handling on lowered cars!!

[big gra]

since i lowered my nova 60mm on the front on springs and shocks, the steering has become VARY light, feels like power steering,, even when the cars not moving you can turn the wheel freely, its a bit scary driving at speed because any slight bump in the road can make the steering turn!! any thoughs!!

on another note, since i put my new engine in, went for a drive and when i turn the wheel there is a loud bangine, is it the universal joints on driveshafts,, they are my origianls and were fine before the engine swap!!

[Welsh Dan]

Are you sure the wheels arent catching the arches when you're at full lock?

[Stuart]

Lowering it that far ahs thrown tons and tons of neggy camber on, which is why the steering is light, the tyre is only touching on the inside edge.... kinda like running 125/90/13's lol

[Adam]

Check nothing is rubbing the driveshafts or track arms.

[craig green]

Sounds like the negative camber (stu) & bump steer.

I would see about switching the fr springs to some -40mm jobs. Or atleast check they arent GMAX (Jamex) ones on there. They are soft as a laxative fed dogs poo & thats before you consider the ride height is lower.

Get it setup. What width tyres & wheels are on it. When you lower a car on skinny tyres it makes the tread work much harder which can make it very understeer prone IME.

[big gra]

im running 195/45/15 tyres, there gt radials and all brand new!!

[Gunzi]

Agreed, get the camber realigned. You may find you need adjustable camber arms if you want to keep it that low.

[big gra]

were can i get adjustable camber arms!! was thinking of finding a way of adjusting mine but couldent see any way without some serious chopping and welding!!

[Adam]

Adjustable strut camber bolts.

[Gunzi]

Was thinking of a different car for the camber arms....:wall:

[big gra]

aahh i see, can i get them from halfords etc? need it sorting!!

[Adam]

Demon tweeks.


OR you can weld a m8 washer on the top of the turret, around 6mm to the side of the original holes to straighten it up.
Thats been done on mine. I still get some inner tyre wearing tho, not at all much tho, just slightly noticeable over about 3000miles.

[big gra]

think i might try that, know a few people who are a dab hand at welding!!

cheers again long live the nova!!

[Stuart]

you drill the holes approx 1-1.5mm nearer the outer wing for every 10mm of suspension drop.

[big gra]

you drill the holes approx 1-1.5mm nearer the outer wing for every 10mm of suspension drop.

thanks stuart, would have had a random guess at were to put the holes otherwise!

[mowgli]

buy the proper things unless someone with really good metal skills & measuring equipment is doing it.

[big gra]

will the camber correctong bolts be enough??

[Ash]

Was thinking of a different car for the camber arms....:wall:

really?

http://img99.imageshack.us/img99/5294/dsc00711ws1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[Welsh Dan]

Yes they will, when set properly.

[burgo]

i found when i slammed mine that it gave it ****e loads of toe out aswell which sends the steering light

[tookie]

you drill the holes approx 1-1.5mm nearer the outer wing for every 10mm of suspension drop.
has anyone got any pics of this done?

[big gra]

think ill have a go with the camber correcting bolts first before i start butchering my turret tops!! might be a good idea to get the wheels aligned aswel! hope this thread has helped a few other people aswel because ive learnt quite a lot!

[craig green]

might be a good idea to get the wheels aligned aswel!

best to get that done after, as the tracking will vary as the wheel moves through the suspension movement. Moving the camber will upset it again too.

[garyc]

VW do camber correction bolts which fit the Nova. I think they are from a MK2 golf, I did have the part number somewhere. PM me if your interested and I'll see if I can find it.

[craig green]

I did a thread on the VW camber bolts yesterday on MIG.

I'd like to see a 'how to' with pics really.

[icko]

isnt negative camber good when you are going fast in turns?

[Stoo]

neg camber is good to a degree but there has to be a compromise between tyre wear and agility!

[Stuart]

and too much neggy camber moves the contact patch to make it sooooooooooo tiny that its pointless fitting wide tyres etc.

[icko]

So around what setting is the best compromise -1.5?

[James P]

light steering! have you cheacked your tyre preasures? garages always pump new tyres up to the max.

[big gra]

nah, checked the tyres, was fine until i fitted 60mm springs!

[big gra]

ok, ive scoured the internet looking for camber correcting bolts to fit a nova but cant find any,, anyone get a link please? or has anybody got some?

[Welsh Dan]

Why not drill out one set of holes in the strut like has been done to puss puss's ones?

[big gra]

Why not drill out one set of holes in the strut like has been done to puss puss's ones?

i dont see how making one hole bigger will help, plus i want to do a proper job, no bodges!

[Welsh Dan]

Because making one hole larger will allow you to swivel the steering knuckle around the bolt in the smaller hole which will adjust the camber, before you tighten up the one in the bigger hole.