Steering vague and tramlining Clio 2004
Discussion
Hi all,
I have a little 1.2 Renault Clio for a runaround for Mrs Hythan, and after I drove it the other night, I have noticed that the steering feels quite vague, there is a noticeable amount of play in the wheel, and it tramlines rather easily.
It has just had a fresh MOT, and the advisories are as follows;
O/S FRONT SHOCK ABSORBER SLIGHT MISTING OF OIL
N/S TRACK ROD END BALL JOINT SLIGHT PLAY
Would the track rod end ball joint be contributing to this? Would it be enough to cause it?
I don't want to replace the rack if I can do smaller jobs first that would eliminate the problem, however if a new rack is needed after doing the smaller items first, then so be it.
Is there anything else I should try? Any tests to try and pinpoint a particular problem?
For some more info in case it is relevant, the front O/S wheel is pointing inwards towards the wheel arch at the top, by about 2cm. A garage has checked everything they can see and cannot find a particular part that is bent, but it's enough to make it a no go for wheel alignment work, as this is how I first found out about the problem. I have ordered a new leg (shock absorber cool spring and hub assembly) in order to try to rectify it, as I have spotted a weak link that I think is where the bend is. Garage has confirmed it is safe to drive, but may wear out inner edge of tyre, I will keep an eye on that and have carried out an emergency braking test from 50mph (on a bloody wide private road), and the car stops straight and promptly. I would still like to sort this though hence the purchase of the new leg which I'll fit ASAP.
Any advice in the vague steering and tramlining would be appreciated.
Thanks
I have a little 1.2 Renault Clio for a runaround for Mrs Hythan, and after I drove it the other night, I have noticed that the steering feels quite vague, there is a noticeable amount of play in the wheel, and it tramlines rather easily.
It has just had a fresh MOT, and the advisories are as follows;
O/S FRONT SHOCK ABSORBER SLIGHT MISTING OF OIL
N/S TRACK ROD END BALL JOINT SLIGHT PLAY
Would the track rod end ball joint be contributing to this? Would it be enough to cause it?
I don't want to replace the rack if I can do smaller jobs first that would eliminate the problem, however if a new rack is needed after doing the smaller items first, then so be it.
Is there anything else I should try? Any tests to try and pinpoint a particular problem?
For some more info in case it is relevant, the front O/S wheel is pointing inwards towards the wheel arch at the top, by about 2cm. A garage has checked everything they can see and cannot find a particular part that is bent, but it's enough to make it a no go for wheel alignment work, as this is how I first found out about the problem. I have ordered a new leg (shock absorber cool spring and hub assembly) in order to try to rectify it, as I have spotted a weak link that I think is where the bend is. Garage has confirmed it is safe to drive, but may wear out inner edge of tyre, I will keep an eye on that and have carried out an emergency braking test from 50mph (on a bloody wide private road), and the car stops straight and promptly. I would still like to sort this though hence the purchase of the new leg which I'll fit ASAP.
Any advice in the vague steering and tramlining would be appreciated.
Thanks
The camber issue would be enough for me to take it off the road if it was my car! Sounds quite extreme.
I would hazard a guess at shagged ball joints which are easy enough to replace and are a consumable part. Decent splitter and two bolts from memory although I would change the complete wishbones.
Knackered shocks should not be causing the camber although may make it feel a bit vaugue and wobbly but bending one requires some force!
To add - if the ball joint fails the wheel will fall off. Take it to another garage.
I would hazard a guess at shagged ball joints which are easy enough to replace and are a consumable part. Decent splitter and two bolts from memory although I would change the complete wishbones.
Knackered shocks should not be causing the camber although may make it feel a bit vaugue and wobbly but bending one requires some force!
To add - if the ball joint fails the wheel will fall off. Take it to another garage.
Gassing Station | French Bred | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff