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Omega Help Area => Omega General Help => Topic started by: carpet wagon on 22 August 2009, 12:18:54

Title: problem with steering
Post by: carpet wagon on 22 August 2009, 12:18:54

Can any body shed any light on a problem I have with my 1999 estate

when the brakes are applied the car steers to the left or to the right, I have had the front whishbones checked out, changed track rod ends, and had new doughnut bushes on the rear, but the problem still remains

Any thoughts anybody

Title: Re: problem with steering
Post by: unlucky mark mv6 on 22 August 2009, 12:24:10

Quote

Can any body shed any light on a problem I have with my 1999 estate

when the brakes are applied the car steers to the left or to the right, I have had the front whishbones checked out, changed track rod ends, and had new doughnut bushes on the rear, but the problem still remains

Any thoughts anybody

Possibly a problem with the brake calipers mate :-/

Title: Re: problem with steering
Post by: carpet wagon on 22 August 2009, 12:33:57

Hi MarkMV6

Garage say its not the calipers
Im wondering if it could be the steering idler?

Title: Re: problem with steering
Post by: unlucky mark mv6 on 22 August 2009, 12:39:22

Quote

Hi MarkMV6

Garage say its not the calipers
Im wondering if it could be the steering idler?

Worth a try mate,but just beware of these backstreet garages as they fob you off with anything if they havent got a clue as to what the problem is.Not saying they are cowboys,just something to beware of mate. :y

Title: Re: problem with steering
Post by: carpet wagon on 22 August 2009, 13:17:04

Thanks MarkMV6

Point taken, There not a bad bunch - its a process of elimination though, It does pull the wheel out of yours hands when you hit the brakes so Im abit inclinded to think there right about the calipers, the steering idler is just what ive learnt from reading other forum sites

Title: Re: problem with steering
Post by: ffcgary1 on 22 August 2009, 17:47:15

IT sounds more like the wishbone bushes are shot  despite what the garage tells you mate, change the bushes and get the cars geometery set up by  a specalist company[ not just tracking ]WIM at chesham is the place to go for that job. The steering idler will give you the feel of lots of play in the steering wheel.
The bushes stop the arm and the wheel trying to move backwards when you use the brakes. The bushes are avalible to buy and they will need a press to push the old ones out and new ones in.
Gary  :y

Title: Re: problem with steering
Post by: ffcgary1 on 22 August 2009, 17:51:00

CW please update your profile as to your location  as there maybe a member local to you who maybe able to give you some advice on the problem.

Title: Re: problem with steering
Post by: Pete Elite on 23 August 2009, 00:50:23

If you find the Idler and wishbone bushes are OK then i would be inclined to check the slides on the front calipers are not seized :).

Title: Re: problem with steering
Post by: goonv6 on 23 August 2009, 10:14:05

I'd say idler first too. Had the same problem on my Camaro. The bushes will accentuate the problem too. The brake suggestion is a good one and not difficult to do, so I'd just do that one straight away.

Title: Re: problem with steering
Post by: ffcgary1 on 23 August 2009, 12:22:38

I dont agree with the idler arm theory here, it does not have any effect on the amount of travel the wisbones will try to move back in the wheel arch, it will however determin how much free play you have at the steering wheel. If it is not the calipers sticking then the bushes are indeed the next culprit.
Are the pads wearing evenly on both sides of the car?  if not then the worn side is binding on.

Title: Re: problem with steering
Post by: dbug on 23 August 2009, 18:08:51

Quote

If you find the Idler and wishbone bushes are OK then i would be inclined to check the slides on the front calipers are not seized :).

Agreed - check this first  :y