adenorman Posted July 7, 2010 Report Share Posted July 7, 2010 Chaps would really appreciate some help with this. Posted this on vxon with no joy then found you guys and if anyone can shed some light on what's happening, it's you lot. Sorry it's turned into an epic long post. At the w/e I fitted B4's and the Eibach Pro-kit springs (30mm drop) to my 02 Astravan. Rear's - lovely jubbly, rides nice, low enough and not too hard. Front's however have thrown up a little query.... I took the OE struts out and having removed the springs I was left with 4 parts, the bumpstop, the top hat with bearing, the rubber doughnut and the top mount bit that goes under the bonnet. Having refitted these bits, along with the new springs, to the B4's (with the OE nuts, not the nylock's that came with the B4's) and stuck the struts in, there was a gap of 3-4mm under the top mount with everything tight. A couple of days later this gap is now big enough to get my finger in. When I first removed the OE struts, the top mounts were stuck fast to the strut towers, not waving about above them. See pics of the offside strut top. Nearside is the same. This was not the case before I started and I assume it will allow the strut to wriggle about. I have very vague steering in a straight line, and it's very woolly turning in but more stable once settled in the corner. Everything is torqued to book numbers and lower wishbones / arb drop links / track rod ends and front tyres are also new. Van is otherwise stock except for Corsa SRi 16's. 120k on the clock with all other parts orig. Prior to carrying out this work I had a bust rear spring and 120k on the dampers made it feel like piloting a small tug-boat. Unfortunately it ain't a lot better now with the front feeling the way it does. Any clues chaps / chappesses? TIA for your thoughts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony Posted July 7, 2010 Report Share Posted July 7, 2010 If you take the top mount off how many threads can you see each side? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adenorman Posted July 7, 2010 Author Report Share Posted July 7, 2010 I'll whip 'em off later and see - cheers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adenorman Posted July 13, 2010 Author Report Share Posted July 13, 2010 Ok I've removed the top mounts and I have 13 threads showing, very similar both sides. What I can't figure is how the relationship has changed between the parts screwed to the top of the damper - I can't get me head what has changed to produce this big gap. I have since discovered that Stevie Wonder must have changed the track rod ends as the front wheel toe is massively out - I can set the nearside wheel straight and the forward edge of the offside wheel sticks out maybe 30mm. Get that fixed, methinks Would appreciate your opinion on the top mounts though - thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony Posted July 13, 2010 Report Share Posted July 13, 2010 The toe reads like the criminal regarding the handling, i think this should be set before you worry anymore about the top mount. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phipck Posted July 13, 2010 Report Share Posted July 13, 2010 the top mount looks simular to my gf's clio's. the rubber undermount wore in more on the driver side than the passangers alowing for the top cap to sit higher. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adenorman Posted July 13, 2010 Author Report Share Posted July 13, 2010 Yep since it's got 120k on the clock I thought they may be worn but it was ok one minute and not the next so something's going on with it. Tony - I've had the toe looked at today and 'more than 20 degrees' was the response when I asked how far out it was! Cue scrubbed inner edges to my new tyres and much sobbing. But!!! It's much better now even though the steering wheel is on the wonk - lovely. I can live with that, for now at least. It doesn't feel like it's gonna jump off the road any more, which was nice. I think tbh I'll have to get it up your way (ooooo-er!) at some point for a proper look at. I'd like the rest of the geometry checked but it'll have to wait until next month now, skinty skint right now! What's your opinion on the Eibach (or similar) camber bolts? Or can you recommend something else? Thanks again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony Posted July 13, 2010 Report Share Posted July 13, 2010 The only adjuster is the Eibach, problem is they optimize the camber/ castor meaning as you gain one you loose another. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rich Posted July 13, 2010 Report Share Posted July 13, 2010 The only adjuster is the Eibach, problem is they optimize the camber/ castor meaning as you gain one you loose another. Yeah you don't wanna go there!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adenorman Posted July 13, 2010 Author Report Share Posted July 13, 2010 Are they worth having then? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony Posted July 13, 2010 Report Share Posted July 13, 2010 From a geo report i could math the optimization before they are fitted but as ER said their not the best type of adjuster. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adenorman Posted July 16, 2010 Author Report Share Posted July 16, 2010 Thanks - do you stock them or would I have to supply my own? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rich Posted July 16, 2010 Report Share Posted July 16, 2010 Thanks - do you stock them or would I have to supply my own? Tony wouldn't have them in stock as I doubt it's a popular upgrade for your car but could probably get them if needed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony Posted July 17, 2010 Report Share Posted July 17, 2010 Your best to buy direct, i think Damontweeks do them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adenorman Posted July 19, 2010 Author Report Share Posted July 19, 2010 Fair enough - thanks fellas. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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