Tramlining

[Smogz]

Hi, proud new owner of a 65 plate GT.
I've noticed that she tends to tramline heavily on dual carriageways.
I've noticed this tendency in other rear wheel similar cars of this size with a relatively wide track and tyres.
Anyone else notice this before I get the alignment checked.
It's a kind of side to side 'shoogling'

[badhand]

Did it on my old '05.

Do the same stretch of road you noticed it on. If it does it there again you've saved yourself a lot of arsing about.

[blahblahdave]

Does it on my '09 along the same stretch of roads. Fine on others.

I'd definitely blame it on the state of the roads!

[Smogz]

Did it on my old '05.

Do the same stretch of road you noticed it on. If it does it there again you've saved yourself a lot of arsing about.

It does it on the same stretch of road as the CLS but in a much more exaggerated fashion.
Feels similar to being buffeted by side winds, isn't restricted to one or two stretches is happening on most A roads.

[Bluestang]

Just a long shot before you explore the possibilities. Do you know anybody nearby with an S550. He/she may be willing to run their car down the same stretch of road(s) as a comparison

[badhand]

Feels similar to being buffeted by side winds, isn't restricted to one or two stretches is happening on most A roads.

Sounds worse than I'd expect, but I know what it's like when you 'think' there's something wrong with your car - you're constantly on the look out for the problem and small issues are magnified in your mind.

I assume you've not modded the suspension and altered camber or toe?

What's your tyre pressures? If they're too high over recommended, that can cause worse tramlining. Check that before marching back to the dealer maybe.

[slowhand99]

Is it both nearside and outside lanes? HGV grooves can play havoc and they're not always obvious.

[Smogz]

Feels similar to being buffeted by side winds, isn't restricted to one or two stretches is happening on most A roads.

Sounds worse than I'd expect, but I know what it's like when you 'think' there's something wrong with your car - you're constantly on the look out for the problem and small issues are magnified in your mind.

I assume you've not modded the suspension and altered camber or toe?

What's your tyre pressures? If they're too high over recommended, that can cause worse tramlining. Check that before marching back to the dealer maybe.

Yep, probably just me fixating on it. Wondered if it was just a 'thing'.
No modifications, only had her a week
Tyre pressures is a good point, checked them as soon as I got home and they' cooled. All spot on.
I reckon its just tramlining in the road grooves, just a bit disconcerting at times and more apparent than in previous cars.

[Smogz]

Finally got it resolved, rear suspension replaced under warranty.
One of the shocks appeared to be mismatched.