Omega Owners Forum

Omega Help Area => Omega General Help => Topic started by: mathewst on 17 October 2009, 15:07:07

Title: back end sliding advice needed
Post by: mathewst on 17 October 2009, 15:07:07
My back end started sliding heavily today.
This happens when I turn right, left turn isn't the issue it seems.
And the biggest problem I'm out of the country  and should journey back home today evening.
What is the possible cause of this (shocks, springs etc...?
Please help!!!!
Title: Re: back end sliding advice needed
Post by: tunnie on 17 October 2009, 15:08:49
expand more on 'sliding' loosing grip?
Title: Re: back end sliding advice needed
Post by: mathewst on 17 October 2009, 15:12:36
When turning right my back end went twice out of control and started sliding in the oposite lane ( left lane, cause I'm in europe) And I was driving slowly
Title: Re: back end sliding advice needed
Post by: tunnie on 17 October 2009, 15:15:42
sounds rather drastic, your tyres are not bald are they?  ;D

Assuming you don't have an LSD? (never seen one fitted to a 4pot)
Title: Re: back end sliding advice needed
Post by: mathewst on 17 October 2009, 15:18:00
Tyres are 6 months old and pretty good. When I press the car (back end) it wobbles up and down a bit.
LSD, if you mean air susspension no I dont have it
Title: Re: back end sliding advice needed
Post by: tunnie on 17 October 2009, 15:20:17
LSD = Limited Slip Diff

Do this as a test, with the car parked up push down once firmly at each rear corner. How many 'bounces' does it do before it stops and returns to normal? It should be instant. If not your shocks are worn. Check for any leaking fluid around the top of the shocks too.
Title: Re: back end sliding advice needed
Post by: mathewst on 17 October 2009, 15:23:54
It does bounce up and down maybe two or three times but only slightly. I've looked at them but there seem to be no leaks visible
Title: Re: back end sliding advice needed
Post by: tunnie on 17 October 2009, 15:25:03
Quote
It does bounce up and down maybe two or three times but only slightly. I've looked at them but there seem to be no leaks visible

It should return straight away, sounds like they are worn, but they should not cause the rear to slide away unless you reallying putting your foot down.
Title: Re: back end sliding advice needed
Post by: belldarr on 17 October 2009, 15:25:48
Bit of a long shot but just check you don't have brake fluid leaking from the rear brake, it would drip onto the wheel then spread all over the place very quickly on the affected side.

Does it wheelspin when your setting off??

Darren
Title: Re: back end sliding advice needed
Post by: mathewst on 17 October 2009, 15:26:23
No I didn't put my foot down even once and that is why I'm worried.
Title: Re: back end sliding advice needed
Post by: Ghost on 17 October 2009, 16:36:14
Have you looked at your stabi joints?
could be that one of them are knackered causing it to go more than it should.
as Tunnie said sound also like your shocks are fuba,
a mix from both and you drift more round corners instead of driving.
Title: Re: back end sliding advice needed
Post by: mathewst on 17 October 2009, 19:37:00
Stabi joints??
Could you be a little more specific, or describe it what are those?
Or pic would be the best help.
Thanks
Title: Re: back end sliding advice needed
Post by: Ghost on 18 October 2009, 10:02:03
there is a bar that goes from one side to the other,
it is held in place by two rubber Brackets.
On the end of that Bar you will find another smaller bar that goes to the rear wishbone (Drop link)
it could be possible that the rubber is perrished on these.
check that there is no play, movement there.
Stabi = stabiliser = anti roll bar
Title: Re: back end sliding advice needed
Post by: mathewst on 18 October 2009, 12:44:57
Thanks for the advice Ghost.
I managed to get home from abroad last night but had to drive like an old blind lady ;D
I will check what you said.
I also have one theory, but would like an opinio o itIs it possible that one of the front spring is broken (front shocks are ok) and in combination with lousy rear shocks to cause the car to slide (back end) easily?
Title: Re: back end sliding advice needed
Post by: Mr Skrunts on 18 October 2009, 12:53:16
Check the springs as well, they are a known failure on Omega's  One of the rings making up the coil may have snapped at one end.
Title: Re: back end sliding advice needed
Post by: mathewst on 18 October 2009, 12:55:19
Skruntie what is the easiest way to check them?
Just lift the car or I need to remove the wheels?
Title: Re: back end sliding advice needed
Post by: tigers_gonads on 18 October 2009, 14:28:23
check the rear shocks for signs of a leak
if the back end is going left then that is the one to check  :y
had a escort years ago that went that way
you coulnt  tell on the bounce test but as soon as the weight transfared onto that side in a corner, the bugger collaped and spun the car
once i got used to it though it was great fun on roundabouts  :D :D
Title: Re: back end sliding advice needed
Post by: Mr Skrunts on 18 October 2009, 17:19:53
Quote
Skruntie what is the easiest way to check them?
Just lift the car or I need to remove the wheels?

Get some one else to look in my case.

|I dont know matey in all honesty.  :-[
Title: Re: back end sliding advice needed
Post by: mathewst on 18 October 2009, 22:07:08
if you mean left, the turn was right but back end slided on the left
Title: Re: back end sliding advice needed
Post by: albitz on 18 October 2009, 22:11:19
Keep your foot on the throttle,wind on opposite lock and grin from ear to ear. :D :)
Seriously though,I would bet on broken spring.Both mine were broken recently and mine was all over the place on the twisties. :y
Title: Re: back end sliding advice needed
Post by: mathewst on 18 October 2009, 23:43:24
Albs which spring were broken front or back??
And can anyone please explain how to check them