Car is wandering all over the place!

1. BenM508 Regular Poster Joined: Aug 2011 Grantham/Lincolnshire Posts: 297 2002 Citroen Saxo Desire 1.1

   #1 24th February 2012, 11:55

   Hi guys, my car has been wondering for a couple of weeks now, all over the road, constant steering to keep it straight
   
   I got my tracking done and the bloke said that while the tracking WAS out, it wouldnt be causing the wandering, but said it could be the bushes, so I drove out of the place, tracking done, and slowly the steering worked its way back, so I have to steer right everywhere again, just like before
   
   My question is, what bushes could it be and why has the steering wheel returned to steering right for going straight?
   
   Thanks
   Ben
2. user_12308 Saxperience Forum Bum Joined: Nov 2006 The Lang Toun Posts: 4133 Mk2 Clio V6 #007 of 354

   #2 24th February 2012, 13:43

   Has the steering wheel ever been changed? ie been put back on squint?
3. BenM508 Regular Poster Joined: Aug 2011 Grantham/Lincolnshire Posts: 297 2002 Citroen Saxo Desire 1.1

   #3 24th February 2012, 13:55

   Quote:

   Originally Posted by mtpagey Has the steering wheel ever been changed? ie been put back on squint?

   I had to remove it to replace the indicator and wiper stalks, but it did it before I took it off too, its just got worse in the last couple of weeks
4. AaronSAXOVTR Regular Poster Joined: Sep 2011 Stowmarket/Ipswich Posts: 439 Slammed Silver 52 VTR

   #4 24th February 2012, 14:55

   my car is doing the same thing at the moment. i also had it tracked which didnt make a difference. and i dont have a clue what it is but its really bugging me to constantly fight the car to go straight!
5. Cam Saxperience Post Whore Joined: Nov 2010 Kent Posts: 8439 Gen 7 Celica 190.

   #5 24th February 2012, 15:04

   Mine is the same aswell had tracking and changed a few things with no luck!
6. AaronSAXOVTR Regular Poster Joined: Sep 2011 Stowmarket/Ipswich Posts: 439 Slammed Silver 52 VTR

   #6 24th February 2012, 15:17

   Quote:

   Originally Posted by Cam Mine is the same aswell had tracking and changed a few things with no luck!

   what things did you change? im thinking about putting new wishbones and antiroll bar links in, did you change them?
7. Ben_SaxoForte Saxperience Forum Bum Joined: Mar 2009 Stoke-on-trent Posts: 2640 Mk5 Golf GTTDI Mk2 VTR Project

   #7 24th February 2012, 15:33

   Check wheel bearings, lower balljoints, wishbone bushes and track rod ends for a start, I have a similar problem with wondering but its intermitant with mine seems to be worse when the weathers warm, i'm guessing its the wishbone bushes or something like that and the rubber gets softer when its warm, well thats my idea anyway
8. AaronSAXOVTR Regular Poster Joined: Sep 2011 Stowmarket/Ipswich Posts: 439 Slammed Silver 52 VTR

   #8 24th February 2012, 15:36

   Quote:

   Originally Posted by Ben_SaxoForte Check wheel bearings, lower balljoints, wishbone bushes and track rod ends for a start, I have a similar problem with wondering but its intermitant with mine seems to be worse when the weathers warm, i'm guessing its the wishbone bushes or something like that and the rubber gets softer when its warm, well thats my idea anyway

   my wheel bearings are fine, but one of my lower ball joints is buggered on the drivers side, but it pulls to the left and right randomly. ive been told it could be the rear trailing arm bushes? there are a few things it could be but dont wanna replace everything lol
9. Ben_SaxoForte Saxperience Forum Bum Joined: Mar 2009 Stoke-on-trent Posts: 2640 Mk5 Golf GTTDI Mk2 VTR Project

   #9 24th February 2012, 17:04

   Quote:

   Originally Posted by AaronSAXOVTR my wheel bearings are fine, but one of my lower ball joints is buggered on the drivers side, but it pulls to the left and right randomly. ive been told it could be the rear trailing arm bushes? there are a few things it could be but dont wanna replace everything lol

   that could well be your bad balljoint causing the problem
10. user_29491 Saxperience Forum Bum Joined: Dec 2008 Lancs Posts: 4124 JP4S'd R.

    #10 24th February 2012, 17:05

    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Ben_SaxoForte that could well be your bad balljoint causing the problem

    Yeah its the ball joint at fault.
    
