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[zoltron]

Up until recently I've had many months of trouble free motoring, I had the geometry adjusted last month without problems, however since then I have noticed a wobble from the steering wheel when hitting potholes or when driving on uneven roads, the car also wants to pull to the left under braking, anyone have any idea if this is normal behaviour as now the steering wheel since the geometry alterations does seem alot lighter, and if not where is the best place to look for a problem. I'm thinking the pull to the left may be a problem with the brake pads which I'm getting changed when I get time

Cheers....

[Marks DTM Calib]

Sounds more likely that the geometry might not be correct, who did it and do you have the printed results?

I might be able to make something of it but, Tony from WIM sometimes pops over and I am sure he can advise.

[zoltron]

http://www.omegaowners.com/forum/YaBB.pl?num=1155844632/17#17

these are the before and after results I had previously posted here, I do remember tony replying later on in the thread but he didn't see anything wrong.

[TheBoy]

need to check for wear in steering components and suspension then. Favourites are steering idler, wishbone bushes.

[zoltron]

wishbones were changed earlier this year, but not the steering idler, where is this steering idler located and what should I look for?

[TheBoy]

passenger side, where track rod attaches to centre rod, there is a steering idler arm that attaches to chassis and allows it to pivot

[Pride and Joy]

hi guys - back on after pc problems!! I'm haveing the same sort of problems car seems to have a mind of its own on roads with odd cambers etc - car seems to sort of crab. Can the geometry be done at local Kwik Fit, or that sort of place or has it got to go to the dreaded VXH dealership?

[JasonH]

Geometry on an Omega really shouldn't be done at any Kwik Fit type place - they don't have the knowledge or equipment. Vx dealer's often don't have the right equipment either. You need a specialist or a crash repair centre.

Before you get it adjusted I'd get your wishbones checked. They fail and give the symptoms you describe.

[Hillper]

I think everyone goes through this at some time during the ownership of an Omega!

The odd feeling on uneven roads is common.  It's called 'tramlining'.  Feels like the wheels are stuck in a tram line.

Affected by steering and wheel geometry, worn wheel/steering/suspension components, tyre type and condition!

Geometry has to be set up by someone who knows what they're doing.  The Omega's suspension has multiple adjustments (despite what Kwikfit or a dealer may tell you) and present multiple opportunities for mis-adjustment.

I had mine done twice at two different, so called 4 wheel geometry specialists and twice, they got it wrong.

Tony in Watford is you best bet.

[TheBoy]

Tony in Watford is you best bet.

http://www.wheels-inmotion.co.uk - he has a good forum, and site is a mine of useful info

[wheels-inmotion]

I am quite worried! Initial question is why if you had trouble fee motoring did you have the Geometry measured and adjusted? That answer aside i can assure you the complaint is not Geometrical, more likely mechanical component wear.

The wobble on a bump (depending on duration) reads like under-active dampers unable to suppress the coils release or re-coil.
More worrying is the pull... Logic suggests if a reaction is born from the action then that is the area to addressed. By braking all wear will be realised from the vehicles inertia, this is normal assuming the bushings are evenly worn and compliant to design limitations.

A simple test for you.... (Please ensure the test area is safe) ....  Cruse at 20mph and (DAB) the brake? If the car snaps to one side or you feel a thump at the steering wheel/ brake pedal then the rear wishbone bushings are worn violating the castor angle permitting the wheel to steer.

That test did not address possible brake issues though? So... First look at the front discs... What color are they?.. If one is bluish then you have a binding brake.... Next, Is the brake peddle harder than previously? The pedal pressure is another sign of a binding caliper....

Lastly.. If the brakes are an issue then there is a (cold) period when the brakes work as designed, as the bind captures the disc unwanted friction will deliver all manor of complaints.... How does your car drive in the initial (cold) period?

[STMO123]

WIM. You have this uncanny knack of killing threads stone dead.

I'm sure there must be people out there who can keep up with you, but not many

[TheBoy]

WIM. You have this uncanny knack of killing threads stone dead.

I'm sure there must be people out there who can keep up with you, but not many

WIM has confirmed its a wear type issue, rather than a geometry issue. Personally, I'd look for play in all components, but I like WIM's idea of pinpointing by how car reacts to different forces.  If only I could grasp how 'non adjustables' on Omega (castor, KPI etc) are adjusted...  

[wheels-inmotion]

WIM. You have this uncanny knack of killing threads stone dead.

I'm sure there must be people out there who can keep up with you, but not many

Sorry! but the post is quite serious and i need to cover as much testing ground as possible for the poster...... And indeed the observer if the information is deemed valuable..

Please don't think of me as the 'Executioner'.... Expansion of knowledge is why we are all here, wim is not finite to say the least.

[STMO123]

WIM. You have this uncanny knack of killing threads stone dead.

I'm sure there must be people out there who can keep up with you, but not many

Sorry! but the post is quite serious and i need to cover as much testing ground as possible for the poster...... And indeed the observer if the information is deemed valuable..

Please don't think of me as the 'Executioner'.... Expansion of knowledge is why we are all here, wim is not finite to say the least.

There you go again