Omega Owners Forum

Chat Area => General Discussion Area => Topic started by: TheBoy on 28 April 2008, 19:15:46

Title: Tractor has been WIM'd
Post by: TheBoy on 28 April 2008, 19:15:46
Today, the tractor went into Wheel-InMotion for a new set of boots, and the full WIM geometry treatment.

We all know that Wheels-InMotion have built up a deserved reputation for doing an excellent job, hence why it was worth the 3hr round trip to Chesham.

The result? Transformation :D.  As regular followers of the tractor saga know, its not shy in being a bit tail happy, which is probably part of the reason the rear tyres lasted 4k (OSR) and 7k (NSR).   The other part of the reason was rear geometry was significantly out.

Now, she travels at speed without constantly fighting a wander and a constant pull :).  And the vibrations have disappeared for the first time since I've had the car (most likely rear wheel balancing).  She also goes around roundabouts with the rear end stubbornly following the front, rather than overtaking the front - not as much fun, but I can carry better speed now.


Now WIM are officially open for business at their new centre, if you need geometry, book it in. Remember to mention Omega Owners for a fixed £85 charge :).

If you think your car just needs tracking, think again - the tractor has obviously had tracking done at some point, but never had the root cause of wear/handling fixed (the rear was out).  4 wheel alignment doesn't ensure your rear is straight, only that rear wheels follow front.  Get a full geometry check done!
Title: Re: Tractor has been WIM'd
Post by: Dazzler on 28 April 2008, 19:31:47
Glad to hear you have it all sorted Jaime, another top job :y

How much more is on your todo list for your Omegas then ::)??
Title: Re: Tractor has been WIM'd
Post by: amigov6 on 28 April 2008, 19:35:02
Since fitting the MV6 wheels i can feel the camber problem so i guess mine needs wimmin' too!!! ::)
Title: Re: Tractor has been WIM'd
Post by: TheBoy on 28 April 2008, 19:41:06
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Since fitting the MV6 wheels i can feel the camber problem so i guess mine needs wimmin' too!!! ::)
get down there before it chews the rubber off (it may do this very quickly!)
Title: Re: Tractor has been WIM'd
Post by: amigov6 on 28 April 2008, 19:56:02
Tyre co. knew what it was but did'nt want to do it! :o
Title: Re: Tractor has been WIM'd
Post by: TheBoy on 28 April 2008, 20:04:46
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Tyre co. knew what it was but did'nt want to do it! :o
I wouldn't trust someone who did not truely know what they were doing - its not just a case of making it go green ;)
Title: Re: Tractor has been WIM'd
Post by: VXL V6 on 28 April 2008, 21:18:41
It certainly isn't a case of 'in the green' as Tony explained in detail to me! The back setup on mine was as near as spot onbut the front was all over the shop.

Unfortunately my wishbones are worn (new set in the boot awaiting a return visit to WIM) but Tony set the car up spot on and is going to fit the new wishbones and set it all up again.

On mine the transformation was from barge (that I always assumed was just the way Omega's are) to driven on rails, it really is that dramatic a change!

One thing I would add is that Tony also supplies the tyres at very good prices, along with having a tyre fitting machine that doesn't touch the rim and a balance machine that balances via the bolt holes.  :y
Title: Re: Tractor has been WIM'd
Post by: amigov6 on 28 April 2008, 21:29:45
I've got a knackered wishbone on the offending side & i need front discs & pads SOON. Got some budgeting to do or might not be able to afford the Lakesmeet. Be better off in the next 9 months..loan cleared after 5 yrs but sailing close to the wind 'til then! ::)
    Can a winkered wishbone affect the camber?
Title: Re: Tractor has been WIM'd
Post by: platty on 28 April 2008, 21:52:43
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Can a winkered wishbone affect the camber?

Yes, massively. When I first got my Meega the front wishbones were both shot - this left me with a tyre like this:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v241/chrispy_platt/Mega%20Drive/DSC00992.jpg

If you think the wishbone is causing tyre wear - change it asap!!!

edit: Sorry - pic was bigger than expected
Title: Re: Tractor has been WIM'd
Post by: amigov6 on 28 April 2008, 22:14:18
Yeah, got serious neg on the front. So i really need both wishbones, front discs & pads before i knacker the tyres. Luckily i cover low mileages & can afford to get it sorted but no meets for me this year.
   That's ok i needed a new tent anyway so saved a few quid there! :(
Title: Re: Tractor has been WIM'd
Post by: TheBoy on 28 April 2008, 22:21:33
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Yeah, got serious neg on the front. So i really need both wishbones, front discs & pads before i knacker the tyres. Luckily i cover low mileages & can afford to get it sorted but no meets for me this year.
   That's ok i needed a new tent anyway so saved a few quid there! :(
can't you get a lift with someone to the meets?
Title: Re: Tractor has been WIM'd
Post by: amigov6 on 28 April 2008, 22:53:44
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Yeah, got serious neg on the front. So i really need both wishbones, front discs & pads before i knacker the tyres. Luckily i cover low mileages & can afford to get it sorted but no meets for me this year.
   That's ok i needed a new tent anyway so saved a few quid there! :(
can't you get a lift with someone to the meets?
Could'nt go without the car, she'd never forgive me! Rather get it all fixed up with new parts fighting fit for next year. :y
Title: Re: Tractor has been WIM'd
Post by: bob.dent on 29 April 2008, 09:48:48
Good to hear Jaime. :y I'm booked in on Friday this week for geometry and new front boots. It's a bit of a trek for me now that he's moved from Hemel Hempstead but worth it. :)
Title: Re: Tractor has been WIM'd
Post by: TheBoy on 29 April 2008, 09:51:50
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Good to hear Jaime. :y I'm booked in on Friday this week for geometry and new front boots. It's a bit of a trek for me now that he's moved from Hemel Hempstead but worth it. :)
Its only 6 or 7 miles the other side of Hemel - Boxmoor, Bovingdon, Chesham ;)
Title: Re: Tractor has been WIM'd
Post by: bob.dent on 29 April 2008, 09:54:41
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Good to hear Jaime. :y I'm booked in on Friday this week for geometry and new front boots. It's a bit of a trek for me now that he's moved from Hemel Hempstead but worth it. :)
Its only 6 or 7 miles the other side of Hemel - Boxmoor, Bovingdon, Chesham ;)

