Hello all,

I'm after a bit of advice regarding my 2005 Ambiente 140 TDi.

I've noticed of late that it seems to have a tendency to drift right under acceleration and head back left under decceleration - especially at motorway speeds.

I've confirmed this by finding apparently flat/minimally-crowned stretches of road and accelerating with hands off the wheel (very carefully I might add) and observing the drifting.

I'm fairly certain it's not torque steer as;

a. there doesn't appear to be any visible movement of the steering wheel,

&

b. it's a constant pull as opposed to violent darting across the road.

I did have two new front tyres fitted about a fortnight ago (Dunlop 205 60 R15 if it's any help ) with the obligatory tracking adjustment (apparently 3 degs out on both sides) and I've checked the pressures which are all fine.

I've also checked the wheels for bearing play & they all seem solid to me.

About 5 months ago I did have a smallish tap at the back from being the front victim in a 3 car, low speed jolt in traffic but nothing seems amiss from this - no apparent deformation of the body, no rippling in the boot -tailgate shuts fine etc so I'm fairly happy that didn't cause it - also, the rear tyres appear to be wearing evenly & I'm led to believe that if anything were amiss at the back I'd see uneven wear on the rear tyres.

I do occasionally hear the odd creak from the rear suspension when the car's cold & when negotiating speed humps & the like - might that be bushes perhaps..?

Anyway, sorry for the long-winded ramble but I'm a bit concerned about this & would welcome any input.

Many thanks in advance,

David.

PS - Car's on 60k miles, does average mileage, serviced/MOT'd in March at Skoda dealer,

Edited 14 October, 201015 yr by ethel

Are the bushes shot?

Even if the trackings 'right' if the bushes are old and a bit loose you could easily get enough deflection to cause that.......or it may well be that it wasnt tracked properly

I'd sort it asap though so you dont spoil your new tyres

I had the same fault with a friends vw polo & it turned out to be a worn out front suspension lower arm rear bush.

Hiya Matt,

Cheers for the reply - I did wonder if the bushes were tired - 60k miles is about right isn't it?

There wasn't anything noted on the MOT as an advisory but I suppose they can deteriorate quite a bit in 7 months.. :wonder:

I'll get it booked in for a look..

Thanks again

D.

I had the same fault with a friends vw polo & it turned out to be a worn out front suspension lower arm rear bush.

Hmm - pattern developing here I think - shall strongly point towards bushes when it goes into the workshop!

Thanks for that - actually, after I've got this done it could be vRS-buying time..

Regards,

D.

I agree. This sounds like worn front suspension bushes.

Double agree on the bushes. They tend to deteriorate quite quickly once past a certain point and only a little play is needed to product the effect you describe.

Sorry to drag up an oldish thread but I seem to have been hit by this.

Did you get new bushes fitted? My garage is suggesting the bush comes as part of the wishbone and can't be changed independently. Did you get the entire wishbone replaced or jsut the bushes?

I was planning on doing only the n/s wishbone but if I can get a bush kit then would I be better to have the front done together?

Quote so far is wishbone @ £80ish + VAT plus 1.3hrs labour for fitting and tracking so £160ish total