Omega Owners Forum

Omega Help Area => Omega General Help => Topic started by: Taximan on 03 November 2011, 23:38:51

Title: Wandering steering (tramlining) - Help please.
Post by: Taximan on 03 November 2011, 23:38:51
Hi all,
My taxi passed its 6 month MOT after replacing both bottom ball joints and 2 new front tyres.
Both tyres have been destroyed within 2 months, dispite having the tracking done on two occasions at crap garages. I finally found top garage that checks camber and caster as well, and found camber out on one side. All fixed now..........BUT steering creaks and wanders alarmingly on our crap Lincolnshire lanes.
I'm about to relace both drop links and the idler arm this weekend, and would be very grateful for any idea's of what other bits to check while I'm under there.
Best regards
Taximan :y
Title: Re: Wandering steering (tramlining) - Help please.
Post by: Lazydocker on 04 November 2011, 02:58:01
What tyres are fitted? Not impossible that they can cause it... Certainly Falken's can ;)
Title: Re: Wandering steering (tramlining) - Help please.
Post by: Lazydocker on 04 November 2011, 02:59:10
Also, has the geometry been set "in the green" (which is far too big a margin) or to WIM settings?
Title: Re: Wandering steering (tramlining) - Help please.
Post by: tunnie on 04 November 2011, 09:28:31
Worn wishbone bushes?

I got 37k out of the 912 Falkens on the front, did tramline at times, but the wishbone bushes are shot.
Title: Re: Wandering steering (tramlining) - Help please.
Post by: feeutfo on 04 November 2011, 17:43:02
So,
original setting 1
Track rods changed 2
Tracking twice 4
Camber 5
That's 5 alterations that will wear the tyres differently each time. Not surprised.

Plus you don't mention wishbone bushes, bound to be fubar.

Inspect (steering and front and rear suspension ESP bushes) replace, set up(full geo front and back), THEN fit new tyres(only once happy all parts are sound and correctly set, allow a month for any new shocks and springs to settle if pos)
see here http://www.omegaowners.com/forum/index.php?topic=90492.0

What tyres?
Title: Re: Wandering steering (tramlining) - Help please.
Post by: Taximan on 27 November 2011, 18:53:46
Many thanks for all your help.
Replaced worn wishbones and drop links(only after forcing mechanic to ride shotgun),  followed by tracking, camber and caster checks.
Its like a new car.
Decided to replace after 2 years, cos I'm not ever going to rely on my council to pass duff components any more, and it would be great to get decent mileage out of the front tyres at last.
 

Regards,

taximan  :y