Hey guys, 

 

Just got done doing my track rod ends and brakes on the Fabia mk2 2009 1.2 and something has really got me scratching my head. 

 

On other cars I've done when the track rod is removed the suspension assembly can move freely on the wishbone left and right. 

 

This time on the Skoda as soon as the end was removed the entire assembly wanted to toe in. Happened on both sides. Took a bit of effort to bring it around to get the end back in. 

 

Wtf was all that about? Cant be normal. 

Edited 26 July, 20187 yr by c4mpbell

One thing that can cause this is if the strut top bearings are partially/completely seized, if you had forced the issue then you would have felt the strut eventually "give" and make a bit of noise.

 

As that car has power steering you normally do not detect any seizing in the strut top bearings, unless you are very very sensitive to the steering "feel".

 

Edit:- you might also need to check that the tops of the springs are still okay and complete, ie not missing a few inches due to bits snapping off.

Edited 27 July, 20187 yr by rum4mo

Excellent. Thank you. I’ll have a look this weekend. 

 

I’m going to take the roll bar links off first and see if it’s that. There is obviously some pressure some where. 

 

I assume if I take the links and ends off the only turning force will be the strut mount. Will report back 

Yes it should only be the top strut bearing and the lower swivel that offer any resistance, you should be able rotate the wheel assembly from its RH to LH end limits without much effort and it should move in a smooth continuous motion with no sticky points or noises.

 

Personally I would not think that the ARB drop links will cause any issues when you try to rotate the wheels - add to that the fact that these ARB drop links might put up a bit of a fight when you try to unbolt them (been there done that!). In other words they might not be in a fit state to get refitted - though they might be "tired" by now so replacing them will be another job taken care off?

 

Edit:- if you are doing that with the new TREs still in place, put the key in the steering lock before trying to rotate the wheels, do this reasonably slowly when they are still connected to the steering rack, there will be resistance but it be smooth and without any noises, though best done with the TREs unbolted to get the real picture now that you have concerns.

Edited 27 July, 20187 yr by rum4mo

They should be alright. The previous owner has had them done.

Worst happens ill tack a trip to ECP.

 

The extra force cant be good on my power steering rack, so I'd like to get it sorted.

 

Thanks for all your help. I'll report back.

Happy days. Both bearings were seized. Must be the alignment causing the issue but its not adjustable so the problem will happen again on my car. 

 

Took it for a drive steering feels light. Wheel is straight and tracks alright. Maybe I'm just not used to it because the bearings were stuck. 

 

I dont have a rattle gun and I fell a bit stressed about the bearing mounts not being tight enough.  Tried a swan neck but there was not enough room with the rubber (tried wrapping duct tape around the strut and gripping it with molies but i was too worried about damaging the strut. . Just used a socket with an allen key through it. There was no play in the mount and they felt solid. But time will tell. 

 

Considering taking it to a hunter, but i'll see how we go. Was'nt pushing it too hard as below:

 

Bloody thread stripped on the FSIII caliper. Bottom one. Got some metal expoy in there for the time being. Amazon man coming tomorrow with a Sealey HELICOIL kit M9 1.25

 

Happy days. 

Edited 30 July, 20187 yr by c4mpbell

So far in my dealings with family VAG cars that have these “built into hub carrier” calliper mounts, I’ve been okay/lucky, well I have been the only person working on these fixing, changing pads and discs on daughter’s late 2009 Ibiza this time might change that, gulp!

So after buying that kit, you will be the “come to man” for stripped threads?

5 minutes ago, rum4mo said:

 

So after buying that kit, you will be the “come to man” for stripped threads?

 

If someone wants the kit and has a good rep on the forum I'll post it to them, but i want it back. 

 

 

Edited 31 July, 20187 yr by c4mpbell