Shopping trolley handling

**Finty** · 16th August 2009, 19:29

My faithful old SRi has started handling like a shopping trolley. Doesn't feel as sure-footed as it used and seems to wander on the road. Its due a service soon and I want to point the mechanic in the right direction as to what to check.....any pointers?

**old cruiser** · 16th August 2009, 19:39

Get him to check the inner tie/track rod ball joint on the steering rack as this is a common problem, check outers also and rubber bushes on control arm / wishbone , another that springs to mind is the steering column UJ (universal joint) these have been known to wear, wheel bearing play is another one, apart from these get him to check over the front suspension for tightness and that springs are not broken.
Cheers Pete

**Finty** · 16th August 2009, 20:49

Originally Posted by old cruiser

Get him to check the inner tie/track rod ball joint on the steering rack as this is a common problem, check outers also and rubber bushes on control arm / wishbone , another that springs to mind is the steering column UJ (universal joint) these have been known to wear, wheel bearing play is another one, apart from these get him to check over the front suspension for tightness and that springs are not broken.
Cheers Pete

Thanks Pete exactly what I needed. Would the broken springs not be obvious like ride height being affected?

**John LE** · 16th August 2009, 20:57

Sounds alot like the upper control arms on the rear could be worn buddy if it's none of the above. If it feels like the rear is sliding going over bumps this may well be the cause

**Finty** · 16th August 2009, 21:01

Thanks for the replies. The best way to describe it is it feels liking you're driving in a cross wind all the time.

**old cruiser** · 17th August 2009, 08:47

Originally Posted by Finty

Thanks Pete exactly what I needed. Would the broken springs not be obvious like ride height being affected?

Springs tend to snap further down near the lower spring seat and you may not necessarily notice much difference in ride height and often it's not even that noticable when normal driving other than maybe clonking or twanging perhaps, as has been mentioned , it could be related to rear , but to me it does sound more of a front end thing.
Cheers Pete

**bappy** · 17th August 2009, 12:48

hit any curbs? It might crab a bit if you've knocked the rear tracking out - assuming tracking is adjustable on the rear??

**Swaite53** · 17th August 2009, 13:12

The original shocks are a weak component too. Are the tyre pressures ok!

**Finty** · 17th August 2009, 15:12

Originally Posted by Swaite53

The original shocks are a weak component too. Are the tyre pressures ok!

Tyre pressures checked and ok. Its still on its original shocks and has 60k on it so a possibility. Think I'll get everything checked plus a full 4 wheel alignment