What is a common symptom of bump steer?

Bump steer is a condition that occurs in the suspension system of a vehicle, often associated with the steering linkage and the geometry of the suspension. When a vehicle experiences bump steer, it means that the vehicle's wheels are not properly aligned relative to the suspension when the vehicle encounters bumps or irregularities in the road. As a result, when one wheel hits a bump, it can cause the steering angle to change unexpectedly, leading to a sudden change in steering direction.

This symptom is particularly notable because it can make the vehicle feel unstable or uncontrollable during certain driving conditions, especially when navigating uneven surfaces. Drivers may notice that the steering wheel feels as if it is moving on its own or that the vehicle veers unexpectedly, making it difficult to maintain a straight path.

Other listed symptoms, such as loss of engine power, noise while turning, or vibrations in the brake pedal, are not directly related to the mechanics of bump steer. While they may indicate other issues affecting vehicle performance, the hallmark of bump steer is essentially the way the steering direction is altered based on the condition of the road surface interacting with the vehicle’s suspension design.