Disco 2 Right Hand Turn Understeer

Shimsteriom · Feb 9, 2020

Afternoon All

My D2 has developed a tendency to under-steer quite badly on right hand turns. It's perfect on left hand turns. The tyres are brand new and the pressures are good (30f - 38r). I've had most, if not all the suspension bushes replaced with genuine LR ones over the last 2-3 years so I'd like to think they aren't knackered already.

Anyone else had a similar issue?

Stanleysteamer · Feb 9, 2020

After what a mechanic said to me the other day, I wonder if it could possibly be the ones in the Panhard rod?
We were talking about my worn Watts linkage at the back, but movement there would lead to oversteer so this is just a bit of sideways thinking.

Or possibly tracking is out?

Would have to give it some thought but I think there may well be other causes, which I cannot remember for the mo.

Shimsteriom · Feb 9, 2020

I had the tracking checked about a month ago and although it was out slightly, it was not serious. It was adjusted at the time.

Shimsteriom · Feb 9, 2020

Just thinking about this and really the only components that haven't been replaced for about 4 years are the front shocks and coils and when they were fitted I was short of cash, so made bought blue box parts.

Stanleysteamer · Feb 9, 2020

Having just written about tyres I went back and read your OP and it shouldn't be that then!
So yes, maybe it could be shocks or springs or both. Labour intensive to swap these from side to side to see if it makes a difference.
Other more dramatic thing, is there any dodgy rust near spring mounts or shock mounts?
I suspect the problem will turn out to be on the Left hand side.

Shimsteriom · Feb 9, 2020

Stanleysteamer said:
Having just written about tyres I went back and read your OP and it shouldn't be that then!
So yes, maybe it could be shocks or springs or both. Labour intensive to swap these from side to side to see if it makes a difference.
Other more dramatic thing, is there any dodgy rust near spring mounts or shock mounts?
I suspect the problem will turn out to be on the Left hand side.

Replacing the front suspension has been on my to-do list for several months now but I've not got around to doing it.
Rather than swap sides to see if the problem moves with the components, I'll probably just replace them for new.

Stanleysteamer · Feb 9, 2020

Shimsteriom said:
Replacing the front suspension has been on my to-do list for several months now but I've not got around to doing it.
Rather than swap sides to see if the problem moves with the components, I'll probably just replace them for new.

Good idea, and at the same time you can see if there has ever been any previously unnoticed accident damage and/or rust where the springs and shocks take the strain! Should revitalise the whole thing!

Bantam1 · Feb 9, 2020

Shimsteriom said:
Afternoon All

My D2 has developed a tendency to under-steer quite badly on right hand turns. It's perfect on left hand turns. The tyres are brand new and the pressures are good (30f - 38r). I've had most, if not all the suspension bushes replaced with genuine LR ones over the last 2-3 years so I'd like to think they aren't knackered already.

Anyone else had a similar issue?

More commitment Shimsteriom - you need to approach faster, flick it in and keep it nailed so you get a 4 wheel drift.
Let me know how you get on eh!

Its a puzzler if its only one direction though. It suggests something diferent on one side and the other.
What I would say is quite often handling problems at the front can be issues at the rear and vice versa.
Springs, shocks and those radius arm bushes!!

Stanleysteamer · Feb 9, 2020

I'd a thort a problem at the rear would be more likely to lead to oversteer! Anything that reduces grip at the rear would lead to oversteer. So I'd keep looking at the front end for the moment.
But agree that the problem isn't always on the side or end you expect it to be!

Shimsteriom · Feb 10, 2020

Just been out and ordered a pair of new LR front springs and Terrafirma shocks

Bantam1 · Feb 10, 2020

Shimsteriom said:
Just been out and ordered a pair of new LR front springs and Terrafirma shocks

Thats a great investment no matter what but not sure how much it will influence things. Unless you have noticed a suspension sag or anything I suppose.
If it only occurs on right hand turns is it track rod ends or ball joints worn on one side? Probably the loaded wheel (lhs).
Bit of a worry if its quite bad but if its happened all of a sudden it does sound like something has gone and failed.
Anti-rollbar drop link??
Be interesting to see what you find. Good luck.

Shimsteriom · Feb 11, 2020

I needed new front suspension anyway as I want rid of the HD springs and dampers (blue boxes). Although I've not checked, I'm thinking that the lower bush has failed on the lhs damper which is causing the understeer. However while it's being replaced I'll check for any other issues around the front end.

kermit_rr · Feb 11, 2020

Have you checked all the steering linkages for excessive play in case something had failed or come undone? Ie ball joints? Push left and it's in place, pull right and it pops out? You might only see it when someone wiggle the steering wheel for you.
Tyre wear ok?

Shimsteriom · Feb 11, 2020

kermit_rr said:
Have you checked all the steering linkages for excessive play in case something had failed or come undone? Ie ball joints? Push left and it's in place, pull right and it pops out? You might only see it when someone wiggle the steering wheel for you.
Tyre wear ok?

The tyres are brand new and from a cursory look nothing appears to be out of place. I'll check in more detail when the suspension is done.

Kev12 · Feb 11, 2020

Long shot but maybe CDL stuck on (if yours has it)

Shimsteriom · Feb 11, 2020

Kev12 said:
Long shot but maybe CDL stuck on (if yours has it)

Sadly it doesn't have a CDL.

jamesmartin · Feb 11, 2020

Shimsteriom said:
I had the tracking checked about a month ago and although it was out slightly, it was not serious. It was adjusted at the time.

check steering box is centered, by driving forward and ensuring the driving wheels are straight,on the back of the drop arm there should be a slot that aligns with a pin hole in bottom of pas box

Shimsteriom · Feb 26, 2020

To put this thread to bed I can report that the understeer was being caused by a failing bottom bush on the nearside shock absorber.

The difference between these original LR springs and TerraFirma shocks and the 'old' BritPart setup is night and day. These new ones seem to allow the front of the car to glide over bumps rather than trying to batter them flat as the BP ones did.
Me a happy bunny

Bantam1 · Feb 26, 2020

Shimsteriom said:
To put this thread to bed I can report that the understeer was being caused by a failing bottom bush on the nearside shock absorber.

The difference between these original LR springs and TerraFirma shocks and the 'old' BritPart setup is night and day. These new ones seem to allow the front of the car to glide over bumps rather than trying to batter them flat as the BP ones did.
Me a happy bunny

Well done.
A useful pointer for everyone.

Stanleysteamer · Feb 26, 2020

Well done!
and pleased to see it WAS the nearside after all.

Nothing like getting stuff sorted is there!

Disco 2 Right Hand Turn Understeer

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