Steering geometry help.

[Dan stag]

Whilst out and about in the Stag yesterday I was being followed by a friend. When we stopped at a local watering hole he mentioned the Stag was crab steering a little. I have replaced bearings, bushes etc on the rear but as yet haven't touched the front end (winter project) would this cause the problem if not has anyone else encountered this and any suggestions to overcome it would be gratefully received. Thanks.

[martin]

Hiya Dan, if it really is crabbing, the rear subframe is out of alignment. As far as Stags are concerned, it's a new one on me, of course someone may know better, but it's definitely the rear trying to steer the car. Martin.

[Dan stag]

Hiya Dan, if it really is crabbing, the rear subframe is out of alignment. As far as Stags are concerned, it's a new one on me, of course someone may know better, but it's definitely the rear trying to steer the car. Martin.

Thanks for the reply Martin. I can't understand it mind you it's not often I follow my own car so might have been like it before I did the rear bushes etc. nothing looks out of place, no sign of previous damage underneath or in the boot and I replaced all the shims I found behind the trailing arms. Any ideas from anyone else would be muchly appreciated. Can I get the rear subframe realigned do you know?

[martin]

Dan, are you sure your friend was right ? I'd get someone else to drive your car while you follow and check. Is there any difference in handling on left and right turns? Martin.

[Dan stag]

Dan, are you sure your friend was right ? I'd get someone else to drive your car while you follow and check. Is there any difference in handling on left and right turns? Martin.

You're probably right I'll get her indoors to drive it and see for myself before I panic too much. There doesn't seem to be any difference in left or right turns although the front shocks, springs, bushes, steering rack needs attention and is getting it this winter, all going well. The steering is a bit notchy but I'm hoping the work I intend to do will sort it.

[jleyton]

I've not experienced this myself but there has been plenty of talk on here about the holes in the subframe arms getting elongated (where the arms bolt to the diff) - could this cause a problem like this, although I assume incorrect camber would be the first sign ?

Cheers

Julian

[Dan stag]

[QUOTE=jleyton;185108]I've not experienced this myself but there has been plenty of talk on here about the holes in the subframe arms getting elongated (where the arms bolt to the diff) - could this cause a problem like this, although I assume incorrect camber would be the first sign ?

Cheers
Hi Julian
I didn't take off the diff so I don't know if my holes are out of shape, maybe work checking during the winter. Is there a way of checking the camber on the rear wheels or the front for that matter or is it a specialist job?

[GDPR]

I'd start off by measuring between the wheel centres on each side - if there is more than about an inch difference (the Stag was built by hand in a most haphazard way) then it would be worth looking at the the angles of the rear subframe mounts - because of the steady straps it is possible for a small skew to happen..

[jakesmig]

As you say, it may be that the car was crabbing before you overhauled the bushes etc, just that you didn't know it. Unless there is a twist to the subframe the problem is likely to be toe in values
The rear of the car should be set slightly toe in so that the rear runs neutraly down the road. A garage that uses the modern alignment equipment should be able to inspect the car and give you the existing toe in / out values, after which you should be able to correct any discrepancy by adjusting shims at the trailing arm fixing locations.

Rgds
John

[Dan stag]

Thanks for the tips guys. I'll have a measure later in the week as Kryten suggested and I will get it checked at a garage but probably best to wait untill I refurb the front end and get it all checked at the same time. It would seem daft to take her off the road for this as she is running fine at the moment, fingers crossed.

[jakesmig]

Thanks for the tips guys. I'll have a measure later in the week as Kryten suggested and I will get it checked at a garage but probably best to wait untill I refurb the front end and get it all checked at the same time. It would seem daft to take her off the road for this as she is running fine at the moment, fingers crossed.

'A fine solution!'

[martin]

Just a final thought Dan, crabbing can physically only be caused by the rear geometry, if it was the front, steering input would stop it. Russ's right as usual, getting it professionally measured would be more accurate, but dearer, DIY would work if it's way out, and it's cheap (free) Fingers crossed, your mates eye geometry is out of kilter. Martin.