Tracking keeps going out?

Question

I've got a Daewoo Nubira 2.0i Estate and have been having trouble with the tracking lately. Garage tells me it's 90% sure it's due to the wishbones being worn and has quoted me £210 for replacements. I would just like to know whether their diagnosis is correct (what else could make the tracking keep going out - it only took 2 days last time) and if so if their price is reasonable.

Answer 1

sounds like they could be right. not tracking is when your rear wheels don't follow in the same track as your front wheels. The only thing that could cause this is worn or loose rear suspension other than major physical damage. Take it to a regular alignment shop and let them look at it. most bushing are held in by one bolt and fall out when the bolt is removed so this might be something you could fix if you are mechanically inclined. Two bolts and the who wishbone comes off. You could just check with your parts store and see how much the bushings cost or the entire wishbone with bushing and just replace them yourself. Of course you will still have to go back in and get a 4 wheel alignment done once they are replaced. driving a vehicle with these bad is an accident waiting to happen. Get them fixed soon.

Answer 2

It may be the wishbone bushes are worn, but unlikely to be the wishbones themselves.
The only possible point of "wear" in the wishbones is the point at which the ball-joint is bolted to the wishbone. If the bolt-holes have elongated that could be a problem, but is very unlikely.
The wishbones could be bent, but then the tracking would not change over a few days - it would be wrong and stay wrong.

Do you regularly drive over the "pillow" type of speed bump?
If so, do you straddle the bump, so the wheels pass over the two sloped edges? That puts outward pressure on the wheels which can cause tracking problems - avoided if you drive over the humps so that the wheels go over the top rather than across the side slopes.

I'd get a second opinion, and make sure they get under the car to inspect the bushes.

Answer 3

hi there mate, it could possibly be the wishbone but it shouldn't cost that much i am a self employed mechanic and to replace the wish bone you looking at maximum of £50 labour and £45 maximum for the wishbone, it might not even be the wishbone, Have they actaully put the car on the ramps and got a bar to see if theres any play in the wishbone bushes? if the strut top mounts are warn this may course you tyres to wear quickly because the canvas angle of the strut would alter, if i was you i'd get a few checks from several garages, if you live close enough ill do then for you being as im a mobile mechanic, hope this helps, Gary

Answer 4

Hi

It could be worn track rod end balljoints, it could be worn wishbone balljoints or rear bushes, it could be worn wheel bearings, it could be wear in the steering rack.

if it is the wishbones at fault then it shouldn't take them any longer than an hour to change them both which will cost you between £47 and £65 in labour depending on where you go, which means that they are charging you about £150 to £160 for the parts, which is a bit expensive.

Cheers

Geordie

Answer 5

I've had personal experience with these bushes. Even after replacing them with Daewoo items the tyres were scrap again after 100 miles. Although the bushes look intact they are very soft and give a massive amount of movement (it's really bad) which changes the steering geometry every time the suspension moves. Try to get bushes from another source like a motor factors.

Answer 6

constantly driving over a high kerb would cause the tracking to vary or worn track rod ends or loose wheel bearings or any worn bushes.it is unlikely that the wishbones are worn more likely the wishbone bushes that are worn.new bushes if available would not cost 210 pounds

Answer 7

I have worked on the GM DAT (General Motors Daewoo Automotive Technology) helpdesk here in Australia. I can honestly say that your not the first person to complain of this.

I would highly recommend a 2nd opinion, take it to your local GM Daewoo approved Vauxhall dealer to establish the cause of the issue.

Daewoo is still alive and well, they are made in Korea with a lot of them now having a Holden motor in them.

The vauxhall Antara's are made by Daewoo, as well as many GMC and GMH vehicles.

Answer 8

it could be the track rod ends its very unusual for it to be the bottom ball joints which is on the wishbone. and 210 pound is very expensive to get them changed over. Id get a quote from another garage.

Answer 9

get a mot station to check and report on the condition of the steering and suspension. tracking cannot move once set unless kerbing bends the steering arm. if lower wishbone joints are worn kpi will be out causing uneven tyre wear.

Answer 10

i own a repair shop and if the bushing are getting worn out it will cause this to happen,and that's not a bad price on it,but id still take it to another garage,and get another opinion on it,there probably going to tell you the same thing,but at least two opinions are better than one is,they maybe right on this,but id want to be sure on it,good luck i hope this helps.