Scary handling - rear radius arms?

[Insomnia]

Would I be right in thinking that if a car starts to feel wobbly when changing lanes and you have to fight to keep the car in a straight line at speed, your rear radius arms need repairing?

And if so, would this kit be a suitable repair?....

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/FIAT-COUPE-REAR-SUSPENSION-RADIUS-ARM-REPAIR-KIT_W0QQitemZ320272767722QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM?hash=item320272767722&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=66%3A2%7C65%3A1%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318

Ta!

Longest Serving BOO Member

Bravo: Nov 01 80SX / 75,000 miles
Coupe: Feb 97 20V N/A / 135,000 miles

 

[Carroll]

It could well be - but it also could be worn front suspension bushes, wheelbearings, loose wheel bolts, poor tracking, uneven tyre pressures,
or just ruts carved onto the road surface by heavy lorries...

 

[Insomnia]

You may have it then Carroll...

The front offside wheel has play in it as Rog @ PowerItalia pointed out. One of the bushes in the wishbone had some play.

I've got 2 new original Fiat wishbones to be fitted, so I best fit them and see how things are then.

I take it the smallest amount of play would cause it to feel like its going to throw itself into a spin/off the road?

Longest Serving BOO Member

Bravo: Nov 01 80SX / 75,000 miles
Coupe: Feb 97 20V N/A / 135,000 miles

 

[Tom]

And lets not forget the one vital thing everyone ignores... shocks!

And yes, a small amount of play will mess up the handling.

 

[Carroll]

Oh yes indeed it could and is most likely to be the problem - get those wishbones changed!

 

[Insomnia]

Would the following be sound thinking? ....

Tracking will be done after the wishbones have been replaced.

If the shocks are disturbed by changing the wishbones (my knowledge of the suspension set up is minimal to say the least), then I might as well replace them as I have no idea how old they are.

Rear ones I can do myself but thinking that perhaps the front might as well be renewed to help matters.

Longest Serving BOO Member

Bravo: Nov 01 80SX / 75,000 miles
Coupe: Feb 97 20V N/A / 135,000 miles

 

[Carroll]

New dampers will always feel great compared to tired softened ones and replacing them would'nt have any impact on the other suspension components providing everything is fitted correctly.

It is a great way to rejuvinate almost any car
- if you can stand the extra amount of work/expense involved, but won't be a cure if the wishbone bushes are also shot.

Setting the tracking, (or even full-blown laser alignment) is always the last job done after everything new has been fitted/settled-down.

 

[Andy]

Insy, if you need a hand doing the work etc just let me know mate. can get that lot done in a morning easy enough for you, incl front and rear shocks with the wishbones


Andy_sx

 

[Insomnia]

Cheers mate.

Its on the coop - its up for MOT in about 3 weeks, so I'll be having the wishbones replaced same time my mobile mechanic takes it away. Kind of makes it worth his while.

What I may do tho is replace the shocks all round at a later date. At that point I may just shout

Longest Serving BOO Member

Bravo: Nov 01 80SX / 75,000 miles
Coupe: Feb 97 20V N/A / 135,000 miles