    The whole of your suspension leg is sitting on that ball joint. So if it's fucked.. Would cause the car to pull left or right, as you've said.
11. AaronSAXOVTR Regular Poster Joined: Sep 2011 Stowmarket/Ipswich Posts: 439 Slammed Silver 52 VTR

    #11 24th February 2012, 17:12

    will have to get that done then not sure if it would be worth to replace both wishbones rather than just the one lol
12. Cam Saxperience Post Whore Joined: Nov 2010 Kent Posts: 8439 Gen 7 Celica 190.

    #12 24th February 2012, 17:13

    Quote:

    Originally Posted by AaronSAXOVTR will have to get that done then not sure if it would be worth to replace both wishbones rather than just the one lol

    Then the problem wont go away so you might aswell not do it.
13. AaronSAXOVTR Regular Poster Joined: Sep 2011 Stowmarket/Ipswich Posts: 439 Slammed Silver 52 VTR

    #13 24th February 2012, 17:40

    what so if i only replace one wishbone it wont have any effect?
14. user_29491 Saxperience Forum Bum Joined: Dec 2008 Lancs Posts: 4124 JP4S'd R.

    #14 24th February 2012, 18:24

    Well if the other is the same age as the fucked one.. it's not going to last much longer than the other..
    
    Check to see if the ARP bushes are still good.. If they are, just get new ball joint's pressed in your wishbones.
    
    They're only about 6 quid. I bought one just for the rubber.. as i damaged it taking the strut off.
15. Ben_SaxoForte Saxperience Forum Bum Joined: Mar 2009 Stoke-on-trent Posts: 2640 Mk5 Golf GTTDI Mk2 VTR Project

    #15 24th February 2012, 19:36

    Yeah may aswell do both sides while your at it, check the bushes then you can decide whether to change the full wishbones or just balljoints. Or you could go for uprated bushes for your original wishbones for a similar price which is my plan
16. BenM508 Regular Poster Joined: Aug 2011 Grantham/Lincolnshire Posts: 297 2002 Citroen Saxo Desire 1.1

    #16 24th February 2012, 23:32

    Quote:

    Originally Posted by AaronSAXOVTR my car is doing the same thing at the moment. i also had it tracked which didnt make a difference. and i dont have a clue what it is but its really bugging me to constantly fight the car to go straight!

    My car feels just like this, its unreal, always got a constant fear that something will fall off and I'll crash into an oncoming car!
    
    

    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Ben_SaxoForte Check wheel bearings, lower balljoints, wishbone bushes and track rod ends for a start, I have a similar problem with wondering but its intermitant with mine seems to be worse when the weathers warm, i'm guessing its the wishbone bushes or something like that and the rubber gets softer when its warm, well thats my idea anyway

    Mine doesn't get worse with weather, but I remember reaching under the bonnet for the track rod ends, and one had a tiny TINY amount of movement, I checked it the other day and there isn't any movement anymore
    
    

    Quote:

    Originally Posted by saxova Yeah its the ball joint at fault. The whole of your suspension leg is sitting on that ball joint. So if it's fucked.. Would cause the car to pull left or right, as you've said.

    When I go over bumps I get a creak from the front left, I was told it could be the top of the strut where the rubber sits on the chassis, when the rubber moves it makes a creak, so I'm guessing its most likely the ball joint, where like you say, the whole suspension leg sits, which would explain the creaking and movement
    
    

    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Ben_SaxoForte Yeah may aswell do both sides while your at it, check the bushes then you can decide whether to change the full wishbones or just balljoints. Or you could go for uprated bushes for your original wishbones for a similar price which is my plan

    When checking the bushes, can I just grab things and shake at them? That way if there is any movement surely a bush or bushes are worn on that particular part?
    
    Thanks for all the replies guys
    Ben
17. Ben_SaxoForte Saxperience Forum Bum Joined: Mar 2009 Stoke-on-trent Posts: 2640 Mk5 Golf GTTDI Mk2 VTR Project

    #17 25th February 2012, 01:08

    when checking the bushes you need to use a pry bar or something similar as you probably wont be able to make it move much by hand unless they are totally knackered
18. BenM508 Regular Poster Joined: Aug 2011 Grantham/Lincolnshire Posts: 297 2002 Citroen Saxo Desire 1.1

    #18 26th February 2012, 21:03

    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Ben_SaxoForte when checking the bushes you need to use a pry bar or something similar as you probably wont be able to make it move much by hand unless they are totally knackered

    Okay, but even a slight bit of play could cause issues?
19. baker556 Saxperience Forum Bum Joined: Mar 2007 127.0.0.1 Posts: 4826 oem+ sax

    #19 26th February 2012, 21:19

    Bet your rear axle has gone.
20. user_20080 Saxperience Hardcore! Joined: Dec 2007 smurfland. Posts: 17346 Ex saxo owner.

    #20 26th February 2012, 21:40

    Depending on how bad the bushes are,you`ll be able to see if they`re perished/cracked.
21. BenM508 Regular Poster Joined: Aug 2011 Grantham/Lincolnshire Posts: 297 2002 Citroen Saxo Desire 1.1

    #21 26th February 2012, 23:40

    Quote:

    Originally Posted by baker556 Bet your rear axle has gone.

    I've only just had it replaced, didn't check the bearings in the new one though, can't feel any play in the trailing arms though, I did check the other day
22. Ben_SaxoForte Saxperience Forum Bum Joined: Mar 2009 Stoke-on-trent Posts: 2640 Mk5 Golf GTTDI Mk2 VTR Project

    #22 26th February 2012, 23:47

    Quote:

    Originally Posted by BenM508 Okay, but even a slight bit of play could cause issues?

    yeah there should be hardly any movement at all if they're good.. i'd say its more likely balljoints though to be honest you can usually hear knocking under your feet if its the wishbone bushes. Try turning your steering side to side when its stationary see if you can hear any cracking/clunk noises coming from the suspension areas
23. BenM508 Regular Poster Joined: Aug 2011 Grantham/Lincolnshire Posts: 297 2002 Citroen Saxo Desire 1.1

    #23 27th February 2012, 01:24

    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Ben_SaxoForte yeah there should be hardly any movement at all if they're good.. i'd say its more likely balljoints though to be honest you can usually hear knocking under your feet if its the wishbone bushes. Try turning your steering side to side when its stationary see if you can hear any cracking/clunk noises coming from the suspension areas

    Tried it and only once I get to steering lock either way does it clunk, when it clunks the power steering whirring noise gets lower as if its under a lot of load?
24. BenM508 Regular Poster Joined: Aug 2011 Grantham/Lincolnshire Posts: 297 2002 Citroen Saxo Desire 1.1

    #24 29th February 2012, 14:34

    Tried moving the steering wheel side to side, small amount of clunking
    
    Sent from my HTC Desire S using Tapatalk
25. Domster L-plater Joined: Feb 2012 Ramsey, Cambridgshire Posts: 66 Saxo furio

    #25 29th February 2012, 14:37

    probably the balljoints or lower arms as my car was doing that its been in garage for 2 weeks getting work done. check balljoints and lower arm!
26. BenM508 Regular Poster Joined: Aug 2011 Grantham/Lincolnshire Posts: 297 2002 Citroen Saxo Desire 1.1

    #26 2nd March 2012, 16:54

    Ive jacked up the car and checked for play in the rear arms
    
    Absolutely nothing, pulling on the wheels and wobbling them around moves the whole car, no play in the axle, which is what i thought it could be recently, could it perhaps be a worn rear wheel bearing? As I can here a weird whirring noise when driving along from the rear, the car has done 130,000 miles so id say they are coming to the end of their life
    
    How do I know these are gone?
    
    Thanks
27. user_29491 Saxperience Forum Bum Joined: Dec 2008 Lancs Posts: 4124 JP4S'd R.

    #27 2nd March 2012, 18:00

    hold the wheel at the top and bottom, and wobble.. any movement and the bearings are gone..
28. BenM508 Regular Poster Joined: Aug 2011 Grantham/Lincolnshire Posts: 297 2002 Citroen Saxo Desire 1.1

    #28 5th March 2012, 14:34

    Don't know if this could be related to my problem but the mechanic says that the car could have a leaky brake cylinder in the left rear brake, and that it should be replaced soon, this could have been causing an irregular brake pattern or caused the can to wander, maybe?
    
    Sent from my HTC Desire S using Tapatalk
29. user_29491 Saxperience Forum Bum Joined: Dec 2008 Lancs Posts: 4124 JP4S'd R.

    #29 5th March 2012, 15:11

    Only when braking though? Your's does it accelerating lol, Just get both fixed
30. graham22211 Regular Poster Joined: Feb 2012 blyth northumberland Posts: 260 saxo 1.1i desire and a vectra sri 140 estate

    #30 5th March 2012, 18:52

    could be your stearing rack exsesive play maybe just a thought .
31. BenM508 Regular Poster Joined: Aug 2011 Grantham/Lincolnshire Posts: 297 2002 Citroen Saxo Desire 1.1

    #31 6th March 2012, 00:08

    Quote:

    Originally Posted by graham22211 could be your stearing rack exsesive play maybe just a thought .

