Omega Owners Forum

Omega Help Area => Omega General Help => Topic started by: Colin G on 23 May 2009, 08:49:28

Title: Car sitting too low
Post by: Colin G on 23 May 2009, 08:49:28
Hi Guys & Gals
Have just bought a 96 CDX Estate which drives as sweet as a nut however, it seems to sit a little too low particualrly at the rear to the point where it is bottoming out on the dreading speed bumps.

I do know the car was previously owned by a disabled driver and wonder whether it is likely that the suspension was lowered.  Handling wise the car is fine.

I did see a thread on here comparing the heights but I don't seem to be able to find it anymore.  Is it simply a case of replacing the rear springs with "oringinal" or will the shocks need doing as well?

I don't see any leakage from the shocks and don't think I have the self levelling suspension on this vehicle.

Cheers for any assistance

Col
Title: Re: Car sitting too low
Post by: MV6Matt on 23 May 2009, 08:59:32
Are the shocks adjustable (might have been put on for the previous owner?!)
replacing might be the best way to be absolutely sure - can you check them to see what sort they are?

Could be shot of course!

Good luck :y
Title: Re: Car sitting too low
Post by: Colin G on 23 May 2009, 09:39:53
Hi,
Have just had rear wheel off drivers side.  The shocks are GM originals and I didn't clock any pipework going to the shock suggesting there was any self levelling.  The springs don't look too bad and I counted 5 "coils" - whether this is relevant or not.
Title: Re: Car sitting too low
Post by: pauldmackay on 23 May 2009, 11:58:49
If you've not got self leveling shocks, and as you say the car sitting low, it can only be the springs.

The springs are what set the ride height on your car as they take the weight of the car not the shocks(exception of course to self-leveling omega).

If the car been carrying a lot weight reguarly then the springs going weak isn't uncommon, you could though have broken rings on the springs at either the top of bottom of the springs, again this is common.

Change your springs.
Title: Re: Car sitting too low
Post by: Colin G on 31 May 2009, 10:35:49
Okay, have changed the springs - they were shot - broken coils.  However, it still seems to be sitting too low.  My only real issue is that the car doesn't ride over speed bumps as I expect it should - i.e. it scrapes.

I've measure from the floor to the bottom of the wheel arch across the centre of the wheel and it measures 630mm - could someone check their estate and let me know if this coreect or what the actual measurement should be.

Cheers

Col
Title: Re: Car sitting too low
Post by: steverubberduck on 31 May 2009, 10:44:36
I don't know if this helps, but this is a side on pic of my estate...
I haven't done anything to the suspension, not yet anyway. :y
(http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm90/v6veccie/omega/IMG_0012.jpg)
Title: Re: Car sitting too low
Post by: KillerWatt on 31 May 2009, 16:48:17
Well that pic shows the back end of your's to be a lot lower than mine, although your front end appears to have the same clearance that mine has.

For reference (using your measuring method)...

670mm on the front
700mm on the rear

January 2000 (V plate) 2.5 CDX Estate.
Title: Re: Car sitting too low
Post by: Colin G on 31 May 2009, 19:26:27
Thanks guys.

hmmmmmm, bummer, wonder if I've got bought crap springs - ebay purchase as that's nearly 3" difference in old money.

BTW, love the look of your's Steven
Title: Re: Car sitting too low
Post by: jonathanh on 31 May 2009, 19:34:39
post up the brand and part number: we'll check it out for you
Title: Re: Car sitting too low
Post by: Colin G on 31 May 2009, 23:57:21
There doesn't appear to be a brand name on them however, this is the link to the ebay item.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&item=330278241662
Title: Re: Car sitting too low
Post by: JezInBrum on 01 June 2009, 10:38:19
My last saloon had a similar sounding problem. It was the subframe bushes that had started to fail. After thet were changed the ride hight was greater.