Magic Carpet Ride?

[Tikka7mm08]

My 2002 Vogue 4.6 with air suspension is a brilliant old truck I use as my everyday car so the 08 Defender isn't thrashed...especially by valet parkers at the airport.

But I have notice the carpet ride is not so good. Over a good road bump the steering wear gives a really good shake...a hard shake if you know what I mean. I don't think the suspension has been done although the air bags look mint.

Thinking I might try a new steering damper first, and if still bad switch out the struts and replace with factory equivalent. Will post some pics later of the truck/s.

[mtb_gary]

What wheel/tyere combination are you running? Also tyre pressure?

[Tikka7mm08]

Tyre size is 255/55/18...can't find tyre gauge but will try 35/40.

[mtb_gary]

When on the road tyres I've dropped the pressures right back. I now find it has a smoother ride, is less prone to tram tracking and has not had any detrimental effect on tyre wear or grip. Fuel consumption may be up marginally (maybe 0.1 litres/100k) but overall a much nicer car to drive

[Keithy P38]

I've found it the other way with my 18's. Decreasing the pressure worsened the bump steer/tram lining! I'm running 35/40 now and it's reduced it quite a lot.

Cheers
Keithy

[Tikka7mm08]

On the way to the airport today Stella would hit some bumps and the steering wheel would set up a violent shudder that would not stop until I braked...would only be certain bumps not all of them. Alarming.

[Keithy P38]

Sounds like panhard bushes to me

[Tikka7mm08]

Is there a way to tell? My research so far can add viscous coupling stuff....steering box stuff....tie rods....unbalanced wheels and alignment. Dont think brakes cos not braking when it happens.

[Keithy P38]

They can be hard to see just by looking. If you can't get a bar or lever to apply multi-directional forces to the panhards, the next best thing is to take it in and claim a "free suspension check" that pedders are always advertising!

Cheers
Keith

[TheTree]

I had this issue and made sure all the things mentioned here were checked

Adding a Terrafirma steering damper pretty much fixed the issue and then replacing the tyres was the last piece if the puzzle

Steve