Front suspension problem

jzcktv · Jun 12, 2009

Hi all,
When hitting a sequence of bumps on the road the front nearside wheel on my 90 CSW starts oscillating. So I replaced the shocks and the springs with some from TerraFirma and it improved dramatically but it still oscilates to an extent. Now I know the unsprung weight on a Defender is clearly pretty high, but I don't think it should oscilate when hitting a couple of bumps. Does anybody have any thoughts what I could do to eliminate this problem?

Some background facts...

Happens on B road type surfaces if hitting a sequence of bumps / potholes in the road at about 50+ mph
Only nearside front does it
The springs are a 1 1/2" lift, medium rated, no winch fitted.
The 90 is 2002 TD5 and done about 47,000 miles and has original bushing on it.

I wondered about replacing the Anti-Roll bar bushes.

andyb66 · Jun 12, 2009

If you feel it thru the steering wheel then it may well be swivel pre-load.

As you mention, check suspension bushes as well and track rod end for play.

jzcktv · Jun 12, 2009

Thanks Andy,
It's more the weight of the axle flaying around, it sort of destabilises the front of the 'car'. I've also put on a heavy duy steering damper which has helped.

Swivel pre-load is a shimming job isn't it?

andyb66 · Jun 12, 2009

jzcktv said:
I've also put on a heavy duy steering damper which has helped

Even more inclinded to think that it is steering/swivel related than unsprung weight.

Swivel pre-load is a shimming job isn't it?

Yes. Take a shims out to increase pre-load.

Pikey · Jun 12, 2009

Check your radius arm front bushes, as well . If they are worn it will allow the axle to move backwards and forwards. Does it stop if yu stamp sharply on the brakes? or when accelerating hard.

Worn swivel pins/ or swivel pin bearings will also cause the same problem

Shifty1962 · Jun 12, 2009

Wot Red said.

Swivels and bushes.

jzcktv · Jun 12, 2009

redhand said:
Check your radius arm front bushes, as well . If they are worn it will allow the axle to move backwards and forwards. Does it stop if yu stamp sharply on the brakes? or when accelerating hard.

Worn swivel pins/ or swivel pin bearings will also cause the same problem

Will try braking next time .... accelerating 'hard' (it's a defender...?! ) makes no difference.

I know that if you leave a worn shock absorber on it proceeds to shag all the bushes around it, maybe I waited too long. :doh: If I just set to and replace thebushes I can check the swivel pre-load at the same time. I'm not getting any 'clonking' from up front though.

MrJC · Jun 12, 2009

I know very little (Feck all infact) about the bits that make it all happen. I spend many hours trying to learn by reading these posts.
One thing that hasn't been mentioned is your tyres? Just my own thought... are they over inflated? I think this is far to simple but I will throw my 2d worth in.

jzcktv · Jun 12, 2009

MrJC said:
I know very little (Feck all infact) about the bits that make it all happen. I spend many hours trying to learn by reading these posts.
One thing that hasn't been mentioned is your tyres? Just my own thought... are they over inflated? I think this is far to simple but I will throw my 2d worth in.

Hi JC,
Yep I've been learning from the forum a lot too.

I used to have General Grabber 235/85 std tyres which were inflated to the standard 28 PSI. I Now have Cooper M&S on there, wider at 265/75 and these are inflated to 32 as I think the front footprint was too big and the back too small. But the problem is there on both sets of tyres and is slightly better now.

The whole front axle shimmies about when you hit a 'certain kind' of bump. Then stabalisies after a few feet, you can sort of drive through it but I know it's not right.

Front suspension problem

jzcktv

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