Does yours steer straight ?

[robbie-rocket-pants]

Hello all,

I'm just getting used to my Phaeton (2008 3.0TDi 60K miles). I know that steering & suspension issues have been talked about a lot but could I ask you guys if you think my steering is "normal" for a Phaeton:

When on a flat, level road it will tend to drive straight but at the hint of a bit of camber or dip in the road it will pull fairly noticeably one way or the other. As a result I find myself holding the wheel quite tightly all the time "just in case".

So, is this common due to the low profile tyres (19" omanyt wheels) and light steering or do you think there may be wear in the rubber suspension parts?

(I have had the wheel alignment adjusted twice recently on a 4 wheel alignment system).

Thanks.

[buckeyecam]

My W12 has a little over 65K miles and does not have any of the symptoms you are describing.

It drives as true as ever.

Sean

[Kenny G]

My phaeton has 125000 miles and steers straight and true as well. I find it very easy and relaxing to drive. I think there must be something effecting your car. Recently I read about a car with wheel bearings which were effecting the steering but it could be several things. Maybe some of the other guys will have some ideas.
Good luck

Ken

[Paximus]

Ditto, no problems. That's with 18" wheels on the heavy V10 at 55k miles, 44 psi all round, car had a couple of bushes replaced at 40k.

Chris

[gartracescort]

Should feel utterly straight and true. Have a trusted garage check the bushes for wear, a little play that seems acceptable can make the car feel awful and tramline on tired, rutted roads like the inside lane of the M1 for example. The dealer may tell you can't just get the bushes, that is rot except for the anti roll bar drop links which really aren't worth messing about with other than exchanging them.

If its just one corner then don't waste your time doing all four wheels again, just align that to the rest of the car which you now know to be correct.

[robbie-rocket-pants]

Thanks very much for the replies chaps.
Sounds like I'll have to get a garage to do some investigating. Are there any particular bushes that should be looked at first ?

[gartracescort]

Lower wishbones do a lot of work, particularly the outer joints. TCAs and anti roll bar drop links too.

[robbie-rocket-pants]

I had a look at the suspension today and the rubber bushes on the drop links are the only visible worn parts so I will start with changing these.

Are the drop links only available from VW main dealers or can you get good pattern parts (or replacement bushes e.g. powerflex) ?

[Bladerunnertm]

I had a bent nearside wishbone due to pothole damage, the car drives better now its fixed. I would say that my Phaeton does 'track' the road, especially in the deep trenches lorries create in slow lanes on the motorway. I have the same Omanyt 19" alloys with Pirelli PZero Rosso XL tyres, I typically use 39PSI all round, even though it recommends upto 48PSI in the rears (fully loaded).

[robbie-rocket-pants]

Thanks Bladerunnertm. I did hit a pothole recently which burst the tyre, so I'll have another look at the wishbone.

By the way I found a good site for identifying parts, part numbers & prices here:

http://www.jimellisvwparts.com/showA...&searchString=

[WillemBal]

...When on a flat, level road it will tend to drive straight but at the hint of a bit of camber or dip in the road it will pull fairly noticeably one way or the other. As a result I find myself holding the wheel quite tightly all the time "just in case"....
Thanks.

Hi Robbie,

I had exactly the same problem. I too had to hold the steering wheel on not so perfect asphalt roads, just in case the car would turn to the right or left. An expensive alignment by the dealer didn't fix the problem either. Then I had the tires changed, which completely solved the problem. It turned out that the old (front) tires were severely worn at some locations at the inner side of the tires. The dealer probably overlooked some particular sections during his inspection of the tires.

Willem

[Paximus]

Robbie:

That parts list link is very useful - thanks!

Cheers,
Chris

[robbie-rocket-pants]

I contacted Powerflex and they said they do produce replacement drop link bushes. Here it is:

http://www.powerflex.co.uk/product-d...Bush/2006.html

It may be £19.74 per bush (i.e. 4 required ~ £80, which is too much I think)

However, I noticed that it is the same part number for the Audi A4. Are the bolt holes a different size for the Phaeton ?

EDIT: I questioned Powerflex again - they appologise and now say that these bushes would not fit the Phaeton due to the larger bolt sizes.

[Gabs08PHTN]

Hi,
Once you have the bushes replaced make sure that you hace a proper wheel alignment performed in which the "Toe constant S" is checked and adjusted if neccesary. Not all the wheel alignment equipment can perform such measurement, plus you have to carry it out with the front wheels raised.
Should you need more info, let me know. I can post the proper VW procedures.
Cheers.

Gabriel

[invisiblewave]

I contacted Powerflex and they said they do produce replacement drop link bushes. Here it is:

http://www.powerflex.co.uk/product-d...Bush/2006.html

It may be £19.74 per bush (i.e. 4 required ~ £80, which is too much I think)

However, I noticed that it is the same part number for the Audi A4. Are the bolt holes a different size for the Phaeton ?

The entire part, including the bushes already fitted, only costs about $90 from VW.

[Auzivision]

Interesting I’ve run 17”, 2 sets of 18”s and now 19”s on my W-12.

It has always driven straight and true until I installed the Bentley wheels. Now it tramlines all the time… meaning it wants to go left or right depending on the surface. Not sure if this is due to the tire size, wheel geometry, or alignment but it is really noticeable.

I’m going to try to reposition/rotate the wheels to see if anything changes. For what it’s worth the car has 54K miles and the tires/rims have less than 1000.

I’ll be curious to know what solves your situation.

[perfrej]

Mine wobbles on summer tires but does not on the winter set. Some tires do, some don't, and you never know in advance when you buy them

/p

[robbie-rocket-pants]

I think I will have to get VW drop links.

Gabs08PHTN, seeing the VW procedures would be very interesting. Thanks.

[vinyin]

I had the same thing excactly. The steering of the car got aligned 3 times after that I marked a position that seemed straight to me. That was just like 3-5 degrees to the right. After the dealer aligned the steering according to my marker - the steering seems fine.