Hi all need some help here I have recently replaced both front coil springs and since replacing the passenger side the steering feels like something is loose and doesn't handle as well as it used to, also there is a constant pull to the left all the time my first thought was track rod ends but I have inspected them and they seem fine, I also thought ball joints only I can't feel any play in the wheels when jacked up, any help here is appreciated as I'm stuck here thank you in advance
Technical Steering very loose
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Technical Steering very loose
Front wishbone bushings are often culprit for what you describe but when the strut had been dismantled it could be incorrect assembly, e.g. top mount out of place, drop links incorrectly assembled, top mount rubber damaged when torquing shock nut etc. etc.
Did you change the strut bearings.
Did you change the strut bearings.
Hi yes I changed both I had a mechanic swap the spring but I too the whole strut to him I think I may have narrowed it down to either passenger disk is gone or the wheel bearings on the passenger side as the disk is really loose, I had the wheel off earlier and the disk was very lose going to get it checked by a mechanic as soon as they open after the easter period but in the mean time and suggestions would be great
Check the clamp fixing at the bottom of the steering column, behind the pedals. They've been known to become frighteningly loose.
There should be two studs/locationg pins holding the disc, they don't have much stength they are just there to maintain alignment and aid positioning of the wheel.
The wheels studs will hold the disc in place when the wheel is on however if the above locating pins are present but the disc is loose they are not screwed in fully and they will stop the wheel seating correctly in which case you shouldn't drive the car until they are tightened.
Jack the car and secure with jack stand. With the wheel still on check for play by catching the top and the bottom of the wheel and pulling out with one hand and pushing in with the other and vice versa.
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There should be two studs/locationg pins holding the disc, they don't have much stength they are just there to maintain alignment and aid positioning of the wheel.
The wheels studs will hold the disc in place when the wheel is on however if the above locating pins are present but the disc is loose they are not screwed in fully and they will stop the wheel seating correctly in which case you shouldn't drive the car until they are tightened.
Jack the car and secure with jack stand. With the wheel still on check for play by catching the top and the bottom of the wheel and pulling out with one hand and pushing in with the other and vice versa.
How important are these as I removed them quite a while ago to put my alloy wheels on and it's only I'd say 3 days maybe a week max that I have been having this issue???
Also the passenger side is the only one that is loose and I have removed them from all 4 wheels
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Will definitely check that tomorrow any chance you could upload a pic of it just so I know and would I need to access this from inside the car or underneath? Sorry if that's a stupid question, something dose definitely feel loose
From inside. Behind the pedals, right at the back, as in photo:
Put keys in and turn to first position so steering lock is released. Kneel on the floor with a torch or headlamp, so you can see the joint. Wiggle the steering wheel gently from left to right. Watch the joint for movement, or better still reach in and feel it with your fingers. Any looseness at all, it needs urgent rectification.
RichyDraper deserves the credit for this one - https://www.fiatforum.com/stilo/336962-steering-wheel-makes-thump.html
No important once the wheel is on.
If you have to change a wheel in the dark at the site of the road aligning the disc, hub and wheel holes can be a real pita.
Lots of cars have a counter sunk disk flat head machine screws to hold the disc in place instead.
VW use a plastic dowel that you screw in that helps align everything, wheels just slide on over it, really didn't appreciate it until changing a tyre in the snow back in 2010.
From inside. Behind the pedals, right at the back, as in photo:
Put keys in and turn to first position so steering lock is released. Kneel on the floor with a torch or headlamp, so you can see the joint. Wiggle the steering wheel gently from left to right. Watch the joint for movement, or better still reach in and feel it with your fingers. Any looseness at all, it needs urgent rectification.
RichyDraper deserves the credit for this one - https://www.fiatforum.com/stilo/336962-steering-wheel-makes-thump.html
Nope that all seems fine ??
Are you sure the mechanic assembled the spring shock absorber and both parts of the top mounting correctly? A non Fiat mechanic may not know the assembly procedure.
If they are assembled correctly, a 3 or 4mm rod (screwdriver) should pass vertically and freely (without forcing it) through the hole next to the suspension turret and both parts of the top mounting when the front wheels are set to straight ahead.
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Davern thank you for the post I will double check tomorrow and let you know I've been using this mechanic for a while he did the spring on the drivers side and no problems about 2-3 weeks later I took the passenger side shock off with spring and all attached and got him to swap springs just like the drivers side but then since I've put the passenger one back on I've had this "loose feeling" like a wheel is about to come off to be honest just a question could tracking cause this problem
