Possible suspension probs

[CazzaVR 0]

In the last few weeks the wheels seem to have started wondering a bit when I hit bumps etc, causing the steering wheel to move too. Suspected the tracking was out, but Kwikfit told me the tracking was fine. The guy seemed quite knowledgable and thought it could be the front susp arms or barings, as he got some movement when he pulled sideways on the wheel.

 

Any ideas?

 

Cheers

[dr_mat 0]

He could well be right...

You need to work out which bit is moving relative to which other bit to decide...

[CazzaVR 0]

What's the best procedure to check this? Can I do it myself? Really want to avoid any labour charges! :?

[Kevin Bacon 5]

Sideways as in pulling the wheel toward the door or sideways as in moving the wheel in and out agaisnt the rack? Could be the rear wishbone bushes, they always split when coming to the end of their effective life, circa 80K.

 

If you've got movement against the rack, it's probably an inner tie rod end.

 

K

[CazzaVR 0]

Kev,

 

Against the rack. Bet this would be a pain in the backside to do! :mad: Looks like I'll have to get it booked in somewhere- it's really starting to get on my nerves.

[Riki 0]

Its probably just a track rod end. Nae bother to do really. If it has been on there for a long while and never adjusted you may need heat. AN experienced garage should be able to do it in around half an hour. Its probably better taking in into somewhere and get the front toe set correctly after it.

[CazzaVR 0]

Good stuff! Let's hope that's all it is then - I'll book it in asap, and let you know how I get on :)

[CazzaVR 0]

VW specialist checked it out- no play in any of the suspension, all bushes, tie rods etc in perfect shape. Mechanic reckons it's my directional tyres :shock: He said they have a lot of people complaining about handling, tracking etc and it's always the directional tyres :?

 

Hopefully he's right... any chance it could be the camber?

[Riki 0]

The camber being out would cause a noticable drift on one side when driven on a flat road. Evry car will drift to the left to a small degree due to the design of the road but excessive pulling could be the camber. The strut design on the front is a bit prone to getting knocked out of speck. Especially if the car is lowered and hes less travel. Try and get a 4 wheel alignment done. Ever vw franchise should have one as per minimum standards. I think the book time for a front camber and toe set up is around two hours. Maybe less.