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[AlanV2]

Hi all,

Just wanted to know if the suspension on the Elite (Facelift) was any different from the suspension on the CD (Facelift)

My Elite used to handle quite well (I though) - but the CD drives like jelly on wheels when going round corners.

I'm in the middle of trying to choose some new 18" rim that will look nice which may help the jelly issue (i.e 16" rims at the moment = hi tire wall), but just wondered if I'd need to look at the suspension too?

Thanks in advance

Alan

[tunnie]

as far as i am aware they were the same across the range, expect the MV6 which had different shocks. (springs are same)

Have you checked the shocks? Maybe a broken spring?

[Matchless]

Wobbly handling is usually due to front wishbone bushes. They can be replaced but its easier and almost as cheap to get replacement wishbones from Autovaux etc.
Also check the steering idler inboard of the passenger wheel, there should not be any up & down movement in this when a helper wiggles the steering.

[bestseany]

So it's knackered wishbones that cause the wobbly handling then? That's what's up with mine too then by the sounds of it.

A horrible job too if it goes wrong. When we did the wishbones on my Cavalier, the captive nut that the bolt holds the rear bush too broke it's weld and came loose. Was a right nightmare getting that welded back in place.

Think I'll leave my knackered wishbones where they are.

[philayl]

So it's knackered wishbones that cause the wobbly handling then? That's what's up with mine too then by the sounds of it.

A horrible job too if it goes wrong. When we did the wishbones on my Cavalier, the captive nut that the bolt holds the rear bush too broke it's weld and came loose. Was a right nightmare getting that welded back in place.

Think I'll leave my knackered wishbones where they are.

It's o.k. there are no captive nuts on the wishbones, you have to relace the nuts and bolts as well as the wishbones. Job is not as bad as you think. I have done mine twice within 3,000 miles, second time because being a muppet I tightened the bolts for the bushes with the car still on the axle stands, and the wheels hanging down ( not recommended, doh!). If I can do it anyone can, I promise you, easier if you take the hub off and hang it out of the way.

[bestseany]

[It's o.k. there are no captive nuts on the wishbones, you have to relace the nuts and bolts as well as the wishbones. Job is not as bad as you think. I have done mine twice within 3,000 miles, second time because being a muppet I tightened the bolts for the bushes with the car still on the axle stands, and the wheels hanging down ( not recommended, doh!). If I can do it anyone can, I promise you, easier if you take the hub off and hang it out of the way.

That's good news then if the bolts are replaceable too.  

How difficult is it get the ball joints out on an Omega? I remember that being a bastard of a job too.

[Admin]

Quite simple if you use the correct tool.

I use the seperator where you use a spanner to tighten the bolt down forcing the joint to seperate. Much better than the usual fork affair and less destructive.

Cost about £7 from any decent motor spares. I bought mine from Halfords for about £8.

[AlanV2]

as far as i am aware they were the same across the range, expect the MV6 which had different shocks. (springs are same)

Have you checked the shocks? Maybe a broken spring?

Well thanks for the reply - pretty much as I expected on them being the same suspension units, I shamefully mention that I bought it from a dealer (big main ford dealer in Edinburgh).

It was MOT'd and serviced the day before I got it and also have 3 months warrenty on it as well -so dont think anything is broken, in those regards.

Will update all when the new wheels go on - see what happens then.

Thanks all

Alan