Great, I thought it was quite a bit further than that but then I haven't checked on the map yet. ::) Probably take me about an hour or so each way then so not so bad. :y
Title: Re: Tractor has been WIM'd
Post by: Mr Hagon on 29 April 2008, 13:27:02
It's amazing how sorting out the geometry can make such a difference.  Thinking this through is it worth doing the geometry along with a four wheel alignment, or would that sort of thing be included by WIM?

I guess I'm asking as when I get round to it, new tyres will be needed at some point and reading all the threads on tyres, alignment, geometry, wishbones/droplinks etc. a trip to WIM to have it all done at once sounds like money and time well spent.

Mr Hagon
Title: Re: Tractor has been WIM'd
Post by: Kevin Wood on 29 April 2008, 13:29:59
Yep. Not worth getting any alignment work done unless it's the WIM treatment, IMHO. Have been elsewhere and still got uneven wear.

It doesn't take long to wear 85 quid's worth of rubber from a set of tyres without it, believe me!

Kevin
Title: Re: Tractor has been WIM'd
Post by: TheBoy on 29 April 2008, 15:42:57
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It's amazing how sorting out the geometry can make such a difference.  Thinking this through is it worth doing the geometry along with a four wheel alignment, or would that sort of thing be included by WIM?

I guess I'm asking as when I get round to it, new tyres will be needed at some point and reading all the threads on tyres, alignment, geometry, wishbones/droplinks etc. a trip to WIM to have it all done at once sounds like money and time well spent.

Mr Hagon
Geometry check includes alignment :y
Title: Re: Tractor has been WIM'd
Post by: TheBoy on 29 April 2008, 15:45:10
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Yep. Not worth getting any alignment work done unless it's the WIM treatment, IMHO. Have been elsewhere and still got uneven wear.

It doesn't take long to wear 85 quid's worth of rubber from a set of tyres without it, believe me!

Kevin
I was eating up £250 worth of fronts every 6 months. Had it tracked, 4 wheel aligned, etc several times before Wheels-InMotion cured it for me.  Tyre wear and handling now excellent on MV6 (and hopefully tractor, but only done yesterday, so too early to tell, but handling is much improved)
Title: Re: Tractor has been WIM'd
Post by: amigov6 on 29 April 2008, 18:16:07
Hope wishbones sort the camber problem. They'll get done with the discs/pads. Can't afford to trek off to Wim.
    Fingers crossed. :y
Title: Re: Tractor has been WIM'd
Post by: TheBoy on 29 April 2008, 18:17:41
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Hope wishbones sort the camber problem. They'll get done with the discs/pads. Can't afford to trek off to Wim.
    Fingers crossed. :y
Sadly, it will need resetting after suspension work - not just as a result of the work, but also the wear on the car :(
Title: Re: Tractor has been WIM'd
Post by: Albatross on 29 April 2008, 18:56:18
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Good to hear Jaime. :y I'm booked in on Friday this week for geometry and new front boots. It's a bit of a trek for me now that he's moved from Hemel Hempstead but worth it. :)
Its only 6 or 7 miles the other side of Hemel - Boxmoor, Bovingdon, Chesham ;)

Great, I thought it was quite a bit further than that but then I haven't checked on the map yet. ::) Probably take me about an hour or so each way then so not so bad. :y

WIM new premises is on the OOF map as a yellow "meeting point" marker.
 :y
Title: Re: Tractor has been WIM'd
Post by: humbucker on 29 April 2008, 19:05:03
if i hadn't spent a small fortune on the mothership this month already i'd be there with bells on. think i'm going to plan a trip after the next payday or two. or three...

makes sense, i do so many more miles than i used to and i do get through tyres...

Title: Re: Tractor has been WIM'd
Post by: iggy21uk on 29 April 2008, 19:51:21
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Yep. Not worth getting any alignment work done unless it's the WIM treatment, IMHO. Have been elsewhere and still got uneven wear.

It doesn't take long to wear 85 quid's worth of rubber from a set of tyres without it, believe me!

Kevin

I agree with that !
Was 12miles away now 6 miles   :y