GolfGTIforum.co.uk

Model specific boards => Golf mk2 => Topic started by: AJH1973 on 30 September 2008, 22:10

Title: Car pitching when turning right
Post by: AJH1973 on 30 September 2008, 22:10
Hi all,
Had a look through the various posts on here and can't see this covered anywhere!
I've got a 8v GTI which seems to pitch down on the front passenger side when I turn right more than the driver  side pitches down when I turn left - hope that makes sense! It drives OK but can be a bit unerving if you forget about it and go in to a right hand bend a bit quick!!
Just wondering if anyone can confirm if this sounds like an issue with the ARB bushes or more likely to be the shocks/springs?

Cheers
Alex
Title: Re: Car pitching when turning right
Post by: Jay on 30 September 2008, 22:46
I would have said a shocker, but not sure about the ARB bushes and what happens if they go.

I'm sure someone will enlighten us momentarily :smiley:

What happens when you press down on that corner? Does it keep bouncing or does it stop bouncing fairly quickly?
Title: Re: Car pitching when turning right
Post by: AJH1973 on 30 September 2008, 22:49
It acts the same on both front corners i.e. doesn't bounce at all. The shocks are fairly new which is why I am suspecting the ARB. I'm just after a bit of guidance before I start buying bushes and taking things apart!!!
Title: Re: Car pitching when turning right
Post by: danny_p on 01 October 2008, 18:54
bushes clunck when they are worn,    would suggest haveing a very close look at the springs if your sure its not the dampers.
it's supriseingly common to find mismatched springs on cars   espectaly if someone has fixed a dead shocker  by swaping a strut from a diffrent car
Title: Re: Car pitching when turning right
Post by: AJH1973 on 01 October 2008, 20:44
Thanks for the replies sounds like it may be the springs!! I went out and checked it again earlier and whilst it doesn't bounce on either side it is definitely easier to push down on the passenger side than the drivers side. No doubt a dumb question but could it be the shocks have been set up wrong- the car has adjustable Koni's on it- i.e. one side set harder than the other??

Next dumb question is it a major job to check the springs or can a novice do it with a few tools?

Thanks again for all the advice!
Title: Re: Car pitching when turning right
Post by: Organisys on 01 October 2008, 21:19
Wind both shocks all the way to soft (should be anti-clockwise) and test again.
Title: Re: Car pitching when turning right
Post by: AJH1973 on 01 October 2008, 21:22
Wind both shocks all the way to soft (should be anti-clockwise) and test again.

Can you do this while they are on the car or do I have to take the spring and shocks off??
Title: Re: Car pitching when turning right
Post by: danny_p on 01 October 2008, 22:40
ahh if have adjustable shocks thats more than likely to be it.     adjustable frount shocks can normaly be adjusted "on car"  IIRC  konis are top adjustable  so remove your strut top caps so you can see the nut that reatins the shock and in the center there will be a small shaft  your soposed to adjust them with the knob that comes with the shocks  but if this is missing or the shock a bit mangeld you'll have to improvise
Title: Re: Car pitching when turning right
Post by: Goops on 01 October 2008, 22:55
Switched to konis with adjustable damping a few months ago, like above, remove the strut caps and you will see a male wedge that you can twist both ways...think its clockwise to soften and vice versa!
Title: Re: Car pitching when turning right
Post by: Organisys on 02 October 2008, 12:34
Yes. You should be able to adjust them on the car.
Title: Re: Car pitching when turning right
Post by: ToddyGTi on 02 October 2008, 12:55
I had this same problem on the opposite side and found it was a case of having too much positive camber on the N/S wheel. It wasn't even 1 degree out but enough to make it feel like the wheel was going to tuck under the car if I pushed it too much!
Title: Re: Car pitching when turning right
Post by: AJH1973 on 02 October 2008, 20:09
Thanks all- found the adjuster on the top of the shock absorber and sure enough the passenger side was't at the max setting like the drivers side!! Adjusted them to match and just from ptting my weight on each corner it appears to be same level of resistance. Hoping for a dry day tomorrow to see if it feels better on the road.

Have to say this is by far the best car owners forum I have ever used - everyone is really helpful and clearly don't mind helping us new boys out!!

Thanks
Title: Re: Car pitching when turning right
Post by: Organisys on 02 October 2008, 20:20
We were all new once!  :cool:
Title: Re: Car pitching when turning right
Post by: Jay on 02 October 2008, 21:35
We were all new once!  :cool:
I've been here for almost a year and still feel new  :grin: