Wobbly front suspension!

[steveyd]

Hi All,

I've got a new import Bongo (2wd 2.5TD) and I've done about 500 miles in it. For the new MOT the importing garage put new bottom balljoints on at the front - there was a problem with the O/S one (came loose in the pressing!) and it got a whole new arm on that side. I'm still getting uneven tyre wear and it still feels quite "wobbly" i.e. its really affected by slight potholes, tramlines and clonks all over the place. The steering doesnt feel quite as connected as it ought to be (might just be the way it is).

I know it needs new droplinks and ARB bushes (this weekends job) - could worn drop links allow the outer edges of the tyres to wear unevenly? I'm saving up for some new alloys and decent tyres - its currently on the original jap 195/70/15s allround (I'm aware they should be wider at the back). Looking at other posts I can see new tyres and droplinks make a big difference - but I'm wondering if the steering rack and/or shocks are also pretty ripe for replacement (no mention in the MOT though)?

cheers,

Steve

[dandywarhol]

did the garage adjust the tracking after fitting the new wishbones - they should have..............

[steveyd]

thanks - I think so - it holds a straightline when "hands off" and also when braking.

[dandywarhol]

It might hold a straight line but if the steering joints aren't "loaded up" by the correct amount of toe in then the steering will be vague and wobbly but still track truely................

[steveyd]

aahh - that could very well sound like my problem - when I get my new tyres on it I'll be getting them to do a full tracking/check of balljoints etc.

cheers!

Steve

[falcoron]

aahh - that could very well sound like my problem - when I get my new tyres on it I'll be getting them to do a full tracking/check of balljoints etc.

cheers!

Steve

I have found that a lot of garages that do these type of jobs ( not only on bongos) dont do it right. I had an audi that wasent done p[roperly and the bushes failed within 2 months. took it back and that was the reason ( below)
All these arms, bushes and drop links need to be done up only hand tight then the weight of the vehicle is put on them again they get a proper tightening up.
This way they settle in properly before getting set fast.
The tracking should always be redone, and if your tyres are already showing wear on one side you should replace these too along with the new arms etc. Then everything is set to the proper datum as it where
Ron