Omega Owners Forum

Omega Help Area => Omega General Help => Topic started by: Dave-C on 14 February 2009, 07:49:54

Title: Age Old CAMBER Question...
Post by: Dave-C on 14 February 2009, 07:49:54
I'd love to go to WIM, too far from Stoke!  

We have ABP near to us which is over the border in Cheshire, I've heard some really good reports for this place, anyone heard any to the adverse????

Can someone clarify the front camber settings, I'm aware that the VX ones are WRONG :-[  hence the many reports of inner edge wear!

I have actually straightened up my camber somewhat, but, it's not smack on by any means :o

Due a pair of tyres for the MOT so I want to get it right, I don't trust the Monkeys at our local dealers  :-X

If someone could post up the details I'd be jolly greatful...

Cheers

DC :)



Title: Re: Age Old CAMBER Question...
Post by: Jimbob on 14 February 2009, 09:56:55
All I'm saying is I drove past Stoke on my way to WIM.

IMHO it IS worth the trip.

Most places set to within range, which just isnt good enough on the omega.

I wasted money on this twice before making the trip.

Reckon the tyre savings more than pay for the petrol.
Title: Re: Age Old CAMBER Question...
Post by: HerefordElite on 14 February 2009, 10:04:23
if you can't make it to WIM then you'll have to go for a local and get it set to -1deg40, just make sure they get it equal both sides and not just in the green range on their comp because there is too much tolerance  ::)
Title: Re: Age Old CAMBER Question...
Post by: Loch View on 14 February 2009, 10:04:49
I'd love to go to WIM too but in my case well over 400 miles 1 way is not really an option  :(

Title: Re: Age Old CAMBER Question...
Post by: TheBoy on 14 February 2009, 10:06:46
Quote
I'd love to go to WIM too but in my case well over 400 miles 1 way is not really an option  :(

One of the Scottish admins made the trip  :-X
Title: Re: Age Old CAMBER Question...
Post by: Loch View on 14 February 2009, 10:09:35
 :o lol..well, I think I'd rather have a look around in the area. I'm positive WIM isn't the only place in the UK that is good  ;)
Title: Re: Age Old CAMBER Question...
Post by: Loch View on 14 February 2009, 10:12:16
Or...
I'm going to buy a camber gauge and have a go at it myself  :y
Title: Re: Age Old CAMBER Question...
Post by: Jimbob on 14 February 2009, 10:13:08
Quote
:o lol..well, I think I'd rather have a look around in the area. I'm positive WIM isn't the only place in the UK that is good  ;)


You may start thinking differently id we all list the places we tried BEFORE getting it done properly at WIM.

Its not just a case of being good, its understanding Geometry, and knowing where the manufactures settings are wrong once a car is a few years old.

They have proved their worth time and time again.

I have had 3 omegas, I have made the long trip twice, and woulndt hessitat to do it again.

I just wish i could find someone local who can do it properly.

Local garage have the same gear as WIM, just not a clue how to use it properly.  :'(
Title: Re: Age Old CAMBER Question...
Post by: Jimbob on 14 February 2009, 10:16:55
Dont forget Camber is just a small part of full geometry, which when set correctly totally transforms a cars handling.
Title: Re: Age Old CAMBER Question...
Post by: TheBoy on 14 February 2009, 10:20:57
Quote
:o lol..well, I think I'd rather have a look around in the area. I'm positive WIM isn't the only place in the UK that is good  ;)
Yeah, I thought the same as well.  I spent a fortune on checks (and regular new tyres at £100 per corner), before I bit the bullet and went done there.

Worth contacting them - they may have recommended places near you :y
Title: Re: Age Old CAMBER Question...
Post by: TheBoy on 14 February 2009, 10:21:17
Member here as well btw, wheels-inmotion
Title: Re: Age Old CAMBER Question...
Post by: Loch View on 14 February 2009, 10:23:40
I have no doubt they understand their business. 1 question though...isn't it true that the settings on the Omega gradually go worse over the years?
Which basically would mean that a full geometry set-up is pretty much a waste unless you replace all parts involved. ie. springs, wishbones, etc etc
Title: Re: Age Old CAMBER Question...
Post by: Andy B on 14 February 2009, 10:24:23
Quote
.....
Worth contacting them - they may have recommended places near you :y

Richard went to a place in Bolton ..... wish I'd gone there, as I'm still not convinced with mine that was done in Oldham  :-/
Title: Re: Age Old CAMBER Question...
Post by: Jimbob on 14 February 2009, 10:24:44
Quote
I have no doubt they understand their business. 1 question though...isn't it true that the settings on the Omega gradually go worse over the years?
Which basically would mean that a full geometry set-up is pretty much a waste unless you replace all parts involved. ie. springs, wishbones, etc etc


Yes....unless you go to someone who has revised the figures for an older car....Just like WIM ;)
Title: Re: Age Old CAMBER Question...
Post by: Loch View on 14 February 2009, 10:24:56
Thanks The Boy. I'll contact them  :y
Title: Re: Age Old CAMBER Question...
Post by: Loch View on 14 February 2009, 10:26:41
agreed Jimbob, but I also thought 1 of the reasons the camber goes off is the weakening of the springs. Better replace them anyway them  :y
Title: Re: Age Old CAMBER Question...
Post by: TheBoy on 14 February 2009, 10:27:24
Quote
I have no doubt they understand their business. 1 question though...isn't it true that the settings on the Omega gradually go worse over the years?
Which basically would mean that a full geometry set-up is pretty much a waste unless you replace all parts involved. ie. springs, wishbones, etc etc
This is where WIM's understanding of the car helps - they will adjust to overcome the older components (wishbone bushes/trackrods/etc obviously all have to be in servicable condition)
Title: Re: Age Old CAMBER Question...
Post by: Loch View on 14 February 2009, 10:31:38
Quote
Quote
I have no doubt they understand their business. 1 question though...isn't it true that the settings on the Omega gradually go worse over the years?
Which basically would mean that a full geometry set-up is pretty much a waste unless you replace all parts involved. ie. springs, wishbones, etc etc
This is where WIM's understanding of the car helps - they will adjust to overcome the older components (wishbone bushes/trackrods/etc obviously all have to be in servicable condition)

