills

[dan1101]

Took the MS3 out for a little "spirited" driving on back roads this weekend.

Has anyone else taken the MS3 over a really sharp hilltop, the kind that leaves your stomach in your throat and you almost get some air? Do it while you're accelerating and the weight comes off the front wheels and the steering wheel JERKS really hard to the left, it scared the crap out of me but luckily it was just momentary and I didn't really catch any air.

 

[Texaco]

Sounds like a situation most of us will not encounter. Good to note though.

If I think I am approaching the type of road that might cause my vehicle to depart the road surface, I will let up on the throttle plate right before I go airborne. The violent pull your experienced is due to torque steer. The computer and LSD really has trouble figuring out what to do when the vehicle is airborne.

 

[palerider]

I did something similar this summer. I was hauling ass in Virginia backcountry...hit a quick hump, got some air, and it threw my ass up off the seat. I hit the brakes as I land....a little strange sensation going on with the car. Then I look down and the car is just powering down... rpms dropping....gas pedal dead.. Im like oh s***. The car seized!!!!

Then I realized my damn knee(im 6'7") had hit the key in the ignition, and turned the damn car off at about 5000rpms. I calmly restart and drive off.

Funniest, scariest moment Ive had in this thing so far!!

 

[6262MS3]

Yeah, that's my only beef with this car's suspension. Rebound is a bit out of control, seems like the struts don't have enough rebound damping for the springs? I'd really like to know the effect of stiffer aftermarket struts with the factory springs.

 

[dkswim]

ues i have experienced torque stere while accelarating and i hit a small bump in road enough to unsetle right side it jerked pretty good.

 

[mrlilguy157]

I go back roading in the ms3 every now and then. Ive caught some air and thought I bent a tie rod, but didn't.

 

[Moonpie.Express]

Took the MS3 out for a little "spirited" driving on back roads this weekend.

Has anyone else taken the MS3 over a really sharp hilltop, the kind that leaves your stomach in your throat and you almost get some air? Do it while you're accelerating and the weight comes off the front wheels and the steering wheel JERKS really hard to the left, it scared the crap out of me but luckily it was just momentary and I didn't really catch any air.

OH YESSS!!! Transfer that weight off the front end and HELLO!! From now on you should know that it can happen and it will not be as bad.

I still really love how this car handles.

 

[CX-7owner]

Took the MS3 out for a little "spirited" driving on back roads this weekend.

Has anyone else taken the MS3 over a really sharp hilltop, the kind that leaves your stomach in your throat and you almost get some air? Do it while you're accelerating and the weight comes off the front wheels and the steering wheel JERKS really hard to the left, it scared the crap out of me but luckily it was just momentary and I didn't really catch any air.

Yes it's called FWD.

 

[Sierra117]

Yup, happened once. Out cruising with some local Mazda guys, hit a big bump on an access road going along side the toll road. Three of us (myself included) caught air, having no clue how big the bump was. Oddly enough, while lurking aound the local forum, I noticed a post that said "hey, this is an awesome road to take, but look out for the bump right around the on ramp."

I had a laugh at that.

 

[Moonpie.Express]

Yes it's called FWD.

Ofcourse it is, but I (as I am sure he also) was not ready for the weight to unload THAT much!

 

[dan1101]

Yeah, I've drove FWD over hills like that for 10 years. My point is with so much power going to the front wheels in 3rd or 4th gear, the torque steer is very significant when you take the weight off the front wheels. It wasn't too dangerous, just surprising.