My 230,000-mile ZX TD Estate has, a month ago, had a second-hand rear suspension assembly, all-new rear suspension bushes, 2 new front lower suspension arms and one roll-bar link. This was to cure chronic knocking from the suspension and the familiar problem of the rear wheels leaning in and catching on the bodywork. I expected the handling to have improved as well as getting a quieter ride, but recently some of the knocking has returned and a strange new symptom has appeared. If I'm cruising along and press the accelerator the car does a little wiggle to the right. If I release the accelerator it wiggles back left again. Most disconcerting. Does anyone know what might cause this? It must be something to do with the front suspension, I assume, but what? I've had the tracking checked and the steering rack is a recent recon.
I'd appreciate some help as I'm just about to take the family to Austria on our annual skiiing trip!
ZX TD wiggle on acceleration
Moderator: RichardW
ZX TD wiggle on acceleration
ex-ZX TD Estate owner - (309,000 miles on the original engine and turbo) now risking a Renault.
zx miles
hi
i would agree with the previous responses as to the problem with the wiggle on your zx but i couldnt help but notice the "230000miles on one engine"! has it had a new head gasket/s and what other bits have been done if anything - apart from cam belt and oil changes.
ive heard of na 19d's doing that sort of mileage but that is well impressive for a turbo to manage it!!!!
i would agree with the previous responses as to the problem with the wiggle on your zx but i couldnt help but notice the "230000miles on one engine"! has it had a new head gasket/s and what other bits have been done if anything - apart from cam belt and oil changes.
ive heard of na 19d's doing that sort of mileage but that is well impressive for a turbo to manage it!!!!
Zxtd Aura converted from 1.8i Petrol - Lowered, 20psi boost extra fuel - weeeeeee!
MK2 Cortina 1600e
Honda Acty Romahome - 545cc!! - (the "beast")
MK2 Cortina 1600e
Honda Acty Romahome - 545cc!! - (the "beast")
Thanks for your responses. Sounds like the lower control arm bushes are shot, then. I think I'll have them replaced both sides, as the swaying around is making me a little motion sick! I can only assume that I didn't notice anything before because of all the play in the suspension arms, rear axle, subframe bushes etc.
8304 asked about the engine. It is original apart from one head gasket (at about 100k) and a water pump. It's had cambelts at 45K and its oil is religiously changed at 6k intervals using Halfords oil and filters. It's had a couple of drive belts for the alternator etc and a set of glowplugs too. It uses no oil between services and I've never had to touch anything else. I thought this was just normal for these engines! My previous BX had reached 200k when I wrote it off...
8304 asked about the engine. It is original apart from one head gasket (at about 100k) and a water pump. It's had cambelts at 45K and its oil is religiously changed at 6k intervals using Halfords oil and filters. It's had a couple of drive belts for the alternator etc and a set of glowplugs too. It uses no oil between services and I've never had to touch anything else. I thought this was just normal for these engines! My previous BX had reached 200k when I wrote it off...
ex-ZX TD Estate owner - (309,000 miles on the original engine and turbo) now risking a Renault.
An update, for information. The wiggle turns out to have been due to a loose bolt that should secure the front of the lower suspension arm, passenger side. This should have been torqued to 44 ft/lb when the suspension arm was replaced by the garage, but I suspect it was put in finger-tight at first (as Haynes recommends) and the final tightening was omitted. I can't prove this, of course, and I suppose it could have worked loose, but I have my doubts.
The bolt has now been refitted and tightened correctly and the handling has returned to normal. I'll keep a watch on the bolt unless it comes loose again.
Thanks to all who helped.
The bolt has now been refitted and tightened correctly and the handling has returned to normal. I'll keep a watch on the bolt unless it comes loose again.
Thanks to all who helped.
ex-ZX TD Estate owner - (309,000 miles on the original engine and turbo) now risking a Renault.