Slight wander at highway speed when changing gears under acceleration

[Rezley]

Hi All,

My Discos start to feel a little sloppy when changing gears under acceleration at higher speeds (eg Highway). It feels as though a big side winds hits it and moves it slightly in the lanes.

Feels like some of the bushes have deteriorated quickly but on looking under it I'm struggling to work out whats worn.

Any thoughts on this one? Most bushes are still factory so it's due for some $'s to be spent, just want to ensure in the right spots. Also rubber or poly?

Thanks,
Rez

[steane]

My Defender did the same but I replaced all suspension bushes. Most worn were the radius arm to front axle bushes so they might be the issue for you, or it could be that they are all a bit knackered and everything is moving about a bit.

I went Super pro right through as it's not a job I want to have to do for quite a while again. Bought the kit from the UK for a lot less than I could find it here. So far very impressed, nicely compliant and tracks beautifully.

[SouthOz]

My Disco wont accelerate at highway speeds.

Dave

[Judo]

My Disco wont accelerate at highway speeds.

Dave
Common problem on a 300TDI at 100kms/h. :p

Seriously though, I've gone through troubleshooting the same issues. Loose steering at highway speeds, wind and bumps make it hard to keep in a straight line. I checked all the bushes, but they seemed fine except for the rear A-frame ball join which I replaced. Note I actually took a few suspension arms off the vehicle to check as I find it hard to judge a bush when they're in place. Since they looked fine, I have adjusted the steering box and discovered the swivel pre-loads were close to zero and have tightened them up too. I only did the swivels last weekend so haven't given it a good test run yet, but I believe my issues will be mostly resolved now.

In summary, the problem is likely to be a combination of many things. Check everything. From my research, things to check are:

ALL suspension and steering bushes, including rear bushes and A-frame ball joint.
-rear lower link bushes
-rear A-frame ball joint
-front radius arms
-front track rod tie rod ends
-steering drop arm tie rod ends
-panard rod
Steering box play
Swivel pre-load


Also, how many kms on the vehicle? Stock suspension?

[steveG]

If its only under accelleration/changing gears its most likely to be rear radius arm bushes in my experience, but as Judo said there are plenty of places that can all add up. If you're also getting it under braking then have a good look at the front RA bushes.

If you're replacing them, use either genuine rubber ones, or SuperPro poly.
General opinion is that the aftermarket rubber ones don't last well, and that other types of poly are too hard.
I had the Superpro ones on my D1, and have also fitted them to my 110. No complaints so far.

Steve

[87County]

steveG has nailed it....you are being steered by the rear axle moving backwards and forwards slightly when accelerating/decelerating........


.......but IME for best life of replacement, use only genuine bushes when rebushing.

[JDNSW]

I agree with Steve and 87County. The problem will be bushes on the rear lower link, probably (but not necessarily) the ones onto the axle. Less likely is the bushes on the rear of the front radius arms, but this would almost certainly cause wander in other circumstances as well.

John

[blackbuttdisco]

My D1 was doing this and it was the loose bolts where the front swivel balls bolt onto the front axle. Been good ever since. :):)

[Neesaan1via]

Possibly castor issue ? Although doesn't explain accelerating ect. But mines a bit iffy on the highway cause I have 0 castor after my lift :(