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[Andy B]

Since my previous post clicky
I've now returned from holiday having done around 1500 miles on various types of road.
Does anyone have any comment on whether they think my 'tracking' is correct. The car doesn't seem very sure footed and to me has a feeling of being vague & wandering. It could just be me being used to the car having had a general pull to the kerb before hand, combined with 2 front tyres that are border line - but legal - on the inside edges.  

[arthill]

Hi
Andy I'm not very familiar with the suspension on the Omega in that I've never had any prob. but when I had similiar prob on mondeo it was either track rod end or wishbone ( it's a taxi thats why it has ha
ppened more than once).

John

[Andy B]

Thanks for your suggestion.
The tyres are scrubbed because the tracking was slightly out untill I took the car for the geometry check, it's just the resulting vagueness I'm not sure about.
The closest I can relate it to is when I'd put a new rack on a car years back & drove it with the tracking a mile out to get it adjusted.

[v6coop]

Have you checked the steering idler for play?

[Andy B]

Have you checked the steering idler for play?

New one fitted for the nice Mr MOT man a month or so back.  

I'll try to go back to Drury Lane one afternoon this week & ask him what he thinks. The tracking was purposely set - on his recommendation - just inside the outer limits of the tolerance ie very slightly toe-in.

[v6coop]

So I assume the nice man checked the wishbone ball joints and track rod ends as well then. When you say geometry check was this after the steering idler and what exactly did they check and adjust (front camber and toe on all four wheels)? Final thought is what tyres are you running on the front. Mine was awful on worn Avon ZZ3s even when I had changed the wishbones.

[Andy B]

So I assume the nice man checked the wishbone ball joints and track rod ends as well then.

I can only assume so. I was bannished to the waiting room for the geometry check & the MOT bloke is normally pretty good. I've used him for years and if aplicable he'll give me the nod towards somethings without putting it in writting on the advisory sheet

When you say geometry check was this after the steering idler and what exactly did they check and adjust (camber and toe on all four wheels)?

It was a 4 geomerty check with print out oftoe, castor & camber front & back, before and after. If I could get my scanner to scan I'd scan it & show you.

Final thought is what tyres are you running on the front. Mine was awful on worn Avon ZZ3s even when I had changed the wishbones.

Michelins  

[Marks DTM Calib]

Type the camber and toe for front and rear in...

[Andy B]

Photo'd it!

[Andy B]

So ...... what da think?  :-?  

[Marks DTM Calib]

Settings look fine but, Michelin tyres are shite!

How are the wishbone bushes.

Any play in the steering box (might want adjustment)

[Andy B]

Settings look fine but, Michelin tyres are shite!

  C'mon Mark don't sit on the fence!   Maybe 'cos they're past their best.

How are the wishbone bushes.

Two new GM wishbones   ftted about 2 & half years back.

Any play in the steering box (might want adjustment)

I'll look, but as said it's only just been MOT'd & I'm sure Barry would've picked up on play in the various bits.
I'll live a work for a few weeks for the overtime & put another couple of tyres on the front.  
Thanks for all the suggestions.

[Entwood]

Is it worth swapping front to rear to see if it loses the "vagueness" If it does it sort of points at the tyres ??

Might save some heartache ??

HTH

[Andy B]

Is it worth swapping front to rear to see if it loses the "vagueness" If it does it sort of points at the tyres ??

Might save some heartache ??

HTH

I wondered when someone would think of that!!  
Doh! I'll do that tomorrow after work & see what happens ....... the simple ideas are always the best! .... just wish I'd thought of it.      

[Marks DTM Calib]

Just check the steering yourself first....engine on, wheel turned 90 deg and feel for a dead spot...if there is tighten the screw on the steering box  quarter turn or so.