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[RacingSnake]

Has anyone had a problem with vague steering and feeling of wandering with their Omega?

Initially I thought it was the front end that was the cause, so I've changed front dampers, springs, wishbones, anti-roll bar links and the steering idler. This has helped tighten things up no end. However the car still wanders and I'm now convinced the problem is rear wheel steer. I've read up about the rear axle mounting bushes (donuts) and got a couple on order which I should hopefully get fitted on Thursday. But if these aren't the culprit, does anyone have any other ideas what could be the cause please?

Appreciate any thoughts 

[Webby the Bear]

Alignment mate 

[RacingSnake]

Sorry, should have mentioned I had a full alignment done after fitting the new front suspension components. I can have a free re-check and asjust in a month so ideally would love to get everything sorted by then.

[Andy B]

....
Appreciate any thoughts 

a steering box (as fitted to an Omega) is more vague than a steering rack

[Webby the Bear]

Did you get a print out from the alignment shop? Would be good to see what they've set yours at so we can compare to WIM settings mate 

[chrisgixer]

Has anyone had a problem with vague steering and feeling of wandering with their Omega?

Initially I thought it was the front end that was the cause, so I've changed front dampers, springs, wishbones, anti-roll bar links and the steering idler. This has helped tighten things up no end. However the car still wanders and I'm now convinced the problem is rear wheel steer. I've read up about the rear axle mounting bushes (donuts) and got a couple on order which I should hopefully get fitted on Thursday. But if these aren't the culprit, does anyone have any other ideas what could be the cause please?

Appreciate any thoughts 

Almost certainly donuts, usually signified by the rearward steer giving zero sensation of a pull through the steering wheel.

Only remaining factors once replaced, are;
Dif blocks to chassis separated, usually only after galactic miles or jacking on the dif.
Set up. Lube your rear track rod adjusters while your under there.
Tyre wear.
...IME.

As always, fault find. Repair (everything chassis related). Set up. New tyres.

[plym ian]

Tyres?

[chrisgixer]

Tyres?

Although, as Ian suggests, Ffff, Ffff, fer fer FALKEN tyres can bugger a cars handling all on their own.

[plym ian]

I only speak through experience. Old omega had the same problem after replacing every conceivable steering and suspension component with no luck I changed the tyres and hey presto no more issues

[chrisgixer]

I only speak through experience. Old omega had the same problem after replacing every conceivable steering and suspension component with no luck I changed the tyres and hey presto no more issues

Badly/oddly worn?

[RacingSnake]

I actually had four new tyres yesterday as the guys at the wheel alignment place said I only had 3mm tread left on the fronts and 2mm on the rears. Thought I'd better bite the bullet and get them replaced with the lovely weather we're having! In the past (on other vehicles) I've found Kumho's to be decent medium range tyres so I've gone for them. They're not directional so if I do have trouble with camber wear I can always have them turned round to get more mileage out of them.

The following wheel alignment values were achieved:

Front toe LH = +0.4mm
Front toe RH = +0.6mm
Total toe = +1mm

Front camber LH = -00°50'
Front camber RH = -01°00'

Front caster LH = +05°00'
Front caster RH = -02°10'

Rear toe LH = +0.6mm
Rear toe RH = +0.3mm
Total toe = +0.9mm

Rear camber LH = -02°00'
Rear camber RH = -02°10'

The only thing that gives me concern is the front RH caster seems to be far out, and the numbers were the same before and after adjustment so presumably no attempt was made to change it. Can you even change the caster?

[plym ian]

I only speak through experience. Old omega had the same problem after replacing every conceivable steering and suspension component with no luck I changed the tyres and hey presto no more issues

Badly/oddly worn?

Ever so slightly on inner edge but that might have been due to old set up, changed them as it was last possible thing I could think of

[plym ian]

I actually had four new tyres yesterday as the guys at the wheel alignment place said I only had 3mm tread left on the fronts and 2mm on the rears. Thought I'd better bite the bullet and get them replaced with the lovely weather we're having! In the past (on other vehicles) I've found Kumho's to be decent medium range tyres so I've gone for them. They're not directional so if I do have trouble with camber wear I can always have them turned round to get more mileage out of them.

The following wheel alignment values were achieved:

Front toe LH = +0.4mm
Front toe RH = +0.6mm
Total toe = +1mm

Front camber LH = -00°50'
Front camber RH = -01°00'

Front caster LH = +05°00'
Front caster RH = -02°10'

Rear toe LH = +0.6mm
Rear toe RH = +0.3mm
Total toe = +0.9mm

Rear camber LH = -02°00'
Rear camber RH = -02°10'

The only thing that gives me concern is the front RH caster seems to be far out, and the numbers were the same before and after adjustment so presumably no attempt was made to change it. Can you even change the caster?

I would say it was out by them figures (I might be wrong), can't remember the setting when I had mine done.

[chrisgixer]

That front castor is oppsed. Needs the front subframe moving. Which means starting over.

Camber should be nearer -1.10 than that too really. But seen worse on that front.

[Webby the Bear]

That front left hand camber is way out when comparing to WIM spec.