Omega Owners Forum

Omega Help Area => Omega General Help => Topic started by: pauls on 22 December 2010, 13:26:46

Title: driving issues
Post by: pauls on 22 December 2010, 13:26:46
Hi I read on here that you should really only fit vx wishbones as the rest dont last. Question is it possible to get a pair of second hand ones then put new vx bushes in :-? I can not afford new vx ones. Also how do i know if my steering idler is going. Iam asking this because when iam driving i have the steering wheel straight one minute the next minute i need to pull the steering wheel to the left to keep it in a straight line. I have spent money tring to get my garage to fix these problems but it just seems to be getting worse. Iam pulling my hair out because iam not happy in driving it more than about 10 miles so i could not get it to WIM to get a full check. Sorry about all of this but i was hopping somebody could give me some advice. Ps I have changed the wishbones twice now. got them from allparts.
Title: Re: driving issues
Post by: Chris_H on 22 December 2010, 13:35:08
It sounds as though you have play in the system somewhere.  There is no point replacing stuff willy-nilly unless you have money to burn.  If you can't afford to get someone to look at it you at least need to go over the front wheels to find where the play is.  You will need it securely lifted off the ground for some of that and someone rocking the steering wheel while you examine with a lamp underneath.  Be careful because you could lose your fingers.
And don't forget that play in the rear wheels can also cause you to have to steer to one side.
Title: Re: driving issues
Post by: razzo on 22 December 2010, 13:37:42
you could replace the bushes in the old pair of wishbones if you still have them, or change the bushes on the ones on the car
Title: Re: driving issues
Post by: millwall on 22 December 2010, 13:39:57
have a read of this excellent post by chrisgixer may help and definately a good place to start 
http://www.omegaowners.com/forum/YaBB.pl?num=1283124735
Title: Re: driving issues
Post by: TheBoy on 22 December 2010, 19:29:00
No problem using pattern wishbones - just be aware, some are OK, some are appallingly bad.
Title: Re: driving issues
Post by: Omega 37 on 23 December 2010, 01:05:28
when my steering idler went it made a big crunching noise as i drove over speed bumps.
my car still wonders all over the road if the trye pressures are not spot on. i have never had a car so sensitive. i have done idler, wishbones, droplinks, rear springs & 4 new tyres.
check mine have 30psi every 2 weeks.
Title: Re: driving issues
Post by: feeutfo on 23 December 2010, 01:21:55
Quote
when my steering idler went it made a big crunching noise as i drove over speed bumps.
my car still wonders all over the road if the trye pressures are not spot on. i have never had a car so sensitive. i have done idler, wishbones, droplinks, rear springs & 4 new tyres.
check mine have 30psi every 2 weeks.
What tyres?

And the wondering, can the cars movement be felt pulling the steering wheel out of your hand? If so the problem is at the front.

If there is no pull sensation but needs conatant correction  it's at the rear, the car is steering from the back, which is usually rear donut bushes.

But if the tyres are prone to wondering, and or, are worn unevenly it will still wander around until new tyres fitted....which on re reading you have had fitted. Sort it out sooner rather than later or those tyres will waer funny as well compounding the problem.
Title: Re: driving issues
Post by: feeutfo on 23 December 2010, 01:25:20
Quote
Hi I read on here that you should really only fit vx wishbones as the rest dont last. Question is it possible to get a pair of second hand ones then put new vx bushes in :-? I can not afford new vx ones. Also how do i know if my steering idler is going. Iam asking this because when iam driving i have the steering wheel straight one minute the next minute i need to pull the steering wheel to the left to keep it in a straight line. I have spent money tring to get my garage to fix these problems but it just seems to be getting worse. Iam pulling my hair out because iam not happy in driving it more than about 10 miles so i could not get it to WIM to get a full check. Sorry about all of this but i was hopping somebody could give me some advice. Ps I have changed the wishbones twice now. got them from allparts.
Some pattern work, most don't, lemforder are considered best cost v value option. If you need a second opinion Reading isn't too far, if your feeling brave?
Title: Re: driving issues
Post by: pauls on 23 December 2010, 11:30:45
Morning thanks for all the advice. Just a little bit more info:
Tyre pressures are set at 30?
while driving the car will try and follow any road inperfections e.g after the cable companys have been in.On a nice flat road it runs smooth bt the steerring wheel is still held to the left. also i do find the back has a life of its own. It feels like its squatting at the back and very figity.
Thanks chris will pm you in jan if thats ok dont want to risk it at the moment.
Title: Re: driving issues
Post by: pauls on 23 December 2010, 11:32:15
Sorry about spelling mistakes ::)
Title: Re: driving issues
Post by: feeutfo on 23 December 2010, 11:50:52
Would suggest 30 is a little low, 32 is recommended, but if 30 works...

But what tyres fitted? If falken or pirelli pzerro then it will wander around no matter what.
Title: Re: driving issues
Post by: pauls on 23 December 2010, 12:01:14
Hi  dropped tyres to 30 because of snow normaly 32.
tyres are cheap one got of a mate until sorted out problems there are yokos
Title: Re: driving issues
Post by: feeutfo on 23 December 2010, 12:13:09
Quote
Hi  dropped tyres to 30 because of snow normaly 32.
tyres are cheap one got of a mate until sorted out problems there are yokos
Ok, so as the guide, fault find and replace any suspension and steering parts, set up, fit new tyres. IMO conti sc3 are best all round for a good grip level, bit steep though. Or any Dunlop, which can be a fraction noisier.

Hth.