Omega Owners Forum
Omega Help Area => Omega General Help => Topic started by: Bionic on 02 March 2009, 10:57:19
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Hi;
Both front wishbones have been changed for new manufacturers ones but the front still feels as though it is wandering when it hits an uneven road suface. It has just passed its MOT and there is no wear in any steering joints. The suspension and shocks are fine too. The test station I use is very strict and the test is a one by the book which is why I use them.
Could it be that the wishbones were not installed correctly as they look to be only capable of being installed one way as they are left and right handed.
What else could it be?
Cheers
Ray
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When was the alignment last checked? Omegas are very sensitive to correct settings, its worth a visit to Wheels In Motion to get it bob on. He did my car, and it transforms the handling. Well worth the 250 mile drive to get there.
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It needs a full geometry check/set up after changing w/bones - not just your everyday tyre centre allignment.
Worn steering idler can also cause this behavious I believe.
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Mine recently failed MOT on Steering Idler and i was amazed at the difference when i replaced it so might be worth a go, quite an easy job and about £30 for part :y
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feel or observe the very top of the spring as a helper turns the wheel back and forth. There is a bearing in the spring top mount which can become damaged. Rotation should be smooth with no sign of jerkiness.
If this bearing becomes stiff or the bearing tracks get pitted then there is a tendancy for rotational tension to be held in the spring which makes for very odd steering when crossing camber changes or meeting patches in the road.
If bearings are smooth and idler etc are OK then get a full alignment done. I can recommend Fleetfit Tyres in Loughborough, they have the right gear including the sliding plates for the rear tyres which most places do not.
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Thanx everyone but as I said, the MOT was a really intensive one and had me worried at the time as I watched through the window. They really went to town on it and checked, felt, looked, prised, pulled and turned just about anything that could, would or did move or do anything!
Needles to say my worry turned to joy as it was given a clean bill of health and I was then told, after I asked if there were any points that may need attention within the next year and I was told no, the car was in excellent mechanical condition.
I have checked the tyre pressures, the tyres, the rims, and every bolt and joint that I can. I have found no moving part loose, worn, tight or siezed and all of the mountings are the correct torque.
As I have not hit any kerbs, or anything else comes to that and as I had the full alignment checked at national tyres 4 months before the test after having had the new wishbones fitted it cannot be that that is the problem.
STUMPED now........
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Two comments on the above.
1) The MOT would not have spotted a failed strutt bearing.
2) As a rule, the lot at National tyres can barely set thier watches, they certianly cant set the Omega chassis settings to optimal. :y
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As Mark/Matchless said..
Allignment even if done correctly dows not include camber which (I am opretty sure) needs setting after changing wishbones.
But check your strut bearing, idler etc first - you want all those things out of the way before getting the geometry done.
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well your not to far from wheels in motion mate
i have just replaced all the components of the suspention and the car still wandered and trammed all over the shop,
but after a trip to the above it now runs straight and true no matter what the road surface.
And please please dont go any place else you will be waisting you hard earned cash
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Get yourself over to Tony at Wheels In Motion in chesham. £60+VAT for a full geo setup is the price for OOF members. My Omega was tramlining really badly , would wander all over the place at the slightest suggestion of a ripple in the roadsurface.
Tony sorted all that out. MOT doesnt check for Geo alignment, and none of the usual suspects (kwik fit etc) have either the equipment or the knowledge to set an Omega up properly.
http://www.wheels-inmotion.co.uk/