I have a problem similar to 2jag below but my fish tailing occurs sporadically on DRY roads. It can happen on sharp curves or hitting a dip in the road with one wheel or just going around a corner or just out of the blue. I just bought the car a couple weeks ago and the former owner told me the front and rear tires are not a match.. Can this mismatch cause the problem? It's a 2003 X type with just under 112000 miles showing. Any help is appreciated.

 

Mismatched tires could cause the problem, especially if the type of tires on the fronts and rears were really diferent, like extreme summer tires on the back and and good all season tires on the front. However, more than likely is you have some suspension components that are very worn in the back. Have the control arms and sway bar checked to make sure the bushing aren't worn.

 

Look up member "Thermo" rear upper control arms retro fit. If they are bad, into a turn giving it some acceleration it feels like the rear wants to "come around on you". While at it, do what Alpha suggested. I did the rear front lower arms because they were shot. Sway bar was fine and mine already had "Thermo'd" upper control arms.

 

Thanks for the replies guys. Checking the tires I find they are the same size but very diferent in the tread. There isnt a lot of tread left so I'll try getting four new tires and see what that fixes. I just had it have a PA inspection and the rear end did appear tio be good and tight. Thanks again!!!

 

Also, the rear front lower control arms will cause this. If they are bad, just heed the requirement to torque the bolts/nuts after installation with the full weight of the car sitting on the ground not up in the air.