    Did have a tiny amount of play in it last time I checked a few months ago
    
    Sent from my HTC Desire S using Tapatalk
32. AaronSAXOVTR Regular Poster Joined: Sep 2011 Stowmarket/Ipswich Posts: 439 Slammed Silver 52 VTR

    #32 6th March 2012, 16:16

    replacing both my wishbones tomorrow, so if it sorts out my steering ill let you know
33. BenM508 Regular Poster Joined: Aug 2011 Grantham/Lincolnshire Posts: 297 2002 Citroen Saxo Desire 1.1

    #33 6th March 2012, 23:53

    Quote:

    Originally Posted by AaronSAXOVTR replacing both my wishbones tomorrow, so if it sorts out my steering ill let you know

    Sure thing
34. user_51831 Regular Poster Joined: Apr 2011 Wrexham, North Wales Posts: 307 Gold Saxo VTS & a Yellow S2000

    #34 7th March 2012, 10:29

    Quote:

    Originally Posted by baker556 Bet your rear axle has gone.

    Just what i was thinking. I got wheel alignment done @ Demon Tweeks after lowering/new wheels and bloke said rear axles on way out. Didn't think much @ first as tracking was fine (thought they wanted extra money outta me) nut its slowly pulling to the right again. Pissing me off tbh.
35. m3wood Regular Poster Joined: Jan 2012 dereham Posts: 429 mitsubishi carisma saxo vtr

    #35 7th March 2012, 10:39

    maybe its due to the bushes
36. SAXOOOOOOOOOO Infrequent Poster Joined: Mar 2012 Uxbridge Posts: 247 Renault 19 Mk1 Clio Mk5 fiesta zetec s Mk2 sax

    #36 7th March 2012, 10:50

    Could it be the shock top mounts?
    
    
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    I am here: http://tapatalk.com/map.php?21m13k
37. AaronSAXOVTR Regular Poster Joined: Sep 2011 Stowmarket/Ipswich Posts: 439 Slammed Silver 52 VTR

    #37 7th March 2012, 17:20

    changed my wishbones and anti roll bar links and tracked my car and its all fine now stopped pulling well chuffed
38. BenM508 Regular Poster Joined: Aug 2011 Grantham/Lincolnshire Posts: 297 2002 Citroen Saxo Desire 1.1

    #38 8th March 2012, 16:24

    Nice, what's the cost of replacing these things mate?
    
    Sent from my HTC Desire S using Tapatalk
39. AaronSAXOVTR Regular Poster Joined: Sep 2011 Stowmarket/Ipswich Posts: 439 Slammed Silver 52 VTR

    #39 8th March 2012, 18:47

    Quote:

    Originally Posted by BenM508 Nice, what's the cost of replacing these things mate? Sent from my HTC Desire S using Tapatalk

    costs about 70 for the wishbones and bout 10 20 qwid for anti roll bar links, and i fitted them myself so not sure how much a garage would charge
40. kennym1987 Established Member Joined: Sep 2007 Armadale, West Lothian Posts: 1230 flatty 16v sleeper and a regular vts

    #40 9th March 2012, 05:28

    Quote:

    Originally Posted by BenM508 Nice, what's the cost of replacing these things mate? Sent from my HTC Desire S using Tapatalk

    Quote:

    Originally Posted by AaronSAXOVTR costs about 70 for the wishbones and bout 10 20 qwid for anti roll bar links, and i fitted them myself so not sure how much a garage would charge

    1.1s don't use drop links so thats some money saved
41. BenM508 Regular Poster Joined: Aug 2011 Grantham/Lincolnshire Posts: 297 2002 Citroen Saxo Desire 1.1

    #41 9th March 2012, 20:32

    Quote:

    Originally Posted by kennym1987 1.1s don't use drop links so thats some money saved

    Oh right, why not? Must say I have never noticed them
42. Ben_SaxoForte Saxperience Forum Bum Joined: Mar 2009 Stoke-on-trent Posts: 2640 Mk5 Golf GTTDI Mk2 VTR Project

    #42 9th March 2012, 20:40

    Quote:

    Originally Posted by BenM508 Oh right, why not? Must say I have never noticed them

    the anti-roll bar is bolted directly to the wishbone on 1.1's so no need for droplinks
43. BenM508 Regular Poster Joined: Aug 2011 Grantham/Lincolnshire Posts: 297 2002 Citroen Saxo Desire 1.1

    #43 10th March 2012, 23:12

    Ah right, I see what you mean!
    
    Sent from my HTC Desire S using Tapatalk