very twitchy moggy

[madmoggy]

Hi I am putting together my sons moggy which he will be using when I feel its a decent driver.
He has just past his test and loves the car so I want to give him a half decent chance of an enjoyable drive.
The problem at the mo is it seems very twitchy when driving,the tracking has been set to parrallel I beleive
The tyres are 155x14 radials and all the susp bushes have been replaced with poly ones (was twitchy before bushes change.)
Was wondering if the tracking was set correct or if having it toe out more would make the steering a little more relaxed instead of resembling a go kart.
Any advice would be appreciated.
Regards Si

[bmcecosse]

First up - tyre pressures must be 30/32 or thereabouts. Also make sure same size front and rear.... The front wheels should be 1/8" toe IN.. and track rods must be equal each side.. ie check the length of exposed thread on each track-rod to be sure it is same each side. And make SURE there is no play in the track rod ends OR the rack. Grease the suspension and the rack...Then look at the camber angle - are the wheels standing upright - or leaning out at the top? Ideal for best handling is just a very little leaning IN at the top. Check with spirit level (or bob weight) on dead level ground - then turn the car around and check again. Drain the dampers and refill with SAE 40 oil - flush it through a couple of times. Then check the rear axle location - if it can move around then the handling will be hopeless..you don't say if the poly bushes were also fitted at the rear?

[madmoggy]

No play in rack ,track rod ends ,front susp all new,bushes front and rear , shocks fine,castor camber fine (has been checked) .

[madmoggy]

Oh and axle is tight and aligned

[bmcecosse]

Shocks?? Well - it can only be down to the tyres then - swap front to rear to see if any better. Some makes have very peculiar effects on the handling......

[madmoggy]

Shocks ???

[madmoggy]

Got firestone on the front but dont know how old they are although they look good,possible it could be them ?

[bmcecosse]

If you are getting shocks from the car - make sure you grip the door hand as you step out, then let go. If different makes of tyres front and rear - try swapping them over.

[madmoggy]

Oh I see ha, a mister clever head, NOT.
But I do agree with you about the tyres and will be addressing those forthwith.

[ian.mcdougall]

BMC in my hard copy of the bible (manual) section I.2 the diagram heading says and I quote" THE SHOCK ABSORBER, etc, etc " so if the Morris Minor Bible can get confused I am sure you can forgive mere mortals for making a mistake.

[beero]

It could be that the tyres are very old and the rubber has hardened with age.
This website will help you to put a date on the tyres.
http://www.carbibles.com/tyre_bible.html
I had very old tyres on my MG when I bought it and a new set of tyres transformed the car.

[madmoggy]

Thanks fellas,yes I think the front tyres are quite old.
I shall replace them and see if there is an improvement,

[bmcecosse]

To call the DAMPERS 'shocks' or even 'shock absorbers' is incorrect - read and learn. Since you don't seem to appreciate my input , I shall take care to avoid answering any Qs you may have in future......

[MarkyB]

Someone has touched a pedantic nerve

[bmcecosse]

All the 'wee ned' forums are full of 'shocks' and 'teles' - I rather hope we can do better on this more mature forum.....

[ian.mcdougall]

Whats a 'wee ned' forum, or is it 'we need' forum or is a Scottish ---------Ahhhh just found the youtube video of the pride of Glasgow youf and a glowing reccomendation to modern teaching methods in UK . And Scotland of course

[bmcecosse]

NED = Non Edukated Delinquent I think in England they may be known as 'chavs' for some reason....

[MarkyB]

By "Non Edukated" are you trying to say uneducated?
Your English teacher will be turning in his/her grave!

[lambrettalad]

They are never untidy they are

NEET=

Not in Education,Employment or Training

[bmcecosse]