8 replies to this topic

[Muncher]

I took my VX to Leda today after having two alloys replaced after hitting a kerb. The off side wheels are all within the Vauxhall tolerances. The rear side rear is at the edge of vauxhall's tolerance, closest to positive camber. The offside front was at one degree positive, after removing two shims (all that were there) it is now at 20 minutes positive. The front section of the NSF lower wishbone was bent, when putting a 30cm ruler next to it, at one end there was approximately a 2-3mm gap. Does the wishbone need replacing? I don't plan to track it much, a couple of times per year maybe. Driving wise, it feels fine but as I'm new to the car I don't think I could pick up minor characteristics anyway.

[SPLAM]

First off, i don't know, someone who does will probably give you an answer shortly. But for what it's worth i would get it changed, if something is bent from a knock, no doubt it will be weaker.

[Smiler]

I'd get it replaced.. agree with above.. one of my rear is buckled pretty bad.. balenced up just and drives fine.. upto hight leptons no judder.. but still going to replace before a geo/service at plans call it peace of mind si

[Muncher]

-0`06".........-12" +06"

NSF +45" OSF O`

-1`48" -12" +12"

-1` -1.30"

Tracking

Front -0`20" -0` +0`20"

Toe out +25"

Rear 0`12" -0 +0`20"

toe in 0`05"


That's confused me!

As for the problemn wheel - it was 1 degree (60 minutes), its now 20 minutes positive.





Can someone who knows more about suspension please shed some light?

[Ricky2772]

I had one replaced for a lesser bend than yours.... usually those "small" things show up as a matter of bizzarre stability at high speed...

[garyk220]

Front wheel camber should be close to zero, 6 minutes or 0.1 of a degree (ie. the wheel should be vertical at the prescribed ride height... usually achieved by weighting the car when measuring, 70kgs in both seats and half tank of fuel IIRC) In the case of your front nearside wheel, the positive camber of 1 degree means the top of the wheel/tyre is sticking out further than the lower part, which will give awful on-limit handling and wear the outside of the tyre more quickly... effectively the tread is not sitting squarely on the road surface. As you corner hard, the car will roll onto the outside of the tyre even more, further reducing grip. A bent lower wishbone is consistent with these measurements, since the bottom ball-joint (the bit connecting the wishbone to the hub/upright, will be sitting closer to the centreline of the car. In your position, I'd get the wishbone and any bolts that may have been stressed by the impact replaced, even if only for peace of mind. They are designed to yield slightly under impact to protect the chassis, so the impact has probably weakened their strength. Same goes for the main bolts. Ricky's car sheared a few bolts on the rear a few months after replacing rear suspension components as a result of wheel & suspension damage from an argument with the armco. I don;t think the bolt damage was immediately obvious at the time of repair.

[Muncher]

The front is now at 20 minutes positive, not 1 degree. This was also measured with no people in the car if that makes a difference.

[Muncher]

Incidentally, cost from vauxhall.... £315.84 fitted! Doesn't include bushes, bolts or any kind of geometry check. Of that, £91.81 for 1.7 hours labour!

[Muncher]

Should anyone have an idea of the Scared Stiff geometry settings I can be contacted through my profile