Omega Owners Forum

Omega Help Area => Omega General Help => Topic started by: markfree on 14 May 2009, 12:43:33

Title: Problem with front susp/steering/brakes
Post by: markfree on 14 May 2009, 12:43:33
I'm getting a thumping/banging sound - I think from the front end - when I go over 30mph.
Dont think it's engine as it rev's ok in neutral with no sound.
It's definitely speed related as the banging gets fater the faster you go - and turning either left/right at low speeds you can definitely hear the banging.
I think it's possibly bearings - can anyone shed any light of what could be the cause.
Cheers in advance :y
Title: Re: Problem with front susp/steering/brakes
Post by: NiallyV6CDX on 14 May 2009, 13:04:51
Have you checked your wheels and tyres are all ok? Doubt its anything to do with the steering.
Title: Re: Problem with front susp/steering/brakes
Post by: Cybertrucker on 14 May 2009, 13:19:10
Front wheel bearings, from my experience with a Granada, tend to be more of a grinding, rumbling sound rather than banging.

Is it a regular beat which increases with speed, like a bang for each revolution of the wheels, or is it more irregular, like the bumps in the road?  Do you feel it through the steering, like the wheel kicks with each bang?  Does the car steer okay or does it wander about?  Did it come on suddenly or has it been building for a while?  Does it get worse/better/same when you brake, and does it brake in a nice straight line or pull to one side?  (You should attempt all the questions.  Write on one side of the paper only.  You have one hour starting now.  ;D )

As NiallyV6CDX says, check your wheels and tyres.  Are your wheelnuts done up tight?  Are the tyres okay, no bits missing or flapping about loose and hitting the bodywork?

Whatever it is it sounds potentially dangerous, so I wouldn't use the car too much until it's sorted.
Title: Re: Problem with front susp/steering/brakes
Post by: markfree on 14 May 2009, 15:04:20
You were spot on guys - the n/s/f wheel nuts had worked their way loose and the wheel was banging around. :y
It's a bit disconcerting really as I haven't touched the car since it's MOT last month - I suppose they could have worked loose but I'm a little worried in case someone wants to do me in :o
Anyway thanks for the help :y
Title: Re: Problem with front susp/steering/brakes
Post by: NiallyV6CDX on 14 May 2009, 15:25:19
I would have serious words with the garage who did the MOT!!! >:(

That could have resulted in a serious accident!!!
Title: Re: Problem with front susp/steering/brakes
Post by: NiallyV6CDX on 14 May 2009, 15:26:18
Check all the others while your at it just in case too!!! :exclamation
Title: Re: Problem with front susp/steering/brakes
Post by: Cybertrucker on 14 May 2009, 16:04:49
Check the holes in the wheel which the bolts go through - they might have been damaged through moving against the bolts.  If they've become elongated then they won't locate the wheel properly, so your wheel might be scrap.  Worth checking the bolts for damage as well, though they're steel so should be okay - in a fight between steel bolts and an aluminium wheel the wheel is going to come off worst.

Glad you've found the problem though - it could have been very nasty!