Right, I get it  :y
Well I'm off to replace almost the entire front suspension now..talk to you guys later and hopefully not with issues ;D
Title: Re: Age Old CAMBER Question...
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 14 February 2009, 10:35:41
The VX settings are not wrong by any means, the original set was -1deg 40' (and they were all VERY close to this)

The recommended setting for a used car is closer to -1deg 10' due to the ageing of the suspension components.

The trouble is that the tolerance Vx plced on the original setting is massive!

And yes, a camber gauge or a spirit levl will get you very close to the optimum setting.....then you need to get the front and rear toe set to!
Title: Re: Age Old CAMBER Question...
Post by: GastronomicKleptomaniac on 14 February 2009, 18:35:23
I drove a 500 mile round trip to get mine done... it ended up being closer to 650 miles since I went in search of windy country roads. Transformed the car completely, well worth it.
Title: Re: Age Old CAMBER Question...
Post by: Andyb on 14 February 2009, 19:32:05
i did wim last week on the sunday night monday morning round trip of 350 miles in the snow and ice and real bad road conditions
but i must say worth all the effort the car feels so different now
Title: Re: Age Old CAMBER Question...
Post by: Loch View on 14 February 2009, 19:37:26
and what's the cost of a full setup at WIM?
Title: Re: Age Old CAMBER Question...
Post by: bigdods on 14 February 2009, 19:45:03
I'm off to WIM on tuesday as the miggy has eaten another set of front tyres (yes its the inside edge again) grrrr.
IIRC its £70 isnt it ? or thereabouts anyway, thats what I seem to remember paying last time.
Title: Re: Age Old CAMBER Question...
Post by: Loch View on 14 February 2009, 20:00:54
£70 is quite alright. Pretty cheap actually  :)

IIRC when I was restoring a Porsche 924 last summer, a local garage wanted around £120 for just the camber setup  :o
Title: Re: Age Old CAMBER Question...
Post by: TheBoy on 14 February 2009, 20:05:26
Quote
and what's the cost of a full setup at WIM?
OOF members get it for £60 + VAT :)
Title: Re: Age Old CAMBER Question...
Post by: Loch View on 14 February 2009, 20:10:15
They should open a branche in Scotland  >:( :)
Title: Re: Age Old CAMBER Question...
Post by: stuyg on 14 February 2009, 22:09:14
are these the people? http://www.wheels-inmotion.co.uk/wim-location.php
Title: Re: Age Old CAMBER Question...
Post by: Martin_1962 on 14 February 2009, 22:30:06
Quote
are these the people? http://www.wheels-inmotion.co.uk/wim-location.php


 :y :y :y :y
Title: Re: Age Old CAMBER Question...
Post by: stuyg on 14 February 2009, 22:35:12
cool only 20 mins away
what a result  :)
Title: Re: Age Old CAMBER Question...
Post by: Seth on 14 February 2009, 22:42:58
Quote
They should open a branche in Scotland  >:( :)

Agreed - plus a branch in South Wales too .... !
Title: Re: Age Old CAMBER Question...
Post by: feeutfo on 14 February 2009, 23:17:24
hi Ruud, imho it is sensable to take the advice given. A forum is a gold mine of info esp. this one. There are countless members in here who have been through the mill with set up and yes you may find a company nearer to you than wim who can do the job. But how long and much will it cost to find?
The advice is given as a sure fire way of achieveing your goal in the easiest quickest and cheapest way possible.

Couple of other things, there are numerous other settings other than camber that can effect tire ware, handeling, and your wallet. Only way to set them accurately is by a laser alignment machine and a full geometry set up.

In order to set up, the car must have bushes in good condition, steering idler with no wear and no broken springs.

Also consider the likelyhood of any  suspension parts that may need changing in future, to pass an mot for instance, like leaking front shocks, any springs, or rear donut bushes, because any subsequent change in parts can alter the set again and need re doing. But only you can know how far you want to take this.

 Personally i have changed all except front shocks and springs and still have a wandering issue.

Whatever you decide, give Tony a ring and have a chat, hes a smashing guy and will help where ever if can.

We must be due another wim meet by now surely... Anyone?

Title: Re: Age Old CAMBER Question...
Post by: Loch View on 14 February 2009, 23:58:55
Hi Chris,

I'm in the middle of replacing a few things.  I figured I'd do that before a setup
Did the passenger side wishbone, steering idler, shock & Spring, hub & bearing today. Tomorrow the other side  :)
Title: Re: Age Old CAMBER Question...
Post by: feeutfo on 15 February 2009, 00:49:01
 :y
Quote
Hi Chris,

I'm in the middle of replacing a few things.  I figured I'd do that before a setup
Did the passenger side wishbone, steering idler, shock & Spring, hub & bearing today. Tomorrow the other side  :)
;) ;) ;) ;) ;) ;) :-)