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[mga32]

Hi, new here . I have a 2001 omega 2.2 that has a problem with the steering, when I am going in a straight line, the steering seems to wonder especially when the road is rough, or there is a camber change. I have just spent today changing the wishbones, but it doesn't seem to have made any difference. he car has a new MOT,so I don't think there are any major faults, any help appreciated!

[ndmv6]

worn steering idler arm......tyres more than half worn but still legal...

[Andy B]

Ah! A wandering Omega ..................... I was imagining an Omega deep in thought! 

[mga32]

worn steering idler arm......tyres more than half worn but still legal...

Should have started there first, easier than changing the wishbones?, tyres are pretty new P7s all round

[ndmv6]

probably needs a full geo set up inc camber...

[mrgreen]

have the same problem, mine is tyres but shocks will also have this affect too when worn or when the wrong ones are fitted (don't ask me how i know!) not a great feeling to have when driving, i would definately get it up in the air and check joints including rear donuts.

[feeutfo]

See the handling guide. In FAQ I think?

Basically, check fro faults. Things like wishbone bushes and steering ball joint on wishbones(you've done), rear donut bushes, track rods, wheel barings, top shock mounts, busted springs, worn out shocks.

Rectify those faults.

Set up. Full geo. see wheels in motion web site.

Fit new tyres. (but make certain you don't fit Falkens of any sort)

[mga32]

See the handling guide. In FAQ I think?

Basically, check fro faults. Things like wishbone bushes and steering ball joint on wishbones(you've done), rear donut bushes, track rods, wheel barings, top shock mounts, busted springs, worn out shocks.

Rectify those faults.

Set up. Full geo. see wheels in motion web site.

Fit new tyres. (but make certain you don't fit Falkens of any sort)

I have checked all the steering joints, track rod ends, rear doughnut bushes look OK, but when I bounce the front of the car, there seems to be a fair bit of movement in the top shock mounts, is this usual?

[mga32]

Well, finally sorted. I had changed the wishbones, I had ordered two QH units from Ebay and fitted them, turns out one was not QH and the rear bush was very soft causing the same symptoms as the old ones!, had it changed and it improved by 50%. I then swapped the front tyres to the rear and this completely cured the problem, drives like it should now, with no wondering at all 

[feeutfo]

Good news, except there is no mention of Full geometric set up...?

As you say, the problem was caused by incorrect tyre wear, caused by loss of control of the correct wheel position. Failed bushes and poor set up cause this predominantly. As you've rectified the fault, you now need to get the car set up so it does not wear the tyres oddly again. Or the poor handling will return.

It's especially important to set up prior to fitting new tyres, or they will wear odly too and will never handle correctly from then on. Which is an irritating waiste of money and rubber IME.

Good work though.

Ps top shock mounts move around a fare bit. Especialy with soft or old suspension and hence more suspension travel. Top mounts move as the wishbone pulls the shock in and outboard.

[mga32]

I had the geometry set up, 3 times in total!, are the settings the same on the V6 as the 2.2? the first time the report said v6 and the last time it said 2.2

[TheBoy]

I had the geometry set up, 3 times in total!, are the settings the same on the V6 as the 2.2? the first time the report said v6 and the last time it said 2.2

Same settings across the range, although be aware that the factory specified settings are no suitable for cars with a few miles on.

Post up the geometry printout, we can advised

[feeutfo]

As TB says. But I meant since the last wishbone change...? If done since that's good, if settings are reasonable as TB suggests.