Winter Troubles

[jrtsphoto]

So, I have a 2016 Sonic LTZ Turbo, and decided to drive it out in the snow/ice mix we had in Georgia just recently. At one point I felt adventurous, so I turned TC off, and came into a corner too fast and ended up hitting the curb, finding later that day that my inner tie rod bent about a solid 45 degrees.

Now with that said, I got the inner tie rod from Napa for under $40, and got it installed, and an alignment done.

The problem is, whenever the car is on and stopped, I can steer just fine, but as soon as I accelerate, my steering stiffens up almost immediately. So much so that if I turn it going around a bend, if I let go it stays. Any ideas what it could be?


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[Papasonic]

My thought would be internal damage to the electric rack/pinion steering assembly. Further diagnostics will determine if replacement would be necessary.

 

[jrtsphoto]

My thought would be internal damage to the electric rack/pinion steering assembly. Further diagnostics will determine if replacement would be necessary.

That’s what I’ve had suggested, I’m definitely getting that checked, much appreciated


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[RealchicksDriveStick]

So would you say the sonic drives alright in snow? (Assuming traction control is on) or is it still all over the rpad. (Compared to a 99 civic hatch?..lol)

 

[jrtsphoto]

So would you say the sonic drives alright in snow? (Assuming traction control is on) or is it still all over the rpad. (Compared to a 99 civic hatch?..lol)

Hard to say, I haven’t driven in the snow until buying this sonic, and I will say it does pretty well. I drive 50 miles to work each way, and even on the icy/snow covered highway I drive to work going 65mph no problem


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[2012OGSonic]

I live in Iowa so we get plenty of snow. I love driving my Sonic in the snow. I have never had issues getting around and actually prefer to drive it in the snow over my wife’s SUV.

 

[carsNskis]

So would you say the sonic drives alright in snow? (Assuming traction control is on) or is it still all over the rpad. (Compared to a 99 civic hatch?..lol)

I've driven a few winters in Colorado, I do run snow tires. The stocks seemed to make the traction control squirm, never felt planted until I replaced the tires.

I actually prefer driving in the snow with the tc button pressed at least 8 secs to turn the nanny as far off without disabling.

It has handled everything I've thrown at it, including some mountain passes suvs and Subarus were struggling with.

[emoji593][emoji809][emoji472]

 

[jrtsphoto]

My thought would be internal damage to the electric rack/pinion steering assembly. Further diagnostics will determine if replacement would be necessary.

I know this is very late, but I got the rack/pinion assembly replaced for $300 and night and day difference. An expensive mistake

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[OssiansFolly]

So would you say the sonic drives alright in snow? (Assuming traction control is on) or is it still all over the rpad. (Compared to a 99 civic hatch?..lol)

Cleveland, OH reporting in. Car drives fine in the snow. Honestly, it drives a ton better than my Honda Civic did. I've driven in everything from a light dusting to sheets of freezing rain to 10" of snow over night. I've had zero issues controlling the car. (Though I didn't get adventurous and turn off the TC)

 

[skurtov]

In Ohio, Sonic does very well in the snow. The thin tires and light weight really help it out. Good use of handbrake and you can zip around easy. I had no problems while other larger vehicles struggled.