If your vehicle is showing car feels floaty or disconnected from the road, here are the most likely causes and the parts you'll need to fix each one.
Shocks and struts dampen the suspension's movement. When they wear out or leak fluid, the vehicle will bounce excessively over bumps and dips, leading to a floaty, boat-like ride.
Underinflated tires lack sidewall stability, making the steering feel mushy and disconnected. Conversely, severely overinflated tires reduce the contact patch, making the car feel skittish.
If the toe or caster angles are out of specification, the car will wander and lack a strong center feel. This is highly common after hitting a pothole or failing to perform an alignment after replacing suspension parts.
The sway bar keeps the car flat during cornering. Worn links or bushings allow excessive body roll, contributing to a disconnected, swaying sensation when changing lanes or turning.
Rubber bushings in the control arms degrade over time, allowing the wheels to shift slightly under load. This translates to a wandering, vague steering feel that requires constant correction.
Tie rods connect the steering rack to the wheels. Wear introduces play in the steering, meaning small steering wheel movements don't immediately translate to the road, creating a disconnected feel.
Internal wear in the steering rack creates a dead zone in the center of the steering wheel. You can move the wheel slightly left or right without the car changing direction.