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        General >> Problems >> Wandering at speed
        
(Message started by: Ultima on May 16^th, 2006, 9:36pm)

Title: Wandering at speed
Post by Ultima on May 16^th, 2006, 9:36pm

First noticed this at 120+ MPH on a track ::) but on further investigation it seems to do it at lower speeds just not as obviously. I've checked tyre pressures and topped them all up to 35 which seemed to improve things but it still does it. This happens whatever lane I'm in, on new and old roads and whether I'm doing 30 or 130. Suspension rebounds OK, wheels seem to be on tight with little or no wheel bearing play and tyre tread is good on the rear although the outsides of the front tyres are well worn. Combination of power steering and incorrect pressures I assume.

I've had this problem on previous cars and its been related to tyre pressures or worn out dampers but these things are fine. Its a little disconcerting especially as I'm used to driving a Group N Polo tarmac rally car or my wife's MX5, neither of which wallow or wander in any way.

Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Title: Re: Wandering at speed
Post by mazzy_j on May 17^th, 2006, 8:41am

You could try looking at http://fordscorpio.co.uk/faultfinds.htm for some ideas
Scroll down about halfway to STEERING & SUSPENSION Concerns and it lists some more possible causes.

HTH

Matt

Title: Re: Wandering at speed
Post by mr._floppy on May 17^th, 2006, 12:36pm

Sounds like soft wishbone rubber bushes or lower balljoint wear , track rod end ball joints, Etc anything that connects the wheels to the rest of the car is worth a check.

Hows the steering wheel free play in the straight ahead position ?

With rack and pinion a tiny amount is allowable but not much.

Title: Re: Wandering at speed
Post by Ultima on May 18^th, 2006, 9:23pm

Got the car on a lift the other day and the OSR wheel bearing is ~!"$£% its got almost 10mm play and can't be tightened. I guess 10mm at any speed is gonna have an adverse effect. Replaced both front tyres for good measure and new set of bearings (both sides) arriving tomorrow.

Title: Re: Wandering at speed
Post by jonnycab on May 19^th, 2006, 3:56am

Phew...lucky you caught the bearing before it seized.

Title: Re: Wandering at speed
Post by Ultima on Jun 4^th, 2006, 10:32pm

Replaced wheel bearing and it seems fine at speed now. I guess a combination of that and 4 new tyres has done the trick

Title: Re: Wandering at speed
Post by Simmo on Jun 5^th, 2006, 7:52am

Don't forget to check the torque on the wheel bearing after you've done a few hundred miles or you could end up doing it all over again!.