Handling problem

[djcheung]

Hi all,

I have a strange handling problem and hope some of you can give me some pointers.

The symptoms:

When going round a bend at low speed say between 10-30mph, I seem to loose the backend and have to correct the steering as if I am over-steering it. No skidding.
I have got new tyres on all four wheels, 4 wheel balanced and the track rod arm checked and they are all ok.

Could this be the suspensions?

I am puzzled
I don't want to start changing the shocks if it is something else.

Thanks.

 

[djcheung]

Sorry, forgot to mention my car - 98' W210 E240 elegance.

 

[stats007]

Is it an estate? If so what's in the boot?

It could be that the suspension is giving you the impression of oversteer with excessive bodyroll, but seems odd. If the alignment and bushes etc are all ok then I can only assume the diff

 

[djcheung]

It is a saloon.

In what way and how the diff will give me the symptoms?

 

[stats007]

It would depend on whether it was a LSD or not. Normal diffs whine and make grinding noises when worn as the gears slip. In a LSD you have pressure rings and disc clutches (unless it's a viscous type) - if these are worn you may just notice a difference in vehicle behaviour as opposed to hearing anything untoward. If the dampers are failing try the bounce test.

 

[jgevers]

Get the geometry checked.

 

[stats007]

thats already been done.

 

[jgevers]

What are the figures on your geometry printout? Also, I hope you have fitted a decent brand of tyres. There are some cheap brands that will make the car behave different.

regards,

Job

 

[djcheung]

They are Michellin Pilot Primacy.
The funny thing is it seemed to behave better when the new tyres were put on about 3000 miles ago. I thought it may be something to do with the tyres but they are only 3000 miles old with no uneven wear on them.