P38A Bit of a handling problem.

This site contains affiliate links for which LandyZone may be compensated if you make a purchase.

Martin H

Member
Posts
55
Location
Lincolnshire
When I bought my rangie it had a set of very wide 20" drug dealers... sorry, wheels on it with 295/45. The ride and handling, frankly was shocking. Tram lining was very noticeable, ride was harsh and the handling scary bad.
I put this down the the wheels and promptly changed them for some 18" Disco 3 rims with OK-ish 255/60 Pirelli Scorpions fitted. The ride has improved significantly and the tram lining has disappeared, but the handling still leaves a lot to be desired. I'll try to describe the symptoms.

Basically 40 - 60 cruising on good roads is as expected, smooth and predictable especially cornering. However throw a few bumps and pot holes into the mix and the car will lurch violently and veer off course in quite a pronounced manner. You don't want to be taking your eye off the ball. It doesn't get any worse if you go faster but to be fair one tends to keep the speed down because of it. Slower speeds don't appear to affect it as badly.

I've had the tracking checked. Spot on.
No play in steering joints or hubs/bearings.
Steering damper rod looks a bit damp so may be weeping.
Steering box not perfect but probably an inch and a bit of play att the steering wheel.
No signs of leakage from the dampers and airbags are all sound. Old but sound.

I do have a set of 18" Hurricanes to put on with 255/55 tyres but really the rubbish chinese sounding tyres need changing. So a bit dubious about using them.

So chaps. Any suggestions as to where to look/try next? :(
 
+1 on the steering damper mine did the same new one cured it when you compare the compression of the old to the new you will be shocked........ See what I did their ... Not bad this early on a Sunday morning :p
 
When I bought my rangie it had a set of very wide 20" drug dealers... sorry, wheels on it with 295/45. The ride and handling, frankly was shocking. Tram lining was very noticeable, ride was harsh and the handling scary bad.
I put this down the the wheels and promptly changed them for some 18" Disco 3 rims with OK-ish 255/60 Pirelli Scorpions fitted. The ride has improved significantly and the tram lining has disappeared, but the handling still leaves a lot to be desired. I'll try to describe the symptoms.

Basically 40 - 60 cruising on good roads is as expected, smooth and predictable especially cornering. However throw a few bumps and pot holes into the mix and the car will lurch violently and veer off course in quite a pronounced manner. You don't want to be taking your eye off the ball. It doesn't get any worse if you go faster but to be fair one tends to keep the speed down because of it. Slower speeds don't appear to affect it as badly.

I've had the tracking checked. Spot on.
No play in steering joints or hubs/bearings.
Steering damper rod looks a bit damp so may be weeping.
Steering box not perfect but probably an inch and a bit of play att the steering wheel.
No signs of leakage from the dampers and airbags are all sound. Old but sound.

I do have a set of 18" Hurricanes to put on with 255/55 tyres but really the rubbish chinese sounding tyres need changing. So a bit dubious about using them.

So chaps. Any suggestions as to where to look/try next? :(

Wrong tyres on Disco wheels should be 255/55/18. Fit some new shockers. Change steering damper. Make sure suspension heights are set correctly.
 
strange_dressed_people_21.jpg
 
Could be Play in radius bushes or Panhard contributing. Had a disco that would have severe vibrations at the steering wheel (as if a wheel was loose) due to his aftermarket Panhard bushes failed after 1000 miles. Buy OEM ;)
 
Back
Top