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« on: 15 September 2021, 13:22:04 »
I finally managed to get the Mig down to WIM in Chesham for the full monty and I thought other members might be interested in the experience and thoughts following the work. I also think it might be helpful to give an update on personnel there and likely costs. Finally, did I think it was worth the £105 + VAT that I paid.
A bit of background first. I've had my current Omega (my third) for getting on for two years with the intention of running it as a modern classic. It drove rather sloppily when I first got it and I know that whilst not being a sports car, a well sorted one drives very well.
During my ownership I've done the usual recommended things on here for returning it to something like how a new car drives.
New springs and dampers all round, (Sachs/Monroe)(renewed strut bump stops, bearings and dust shields, new poly-bushed front wishbones, used and re-furbished 17" Elite wheels with new rubber. (Avons) renewed rear doughnuts (which I was dreading but was actually quite easy) New discs and pads all round. I also flushed the brake fluid. I did buy a set of rear handbrake shoes, but the originals fitted by Vauxhall were so barely worn, I left them in. I also did the front drop links and changed the front and rear track control arms. These were not particularly worn on my car but were seized solid. I figured if they should fail following a full geometry, it would be rather annoying.
Arrived at WIM and met Joe who does the twiddly stuff on their Hunter rig. His predecessor Tony, often mentioned on here has now retired. Joe seemed knowledgeable and finished the job in just under an hour. He gave me an estimate when i booked of a maximum of £139 +VAT depending on what needed adjustment. They now charge on a per adjustment basis. I though this seemed a bit expensive, but decided to give it a go. They do not offer an OOF discount. I was interested to hear that they only do a couple of Omega's a year now.
Once connected up to the machine and the first readings were displayed, Joe said this must have been a bit lively on the way down! there was a lot of RED. Obviously I had tried to replace all the relevant items as carefully as I could to avoid changing settings, but It isn't an exact science.
Now on to the verdict, which is I would absolutely recommend this service. It really is a night and day difference. How so? On the way down to Chesham the car was driving OK. Tended to tramline a little bit, bump steer quite noticeable and I have found driving with one hand on the wheel and the elbow on the armrest was a little uncertain. One thing I didn't appreciate until after the work was the steering would load up and unload, depending on the steering angle selected. This was fairly subtle, but once it disappeared it made a huge difference to how smooth the car turned and tracked. The tramlining and bump steer has totally disappeared. Vehicle positioning entering and exciting roundabouts and the like suddenly feels far more precise.
As a final comment, I thought about what changes during my ownership has reaped the most noticeable benefits.
I would say that for my car: -
1. WIM set up
2. Rear Do-nuts
3. Front Wishbones
4. 17" wheels and new rubber (no self levelling)
Of course the new springs and dampers made a big difference, but the better location of the front and rear suspension following the wishbones/do-nuts was a biggie.
Regards,
Graham.
