Discussion
Put the S through its paces a little today, part of the getting to know it process! To be honest I was a little disappointed. Is it normal for it to be a bit of bumpy ride and is tramlining common? Also at around 70-80mph I was finding it a little unsafe and hard to keep in a straight line on a pretty good bit of straight road. I appreciate its not going to be as smooth as my Mondeo but I thought these cars had pretty good road manners and half the fun was in the handling? Am I expecting too much from a 20 year old motor ? Did wonder if its the tracking plus the suspension is original too. What do you seasoned pros think? Any recommendations much appreciated? Thanks Damon
You need to check the camber, and tracking. The tracking being out slightly can in my experience make a massive difference to tram lining and ability to hold straight. Also for the camber - if it is not set up evenly it can result (again in my experience) in pull to one side or the other.
Secondly check the ride height as if out this can make a difference to bump steer as the steering rack is only just off the middle of the wheels and if set above (I think this is the right way around) then bump steer can be exaggerated.
Added to that what is the state of the springs/shocks.
IMO what you describe is the geometry set up being out - mine did exactly this until I got it set properly and WOW what a difference it made.
HTH
Mark
ETA the instability at speed is probably ride height the front must be lower than the rear (by about 15mm at each end of outriggers) or the front lifts and introduces instability
Secondly check the ride height as if out this can make a difference to bump steer as the steering rack is only just off the middle of the wheels and if set above (I think this is the right way around) then bump steer can be exaggerated.
Added to that what is the state of the springs/shocks.
IMO what you describe is the geometry set up being out - mine did exactly this until I got it set properly and WOW what a difference it made.
HTH
Mark
ETA the instability at speed is probably ride height the front must be lower than the rear (by about 15mm at each end of outriggers) or the front lifts and introduces instability
Edited by mep12345 on Friday 7th May 19:15
Mark - think your on the money - front suspension is lower than back but suspension is 20 years old and now you mention it front tyres have uneven wear pointing to tracking and camber as you suggest. Alan I may take your advice and take it up to SSCC for them to check over as back brakes and handbrake also need servicing, plus think there is still some air in the clutch slave as reverse can be a bit of a pain and spirited changes are not that smooth. Would appreciate a test drive. Are you free on Sunday weather permitting? I can come to you or vice versa. Thanks for your advice guys. I just want it sorted and patience in such matters as this is not my strong point.
Hi Norman tyres are RE71's and are legal but not that much life left in them. This is starting to sound expensive but I did budget an extra £1k when I bought the car so may be time to committ and get these niggly bits done. Plus MOT in July 
so may be worth SSCC casting there expert eyes over it sooner rather than later, plus I want to drive it and enjoy it 
so may be worth SSCC casting there expert eyes over it sooner rather than later, plus I want to drive it and enjoy it Alan yes free in the afternoon. You have my number just let me know what time roughly but I am in all day so shouldn't be a problem. I am sure I will hear you arrive! Enjoy your day tomoro 
Jaye - I am at Market Weighton (mid way between Hull and York) think you are at Wakefield so a bit out of your way?
Jaye - I am at Market Weighton (mid way between Hull and York) think you are at Wakefield so a bit out of your way?
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