IanMc Posted September 1, 2018 Share Posted September 1, 2018 Hi guys, When I turned the car around on the driveway the other weekend, I felt that something want quite right with the steering geometry. The car felt like it was kind of dragging one wheel around. At the time put this down to simply needing to retrack it after find new TRE's on each side. It seems as though the problem is more basic than that, basically I have assembled the top suspension arm spacers on one side wrongly i.e. large (thick) at the front of the car and thin at the rear on one side and vice versa for the other side. Before I start ripping things apart when my hand is better, I just wanted to double check that the diagram in the Haynes manual is correct... This shows the larger, thicker spacer towards the back of the car - is that right? On a point of detail, when assembled correctly, will the coil spring look to be central as it passes through the top arm? If anyone has their wheels off at this time, a photo of this area on both sides would be very helpful! Thanks in advance everyone. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
33019 Posted September 2, 2018 Share Posted September 2, 2018 the thick washer needs to be at the rear of the arm for better castor less understeer Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IanMc Posted September 2, 2018 Author Share Posted September 2, 2018 3 hours ago, 33019 said: the thick washer needs to be at the rear of the arm for better castor less understeer Thanks Simon, much appreciated Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cam.in.head Posted September 2, 2018 Share Posted September 2, 2018 Hi ian. Just to clarify this further. Both washers on the inner side (touching the crossmember if you like )are the same "thickness" (6mm) but the one that is towards the rear is just a larger diameter. The other two washers ,both large diameter under the actual bolt head and nut are much thinner . The haynes book shows correct locations. different "thickness" inner washers were available to correct the castor if needed but ive personally never seen a car that didnt have the standard 6mm ones fitted. And no to your other question. When the arm is down the spring will seem to be closer at one side due to the off centre of the upper arm. Providing the spacers are correct ofcourse ! Ps. I knew you would be playing out soon ! Carefull with that hand Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IanMc Posted September 2, 2018 Author Share Posted September 2, 2018 Cheers Chris, that also helps a lot I’m not actually doing anything yet, the hand is still way to tender and sore. I would say that another week to ten days should see me back in action - fingers crossed Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IanMc Posted December 1, 2018 Author Share Posted December 1, 2018 Sorry to drag this one up again guys. If both spacers are definitely 6 mm thick, does anyone know why one is a larger diameter? Thanks in advance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IanMc Posted December 1, 2018 Author Share Posted December 1, 2018 Scratch that, just found this: All questions answered! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
H-400 Posted December 2, 2018 Share Posted December 2, 2018 Hi Ian, thanks to bring this item up, am going to clean the front axle of the GSI and I think I would have the same problem as you... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IanMc Posted December 2, 2018 Author Share Posted December 2, 2018 No problem Herman - good luck with your job! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Exclusive Opel Posted December 2, 2018 Share Posted December 2, 2018 Bit more info that might be useful. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IanMc Posted December 2, 2018 Author Share Posted December 2, 2018 8 minutes ago, Exclusive Opel said: Bit more info that might be useful. Aha, yes that is very useful - many thanks for sharing! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GTEPETE Posted December 9, 2018 Share Posted December 9, 2018 Never seen the alternative spacers widths 3mm and 9mm for sale..assume it would be easy to machine some up on a lathe... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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