Ride height uneven

[Yatz]

I have just noticed that my Chimaera 4.5 seems to be about half an inch or so higher on the drivers side. I first noticed it about a month ago but thought it was an illusion caused by uneven ground. However on inspection I can see that the wheel arch is slightly closer to the wheel on the passenger side. I have heard that this is "normal" but I cannot see why it would be. The suspension (Nomex) is apparently new and there doesn't seem to be any feeling of uneven-ness whilst driving, moreover I cannot say how long it has been this way. I bought the car in August and it's just possible it was like that back then and I did not notice. Anyone got any thoughts?

[Steve_D]

Well first we need to know if the car is fitted with dampers that have adjustment for height. If they do then you have your answer...they need adjusting.
If they don't have adjustment then it is possible one or more spring is weak. Again if they don't then perhaps that is your next investment.

Steve

[sixor8]

I had a '96 Chimaera with this issue (although it was the passenger side for me) and it wasn't until I changed the corroded front suspension arms that I discovered what I think was the issue. It had received a body off to change the outriggers and I don't think it was put back on properly. I was on original dampers so couldn't adjust to compensate.

It's also possible that one or more of the suspension arms were changed and the mounting bolts fully tightened with the bodyweight NOT on the wheels correctly.

[Yatz]

Well the suspension is definitely adjustable because when I bought the car we discussed whether or not to raise or lower it. I suspect that it is merely an adjustment issue but it concerns me as to how, if it was balanced when I bought it (I've driven it less than 2000 miles) what might have caused things to move. There are a lot of potholes in my area of the world (Devon) and I wondering if that might have something to do with it.

[phillpot]

TVR body shells are notoriously unsymmetrical, I'd be taking some measurements from the chassis to the ground before adjusting anything

[Yatz]

Thanks, that's a very good point. The difference is only about half an inch or so which could indeed be merely the body shell sitting not quite flat.

[Belle427]

Having the suspension set up by someone who knows these cars is beneficial too if its just a case of that.
Make sure your tyres are not too old as well although this has nothing to do with the above.

[mach2]

As the suspension is adjustable it is very likely that the car has been balanced and corner weighted at some point previously, taking into account the weight of the driver only. Once your sat in the car it will likely (should!) be level. I’ve had this done on both my Chimaera and Tuscan. They’re set up for “spirited” driving with myself only in the car.
If you use the car regularly with a passenger then I would suggest adjustment needs to be made to level it up.

[magpies]

phillpot said:

TVR body shells are notoriously unsymmetrical, I'd be taking some measurements from the chassis to the ground before adjusting anything

This /\ /\

[MadMark911]

mach2 said:

As the suspension is adjustable it is very likely that the car has been balanced and corner weighted at some point previously, taking into account the weight of the driver only. Once your sat in the car it will likely (should!) be level. I’ve had this done on both my Chimaera and Tuscan. They’re set up for “spirited” driving with myself only in the car.
If you use the car regularly with a passenger then I would suggest adjustment needs to be made to level it up.

Spot on. Especially useful if you are “powerfully built”. Ahem.