Thread: Is there even a D1 out there that steers nicely at 100?

Have you had an accurate wheel alignment done? Not all wheel alignment machines are made equal and they need to be operated correctly, so find a company that has a good one and has a good operator. A good operator will pick up if the chassis is out or suspension components are suspect.

Both my old S1 Discos were unstable when the wheel alignment was out.

mine was lifted with larger rubber and went fine up to 140kph...in the NT of course...

Originally Posted by B92 8NW

But I said in my first reply I replaced the bearings 10,000 ago. Surely they'd last longer than 10,000?

I think Pat means swivel bearings.

Actually yes thats spot on.

Also if some LR wheels (Rangies and Disco steelies mainly) are balanced clamping the centre hole and not off the studs then they normally dont balance up properly.

Tyre power here in Cranny have done mine and as I said it's spot on so they obviously know what they are doing, they also fitted and balanced my tyres so maybe have a word to your local tyre bloke or take the trip over here.

Originally Posted by B92 8NW

I've had two Disco's. combined 48,500 km travelled. Both wandered and shook steering over potholes at 100 km/h. (Like HOLY CRAP I'm going to lose it shake!!)

first up I replaced all the tyres
..
changed all four shock absorbers
..

Is it a normal characteristic?

Are you running standard shocks or something else, and have you run the same brand of tyres on both vehicles?
The LH front of my D1 tends to feel like its flailing around on rough shoulders, but not to an unsafe degree. I've had cars in the past (not 4WD's) that have had a front strut that wasn't damping properly, and the feeling was similar. I can easily imagine that with a live axle at front shocks could cause it.
I've also heard people say that good shocks in a D1 make a huge improvement to handling over standard ones, but haven't ever seen an description of exactly what the difference is.

As for the wandering, mine wanders slightly on funny camber and wheeltrack areas on the freeway, but not uncomfortable.
I didn't see toe-in adjustment/check on your list. From memory lack of toe-in causes directional instability??
If you've run the same type of tyres on both D1's, have you experimented with different tyre pressures to see if it makes a difference?
The steering shaft spline where it goes onto the steering box shaft was completely stuffed when I got it. Doesn't sound like your issue but might be something else to check just in case.

SteveG

x2 on the swivel bearings.
My RRC used to kick back the steering if I hit a bump.
Replaced everything including the LH swivel bearings.
I didn't replace the RH as the seal didn't leak and it had oil in it.
Finally, I bit the bullet and replaced the RH swivel.
I found some DORK in the factory had not driven the top swivel cone in properly and it was slightly cocked.
Once it was fixed, no problem in the last five years.
And yes mine tracks true at 120Kmh even with a 1.5inch lift.
So replace the swivel bearings. Geez I have been nagging on about this for years.
Regard sPhilip A

I found that whenI fitted a 6ply BFG spare one time that it wandered a bit but on the 10 ply's it's rock solid.

Reading the previous post reminded me of it.

Maybe all the ones you have been driving are on 6 ply radials or not inflated properly.

I'm talking about swivel bearings.They are right or worn out,there's no inbetween. Pat