Steering touchiness/easy movement.
 

Can anyone explain why the steering wheel in our 02LX rocks back and forth as we stop? It is also very touchy on the highway. Can't let it go for a second as any bump will knock it this way and that. Is this because the suspension is so stiff? Car still handles like a fly though sticks to corners at speeds that I woudln't have imagined in a car this low priced. Any suggestions or is it just a normal characteristic that we'll have to get used too.

steering rocks back and forth when you stop.....maybe warped brake rotors/discs? sometimes caused by mechanics who use high pressure air guns that overtighten the lug nuts when installing the wheels.

steering very touchy on highway...sounds like the caster is out of spec. A standard alignment should give you the car's specs on toe-in, camber and caster. many cars have little or no caster adjustment from factory, but aftermarket kits are often available. caster often goes out of spec when lower springs are installed.

good luck. hope this helps.

Well it only moves back and forth at stops that are bumpy so I think that the wheels are just following the bumps in the road. (It's happened when I haven't been braking) Also the dealership did do an alignment a couple of days after we bought the car becuase it was pulling to the right. I think that the shocks adn springs are probably quite stiff adn that the car doesn't have much give when it comes to bumps and such so the wheels will follow the bumps perhaps? I'll have them check it out when we get the oil changed here.

Well we don't have super low profile tires yet. . . But I'll have the dealership take a look at it when we get the oil changed in a week or two.