Omega Owners Forum

Omega Help Area => Omega General Help => Topic started by: Tresvant on 24 December 2008, 10:34:24

Title: Car is pulling really hard to the right
Post by: Tresvant on 24 December 2008, 10:34:24

When driving my car just wants to go to the right all the time, i have to drive with the steering wheel cocked over to the left all the time to compensate. I have checked things like tyre pressures and brake pad/disc condition. I was wondering if it could be something more serious i.e. worn bushes or knackered track rod end. Does anyone have any pics of what these parts should look like if in good working condition so i can compare.
Would any sort of wheel/tyre place be able to sort this out for me or am i better off going to a specialist.

thanks for any advice

Steve

Title: Re: Car is pulling really hard to the right
Post by: Jimbob on 24 December 2008, 10:38:00

I beleive there is a place in Loughborough which Mark has used in the past who are worth going to.

A lot of tyre places really struggle with the omega, or waste time with basic alignment

Title: Re: Car is pulling really hard to the right
Post by: JasonH on 24 December 2008, 13:12:38

Could just be that your tracking hasn't been done properly and the steering wheel isn't centred.

Otherwise I'd suggest damaged or failed wishbone / bushes. Not that expensive to fix - £25 a side for the parts.

Title: Re: Car is pulling really hard to the right
Post by: John Ball on 24 December 2008, 17:39:07

Fleet Fit Tyres,
Cumberland Trading Estate,
Cumberland Road,
Loughborough, LE11 5DF.
Tel 01509 266160

Full geometry check, about £80.00 Have the proper equipment & knowledge. Dont go to any national tyre place, the Omega needs specialist treatment.

John Ball

Title: Re: Car is pulling really hard to the right
Post by: mickfit on 24 December 2008, 19:00:16

Hi mate
          Would consider a seized brake caliper/maybe sticking on. Its happened to me in the past, just a thought. But i'm sure someone with a lot more experience will be along shortly........ :y

Title: Re: Car is pulling really hard to the right
Post by: JasonH on 25 December 2008, 09:13:29

Check a seized caliper by stopping then feel the warmth coming from the disc. Don't touch it though - will be red hot.

Title: Re: Car is pulling really hard to the right
Post by: Tawfield on 25 December 2008, 11:15:22

Most proberly a siezed piston in the caliper,could also be a wheel bearing failure,needs to be checked saspo,and unless you have clouted the kerb at speed don`t think the steering geometry would suddenly go out of alighnment .

Title: Re: Car is pulling really hard to the right
Post by: jb on 25 December 2008, 18:55:47

more than likely wishbone bushes

Title: Re: Car is pulling really hard to the right
Post by: Tresvant on 30 December 2008, 10:59:08

thanks for all the advice. Took it to Mr Tyre yesterday  :-[ He reckoned it was just the tracking so he realigned the car but it made no difference, he put the car up on the ramp again and the drivers side tyre had a massive deep scar running round the inside edge.
Upon further inspection he told me that both lower wishbone arms were buggered and the passenger side track rod end was also faulty.
Now i have no idea what i am looking at so i take his word for it. He quoted me 90 each for the wishbones and forty quid for the track rod end.
I rang round my dealer to today and they quoted me £240.35 each for the wishbones and £56 for the track rod end.

My question is now i have seen some on Ebay which are about £30 for the pair of wishbone arms and £10 for track rod end plus postage.
Are these aftermarket parts any good and how easy are these things to fit?
However since putting the spare on and taking the screwed tyre off everything seems ok????

many thanks :)

Title: Re: Car is pulling really hard to the right
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 30 December 2008, 11:07:43

Hmmmm....think we should have a look at i first!

Can you get it to me for 30 minutes or so to take a look.

As for wishbones......sutton auto factors in long eaton or Mapperley top plus they will do the track rod end at a reasonable price.

The tyre wear sounds like camber to me!

Title: Re: Car is pulling really hard to the right
Post by: Tresvant on 30 December 2008, 11:51:05

I can it up to you, would appreciate an experts view. When are you around.

Cheers
Steve

Title: Re: Car is pulling really hard to the right
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 30 December 2008, 11:56:31

This evening.....

Title: Re: Car is pulling really hard to the right
Post by: Tresvant on 30 December 2008, 12:09:17

Sounds good to me let me know when is good for you and i will pop round if thats alright  :y

Title: Re: Car is pulling really hard to the right
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 30 December 2008, 12:59:24

Quote

Sounds good to me let me know when is good for you and i will pop round if thats alright  :y

Can you do sort of....now?

Title: Re: Car is pulling really hard to the right
Post by: Tresvant on 30 December 2008, 13:05:32

yeah i am at work but i can go on lunch no problem
i only work down near trent bridge so not too far away, if you want to PM me your details and i shall pop up or i got a big car park here if thats better for you

Title: Re: Car is pulling really hard to the right
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 30 December 2008, 13:11:08

You have PM

Title: Re: Car is pulling really hard to the right
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 30 December 2008, 13:45:12

Ok

Wishbone bushes are shot
Slight (not much) play in the steering idler

Some slight play in OSF wheel bearing, I have reset the torque on it (it was loose!) and that has gone so needs monitoring

Title: Re: Car is pulling really hard to the right
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 30 December 2008, 21:30:14

Here is a link to a good source of steering idler.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Vauxhall-Omega-Carlton-Steering-Idler-Arm-110mm_W0QQitemZ230305502808QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM?hash=item230305502808&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1301%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318

Title: Re: Car is pulling really hard to the right
Post by: Tresvant on 31 December 2008, 09:09:21

Cheers Mark, thanks very much for all your help and advice. :y