Re: Handling

[Karltrophy]

Bit concerned about the handling/feel of the car on the road, it doesn't feel as planted or stable as it used to and appears to pull left/right whilst driving.

I replaced both wishbones, ball joints, track rod ends, top mount kits, spring platforms with new genuine Renault parts last year and it hasn't been the same since, been running cup front shocks last few years until sachs rebuilt. Wheel alignment has been set up twice after these new parts fitted, still doesn't feel right and not stable/planted at speed over 60 mph tyre pressures all fine.

The steering feels light and loose whilst driving, steering wheel slightly off centre to the left at times, sporadically it will pull to the left on smooth & uneven roads, sometimes to the right, feels as though it pulls when the differential is driving each front wheel i turn? If its driving passenger front wheel when slowing down it turns steering wheel left if you remove hands from the steering wheel, same when it pulls to the right. Sometimes when braking it pulls left or right. Original thin shock spacer nuts re-fitted to secure new top mounts, I've slackened off the top mount caps under the bonnet a couple of turns still is the same, anyone got any ideas what it could be please?

 

[Oracle]

Bit concerned about the handling/feel of the car on the road, it doesn't feel as planted or stable as it used to and appears to pull left/right whilst driving.

I replaced both wishbones, ball joints, track rod ends, top mount kits, spring platforms with new genuine Renault parts last year and it hasn't been the same since, been running cup front shocks last few years until sachs rebuilt. Wheel alignment has been set up twice after these new parts fitted, still doesn't feel right and not stable/planted at speed over 60 mph tyre pressures all fine.

The steering feels light and loose whilst driving, steering wheel slightly off centre to the left at times, sporadically it will pull to the left on smooth & uneven roads, sometimes to the right, feels as though it pulls when the differential is driving each front wheel i turn? If its driving passenger front wheel when slowing down it turns steering wheel left if you remove hands from the steering wheel, same when it pulls to the right. Sometimes when braking it pulls left or right. Original thin shock spacer nuts re-fitted to secure new top mounts, I've slackened off the top mount caps under the bonnet a couple of turns still is the same, anyone got any ideas what it could be please?

Have you got a print out from having the Geo (tracking) set?

Should be neg toe out total close to -0.16 minutes.

 

[Karltrophy]

-0.16 mm?

 

[photo_ed]

Have you replaced the ARB or steering rack bushes, sounds like it could be slight movement in the rack perhaps in that it tracks one way then the other?

Your alignment and specifically front toe settings appear to be set up ok on your print out.

 

[Oracle]

-0.16 mm?View attachment 30381

-0.16 mm?View attachment 30381

That looks fine to me.

Due to a verbal misunderstanding , I ended up with a total -0.08 toe, but it is totally stable.

Did the front wheels get swapped over left to right?

 

[Karltrophy]

Have you replaced the ARB or steering rack bushes, sounds like it could be slight movement in the rack perhaps in that it tracks one way then the other?

Your alignment and specifically front toe settings appear to be set up ok on your print out.

I have replaced all front ARB bushes, clamps and bolts. The steering rack bushes have not been replaced yet. Did wonder if fitting new taller shock spacer nuts would make any difference?

 

[Karltrophy]

That looks fine to me.

Due to a verbal misunderstanding , I ended up with a total -0.08 toe, but it is totally stable.

Did the front wheels get swapped over left to right?

Front wheels not swapped left to right, new PS3 tyres fitted week before the wishbones, top mounts etc replaced.

 

[Oracle]

1.Although not recorded, the specified range of the front caster on that print out ( December 2020 ) does not match the 3 degrees a 182 should have.

Were they using the wrong cars settings?

2. Putting the car in for an MOT is a cost effective way to diagnose any defects.

 

[Karltrophy]

Ahh ok thank you, first had wheel alignment done 26th September 2020, then didn't feel right, took it back 12th December they checked it said it was out and not correct then adjusted it again. Between the 2 alignments it has just been driven not brushed any kerbs etc. Settings they used could be incorrect?

Mot was done 18th September all ok, not road tested though just driven to ramp and back.

 

[Oracle]

Ahh ok thank you, first had wheel alignment done 26th September 2020, then didn't feel right, took it back 12th December they checked it said it was out and not correct then adjusted it again. Between the 2 alignments it has just been driven not brushed any kerbs etc. Settings they used could be incorrect?

Mot was done 18th September all ok, not road tested though just driven to ramp and back.

The MOT should have picked up any play in the rack, it`s mounting bushes, TRE`s, inner tie rods or the column itself.

Also the bottom ball joints, wheel bearings and rear beam bushes, so it looks that way.

Perhaps give these guys a call, as they seem to know their stuff, and their charges look reasonable.

4 Wheel Alignment at STR Service Centre, Norwich

4 Wheel alignment and 3D 4 Wheel Alignment in Norwich, Norfolk. At STR we can adjust your caster, camber and make toe adjustments. Call us on 01603 626 668

www.strservicecentre.co.uk

 

[Karltrophy]

Handling of car never been the same since replacing front suspension arms/ wishbones. Fitted genuine wishbones R8200 257 956 & 8200 257 957, would there be any slight difference compared to the original ones Fitted from factory? Later ones with different caster angle etc? Obviously original ones would have some wear/tear in bushes although we're fine for Mot.

 

[Oracle]

Handling of car never been the same since replacing front suspension arms/ wishbones. Fitted genuine wishbones R8200 257 956 & 8200 257 957, would there be any slight difference compared to the original ones Fitted from factory? Later ones with different caster angle etc? Obviously original ones would have some wear/tear in bushes although we're fine for Mot.

Those are the correct later wishbones, but I`d defy you to tell the difference if you had the earlier ones.

Think you just need somewhere competent to set the toe.

 

[Karltrophy]

Wheel alignment done at Holden Renault Norwich yesterday 4th Feb all sorted so much better to drive as it was way out of alignment. Thanks for your help.

 

[photo_ed]

Wheel alignment done at Holden Renault Norwich yesterday 4th Feb all sorted so much better to drive as it was way out of alignment. Thanks for your help.

Glad to hear you got it sorted.

 

[Oracle]

I`d ask for a refund from wherever got it wrong twice.

 

[Karltrophy]

I`d ask for a refund from wherever got it wrong twice.

Hmm that would prove tricky as alignment done in early Dec 2020 then again 3 weeks later.