Omega Owners Forum

Omega Help Area => Omega General Help => Topic started by: Dave Elite on 08 October 2009, 16:03:48

Title: Soft front suspention
Post by: Dave Elite on 08 October 2009, 16:03:48
Hello, When I first bought the car about 6 months ago I had to replace the rear springs and shocks due to a broken spring and leaking shocks. The car since passed its mot but the front end is very soft (too soft) compared to the rear. Should I just change the springs or should I change the shocks as well? The front end also sits too low as well. The car is a 2000 facelift 3.0 saloon elite. Thanks Dave
Title: Re: Soft front suspention
Post by: Ghost on 08 October 2009, 16:08:02
If your car sits to low for your taste then I would change the springs for origional Omega springs.
It sounds like your shocks are past it and need replaceing, If your springs look ok / good then I would not change them.
Title: Re: Soft front suspention
Post by: Dave Elite on 08 October 2009, 16:29:23
Quote
If your car sits to low for your taste then I would change the springs for origional Omega springs.
It sounds like your shocks are past it and need replaceing, If your springs look ok / good then I would not change them.
Thanks. Its just the front end that sits too low compared to other omegas I've seen. I just thought that would be due to tired springs?
Title: Re: Soft front suspention
Post by: Dave Elite on 08 October 2009, 18:34:11
Anyone else got any oppinions on this?
Title: Re: Soft front suspention
Post by: KillerWatt on 08 October 2009, 18:59:11
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Anyone else got any oppinions on this?
First things first, look at the shocks.

Do they show any signs of leakage?
If so, replace.

If no signs (or none that you can see), do the bounce test.

The bounce test consists of throwing your weight on each corner, and getting out of the way quickly enough to see how many times the car rebounds on the return.

If the shock is good, there will be no rebound at all.

As far as ride height goes, that will be down to the spring.
Get the tape measure out and check it with what the book says before you condemn it just because you think it looks low.
Title: Re: Soft front suspention
Post by: Dave Elite on 08 October 2009, 19:05:04
Quote
Quote
Anyone else got any oppinions on this?
First things first, look at the shocks.

Do they show any signs of leakage?
If so, replace.

If no signs (or none that you can see), do the bounce test.

The bounce test consists of throwing your weight on each corner, and getting out of the way quickly enough to see how many times the car rebounds on the return.

If the shock is good, there will be no rebound at all.

As far as ride height goes, that will be down to the spring.
Get the tape measure out and check it with what the book says before you condemn it just because you think it looks low.
Thanks for that. I dont have the owners manual. Do you know what it should be? and were do I measure from? thanks again.
Title: Re: Soft front suspention
Post by: Dave Elite on 08 October 2009, 21:11:37
All I want to know is, what would cause it to be soft, springs? shocks? thanks
Title: Re: Soft front suspention
Post by: Turk on 08 October 2009, 21:41:26
Migs are too soft on the front from new. I fitted new shocks (KYB) and springs all round last year.
I was gutted to find the front end was still too soft. The rears were fine as I used Lesjofors up-rated springs but the fronts were like marshallow.
I hunted everywhere for a pair of up-rated fronts but no-one makes them, so I have just taken delivery of a pair of custom made std ride height, 30% up-rated front springs from http://www.dfaulknersprings.com/

They cost £120.00 as they are a one off, but if anyone is interested in a pair, I'm pretty sure they said once they have the specs from making mine, the price would be less as there is no development involved. 
I'll probably fit them Saturday afternoon and will advise accordingly.
Title: Re: Soft front suspention
Post by: Dave Elite on 08 October 2009, 22:05:27
Quote
Migs are too soft on the front from new. I fitted new shocks (KYB) and springs all round last year.
I was gutted to find the front end was still too soft. The rears were fine as I used Lesjofors up-rated springs but the fronts were like marshallow.
I hunted everywhere for a pair of up-rated fronts but no-one makes them, so I have just taken delivery of a pair of custom made std ride height, 30% up-rated front springs from http://www.dfaulknersprings.com/

They cost £120.00 as they are a one off, but if anyone is interested in a pair, I'm pretty sure they said once they have the specs from making mine, the price would be less as there is no development involved. 
I'll probably fit them Saturday afternoon and will advise accordingly.
Thanks for that. This is my 3rd omega and when I say "soft" I mean soft ;D. My currant omega is far softer on the fron end
Title: Re: Soft front suspention
Post by: rustym95 on 08 October 2009, 22:15:49
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Anyone else got any oppinions on this?
First thing to do is your own test, push down on 1 side at a time, of the front and see how it levels out if it keeps going up and down more then 3 times change the socks. :y
Title: Re: Soft front suspention
Post by: Dave Elite on 08 October 2009, 22:35:43
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Quote
Anyone else got any oppinions on this?
First thing to do is your own test, push down on 1 side at a time, of the front and see how it levels out if it keeps going up and down more then 3 times change the socks. :y
Just tried that and there was no more that one bounce, it is just ridiculously soft.
Title: Re: Soft front suspention
Post by: rustym95 on 08 October 2009, 22:51:48
well its ok then there is nothing wrong if it gose more than 3 times you would be all over the road after a bump in road, as it settles first time  they are good so there is nothing wrong :y :y :y
Title: Re: Soft front suspention
Post by: rustym95 on 08 October 2009, 22:56:48
they are soft on front on most cars so the suspenshion can move more free and give better turning at speed. :y when i see a bend say 40mph can go round at 60mph with no move ment of any kind they are good turners omegas  :y :y