Sunday, November 22, 2015 - 02:38 pm, by: Dan Newton(Danbad)
Hi guys, car rides perfectly on a flat road but whenever there's even slight camber either way it pulls like crazy. Just a brief run down of what I've done to remedy the issue so far. Replaced steering rack bushes and upper and lower control arm bushes, ball joint boots (I was assured the joints themselves are fine, but I'm becoming sceptical) and had a wheel alignment. With this done the problem still exists, albeit significantly better than before. I'm about to start attacking the rear suspension, what do you guys think should be the next place to start? I've taken it to several workshops and tbh none have appeared to know much about the car or for that matter really be inclined to fix it. Cheers!
John Street DieHard NSW 2012 Canam Spyder RSS SE5 , 2015 VW Jetta TDI, 2009 Saab 9-3 Turbo
Monday, November 23, 2015 - 11:17 am, by: Mike Beck(Gold_40gt)
Yeah, I would stick with the factory or close to +50 offset +/- 10mm
Any significant offset change is going to emphasize any steering issues on odd road surfaces.
The steering racks are getting old now too, depending on service history of the rack it could be getting sloppy internally and be in need of a rebuild or replacement.
Monday, November 23, 2015 - 03:59 pm, by: Dan Newton(Danbad)
Thanks for the replies! I've got crappy aftermarket wheels on at the moment, they're going as soon as the rubber is worn out, but I've not checked the offset yet. Judging by the condition of some of the other parts on the car I'm nearly certain the steering rack has never been looked at, are they difficult to source? As for the bushes yeah I replaced all 3, the top one behind the alternator caused many curse words! haha
Mike Beck Goo Roo New Zealand UZZ32 No.32 & JZZ31 3.0GT
Monday, July 11, 2016 - 08:09 am, by: Dan Newton(Danbad)
Reviving an old thread, but it's mine so I feel I can! Reason for doing so is I'm still having the same trouble. I've been doing some reading and I've noticed there's a lot of people blaming the airbags. While mine appear to be ok and behave as they should, I've been reading that the dampers often fail before the airbag itself. I don't want to go to coils so I'm just wondering where I can get genuine airbags at the best price? I don't really want to pay $940 a corner from Amayama if I can avoid it.
The other question I have is regarding ball joints. Im thinking I might just buy a set of sc400 arms from the states and weld the tabs on for the airbags, has anybody done this? Oh and I suppose I should ask has anyone rebuilt their steering rack? Or have you just sourced a new one?
I'm in a position to splash some cash on the car, but I don't want to have the same issues regarding tramlining after. I'm not bad at diagnosing engine faults, but I'm happy to admit my suspension knowledge is less than perfect!
Monday, July 11, 2016 - 11:10 am, by: Dan Newton(Danbad)
OK, well I'll be sourcing new control arms then. At the same time I'll replace the upper too. I've never had to do any work on the rear suspension though, is there anything on the rear that can cause tramlining?
You can get the air bag tabbed lower control arms from the US. Look on US Ebay, some do have the tabs, but always check with the seller. I have brought the airbags from NZ, Rutherford Toyota from memory. Full set of 4 cost around $3000 including postage. Twenty + year old shockers would definitely be stuffed.
Monday, July 11, 2016 - 07:54 pm, by: Dan Newton(Danbad)
I've emailed Rutherford Toyota about the struts, hopefully they still do them at that price. I'll have a look for the control arms with the tab, would save me the hassle of welding the old tab on.
Jan, have you had issues with either of your 31's wandering? It's been the only ongoing issue I've had since buying the car.
Saturday, July 16, 2016 - 05:09 pm, by: Dan Newton(Danbad)
Just to close the thread, I had a set of 17's on my Caldina with brand new potenzas and +48 offset. Before I offloaded heaps of money I decided to swap them onto the Soarer. What a difference! Drives like a brand new car, no wandering at all. I don't like the black wheels on the car but that's neither here nor there. Time to buy some Volks and new tyres to celebrate!
Sunday, July 17, 2016 - 07:59 am, by: Dan Newton(Danbad)
16x7.5 +30. When I bought the car it had them on it with old tyres and no spigot rings. With 17x8.5 +48 with new tyres and spigot rings it's honestly completely changed the ride, the car no longer tries to kill me. I'll get the wheels balanced and aligned and it should be even better.