Stability Problems

T

tomTVR

Active member
Just recently i have noticed the car feels less stable when applying lock at higher speeds, and even in a straight line tends to weave more than in the past. Also find the steering pitches and dives over rough surfaces more than it used to. Its almost as if the back of the car isn't connected to the front.

It's my only car and have put 22,000 miles on it so i can certainly notice the difference.

Key information:

2004 3.0i with 1112k miles. Running Falken FK452's. Fronts are past their best (but legal), rears are almost new but well scrubbed. Springs ok.

Many thanks
 
are your tyre pressures ok , it could be as simple as this.

Also if your front tyres are very low in tread it could be that, i had a similar problem on my e46 bmw put new tyres on and totally transformed the car.
 
If the tyres are OK, as above, check your front suspention bushes....slight play here can be big play at speed.
 
Update:

Took it to a main dealer to get it checked out and it seems that peoples suggestions were right. Unbelieveably after 112k the bushes and ball joints are all tight as a drum. Turns out the front tyres are FAR worse than i though, the inside edges are almost down the the cord, probably caused by poor alignment.

So new tyres on order today and will try and get the tracking done by the end of the week.

After reading around i felt CERTAIN than it was down to worn bushes. Shame this isnt an opportunity to fit some from powerflex but dont want to fix something thats not broken. :thumbsup:
 
tomTVR said:
Update:

Took it to a main dealer to get it checked out and it seems that peoples suggestions were right. Unbelieveably after 112k the bushes and ball joints are all tight as a drum. Turns out the front tyres are FAR worse than i though, the inside edges are almost down the the cord, probably caused by poor alignment.

So new tyres on order today and will try and get the tracking done by the end of the week.

After reading around i felt CERTAIN than it was down to worn bushes. Shame this isnt an opportunity to fit some from powerflex but dont want to fix something thats not broken. :thumbsup:
Click to expand...

Don't go to kwik-fit or such for "tracking". The Zed needs all four wheel geometry done using a (laser) hunter precision machine. Have a check here for places in your area:

http://www.alignmycar.co.uk/

Or google "wheelsinmotion" for one of their local places. :thumbsup:
 
playalistic said:
tomTVR said:
Update:

Took it to a main dealer to get it checked out and it seems that peoples suggestions were right. Unbelieveably after 112k the bushes and ball joints are all tight as a drum. Turns out the front tyres are FAR worse than i though, the inside edges are almost down the the cord, probably caused by poor alignment.

So new tyres on order today and will try and get the tracking done by the end of the week.

After reading around i felt CERTAIN than it was down to worn bushes. Shame this isnt an opportunity to fit some from powerflex but dont want to fix something thats not broken. :thumbsup:
Click to expand...

Don't go to kwik-fit or such for "tracking". The Zed needs all four wheel geometry done using a (laser) hunter precision machine. Have a check here for places in your area:

http://www.alignmycar.co.uk/

Or google "wheelsinmotion" for one of their local places. :thumbsup:
Click to expand...

Thanks for the pointer playalistic. Yes i am aware to avoid places like kwik-fit, had mine done in the past by an idiot at a similar place. After going back twice because the steering wheel wasnt on straight i gave up!

Presumuably the BMW dealer will have the right machine? My dad works there so can get a staff price, circa £70 i think.
 
Yep, BMW will have the hunter machine and will get it back to factory spec. You'll be amazed at the difference :thumbsup: Handy discount!
 
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