Picked up my P38, Love it so far but naturally have a few Q's!

[UK_P38]

Hi,

I picked up my P38 HSE and am very pleased with it! Can't wait to get it off road after a bit of a mechanical shakedown! However, there are couple of questions that I would like to put out to the wealth of knowledge!

Firstly, when driving around the roads my steering can feel as though the car is pulling sometimes (most noticably to the left), it feels like it becomes loaded up randomly. This is not constant or under braking necessarily. Could be that the car is tramlining (ironic phrase given I am in Melbourne, but in the UK this refers to the effect of the tyres following the contours in the road, is it the same here?), is this a known tendency for these? I am currently on street tyres but these are not stupidly low profile, I plan to keep using these 'mid week' (KM2's are coming once the wheels are powdercoated ). Should I get the alignment checked just in case? Seems odd that it is not constant or worsening under breaking.

Secondly, I think I may have an intermittent leak in the EAS, I hate to use the word again but the suspension height seems a little 'random' when I stop and turn off the ignition. I've read some other threads on this and will do a bit of investigating before repeating what's already on here.

That's it so far. I have to say these are great vehicles, every little thing appears to still work perfectly! Lovely looking, comfortable and, from all I've read/seen, great off road! Some fantastic touches like the side mirrors pointing a bit further down when reversing

Here's a pic of my new pride and joy:Attachment 52755

[33chinacars]

I'm sure you will enjoy your P38. As for tram lineing I would get the alignment checked along with front end bushes.
EAS is wonderful when it all works as it shoild but a right pain when not. Get out the soapy water and check for leaks is a good place to start. "o" rings in the valve body etc etc

Gary

[wayneg]

I have 18`s and 16`s. With the 18`s the car pulls randomly as yours. With the 16`s all is much better including the ride. My 18`s are decorating the garage and have done for the past year.
Get used to the EAS and if you still think something is amiss go with the soapy water leak check. Once you have time and confidence rebuild the valve block and pump as part of a maintenance plan. If the air bags are suspect just change them for Arnotts, I would do that ASAP unless you know the bags are reasonably new. Never venture far without a means to reset the EAS or bypass with valves.
Enjoy your new ride and get some scratches on it. Black looks best with bush pinstipes

[Scouse]

Tramlining can be a tyre issue too. If it still does it after checking the alignment, swap the front tyres from left to right & see if it improves.

[UK_P38]

Thanks, useful suggestions as always! Will have some time on Tuesday as I get a day off for a horse race and will report back.
Sounds like I'm heading down the right path:
I've got a valve kit on order and an emrgency bypass kit + cable and software for EAS ECU. Was planning on fitting Arnott Gen 111's + longer dampers at some point anyway, this may come sooner than expected! Will most likely replace all the airlines too at this point (what is diameter/material, where do you get it). Other set of wheels are 16 x 8's and will be wrapped in 265/75's.

Will take it in for an alignment check and have alook at the bushes, see if I can buy my tyres from somewhere willing to throw in an alignment too

Having just moved here, I got to start building my tool collection again. An expensive venture!

Will keep you posted. Thanks again

[Scouse]

see if I can buy my tyres from somewhere willing to throw in an alignment too

If Camberwell's not too far away, then check out Tyrepower.
One of 'us' works there:
http://www.aulro.com/afvb/members/boofdtl.html

[33chinacars]

Air line will be 6mm . Got mine from the local bearing/ engineering joint

Sounds like you have most things under control . Just enjoy.

I had an EAS Kicker from BBS to reset suspension faults. Small light great bit of kit .Highly Recommended.

Gary

[Keithy P38]

If you are currently running 18" wheels that could be your issue. Many lads have reported bump steering from them. Tyre pressures are also critical to this issue.

I have ventured away from manufacturers recommendations and gone 38psi in the rear and 35psi in the fronts. No bump steer and better fuel consumption than 38/28psi... And better wear on the muddies!

[glenhendry]

My neighbor just bought a set of four mudders from tirerack.com and got much better prices, even with postage and fitting. Shop around.

[UK_P38]

Will try having a play with the tyre pressure, they are 18's. The 16's are at the powder coaters, got a good deal:

$330, that includes bead blasting, acid striping and powder coating. They aren't machining them or anything but I'm not too cocerned about the few blemishes still being there. ADA Powder Coatings Pty Ltd - Thomastown powder coating specialists

Thanks for the tyre purchase advice, will look at tyrepower. Not sure I want the hassel of importing from US...

Definitely got an EAS leak, the poor compressor is running overtime (not constantly) and the car is on the ground after sitting overnight. The tank is completely empty as it takes a while to come back up no normal mode.

Will finally get some time to spend on it on Tueday!