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Author Subject: Car feels unstable!
ian7675

Techno Viking

Location: Gloucestershire

Registered: 12 Oct 2007

Posts: 6,068

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Post #1
Now this isn't for a 6 but a CTR, the car feels quite unstable on the motorway like it doesn't want to go straight but in all directions so I'm constantly correcting it. Also I had to do an emergency stop yesterday which could only be described as frightening, the car was all over the place. Any ideas what this might be before I chuck in to the garage? I'm not sure if its brakes or suspension as a search says it could be wheel alignment, sticking caliper, worn suspension and so on.

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Posted 5th Sep 2013 at 10:22
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dcc

Senior User

Location: Wales

Registered: 24 Feb 2009

Posts: 502

Status: Offline
Post #2
bushes. also the rear dampers are known for being tired after 50-60k, but people cant undo the bolts so dont bother changing them. the other thing is if it has those stupid after market rear camber arms, they can serious f**k up the ride quality.

Personally get a 4 wheel alignment done and see where you're at.

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Posted 5th Sep 2013 at 11:18
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andy306gti

Regular

Location: Ilkeston, Derbyshire.

Registered: 12 Jun 2008

Posts: 173

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Post #3
Seconded on the bushes. Ours were worn at 5 years old and felt quite unstable especially under braking.
Posted 5th Sep 2013 at 11:20
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ian7675

Techno Viking

Location: Gloucestershire

Registered: 12 Oct 2007

Posts: 6,068

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Post #4
Ok, I'll try the alignment first and see what it's like. It's done 100k so I'm guessing everything is getting tired.

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Posted 5th Sep 2013 at 11:28
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ryangti6

Seasoned Pro

Location: Pontypool

Registered: 01 Sep 2006

Posts: 1,839

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Post #5
Take it you've tried the basics like tyre pressures? If so take it for alignment and when It's on the ramp rotate the wheels to check for excessive resistance on any of the brakes.

Seeing as you've only just had it and assuming it was fine when you had it I'd go with a sticky caliper being a likely culprit. Bushes won't usually just go from being fine to f**ked that quickly where as the soon as you have a sticky brake it makes things feel bad quickly.

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Ryan
Posted 5th Sep 2013 at 11:34
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ian7675

Techno Viking

Location: Gloucestershire

Registered: 12 Oct 2007

Posts: 6,068

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Post #6
ryangti6 wrote:
Take it you've tried the basics like tyre pressures? If so take it for alignment and when It's on the ramp rotate the wheels to check for excessive resistance on any of the brakes.

Seeing as you've only just had it and assuming it was fine when you had it I'd go with a sticky caliper being a likely culprit. Bushes won't usually just go from being fine to f**ked that quickly where as the soon as you have a sticky brake it makes things feel bad quickly.


I initially thought it could be a caliper but I really didn't think it would affect a car that much. I guess I should try the wheels first then and see if they're locking on. Does a caliper generally exert more or less pressure when sticking?

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Posted 5th Sep 2013 at 11:48
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ryangti6

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Location: Pontypool

Registered: 01 Sep 2006

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Post #7
It depends on the cause, if It's the actual caliper sticking when you brake It's usually okay but driving you will feel it pull you about especially when not accelerating.

If It's the flexi collapsing then it'll do the same when driving as there will be pressure when there shouldn't be but when you brake that caliper won't get much force so will pull you to one side. If that's the case whichever way it pulls the problem will be the opposite side.

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Ryan
Posted 5th Sep 2013 at 12:07
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jord294

Seasoned Pro

Location: somewhere in north wales

Registered: 09 Nov 2009

Posts: 3,110

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Post #8
Common fault is sticking pistons in the calipers.

Something that I had to address on my car

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Posted 5th Sep 2013 at 12:09
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ian7675

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Location: Gloucestershire

Registered: 12 Oct 2007

Posts: 6,068

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Post #9
Brilliant thanks. I know CTR's are prone to brake issues so I might just rebuild both front ones (backs are quite recently replaced). Does it make sense that it feels a bit better in the morning when it's cooler or am imagining it? LOL

Edit: thanks jord, just read your reply.

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Posted 5th Sep 2013 at 12:14
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yippeekayay

Seasoned Pro

Location: wilts

Registered: 27 Oct 2008

Posts: 4,144

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Post #10
jord294 wrote:
Common fault is sticking pistons in the calipers.

Something that I had to address on my car
easy to diagnose too as the offending caliper will heat the alloy wheel up considerably warmer than the freed off calipers in my experience.just feel the heat aftet 5 mins driving...it should be obvious.

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Posted 5th Sep 2013 at 12:15
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jord294

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Location: somewhere in north wales

Registered: 09 Nov 2009

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Post #11
Personally, I'd get refurbished calipers. Chances are you'll find the pistons rusty as hell.

Iirc, I got a pair for £160 delivered and already powdercoated red.

My front brake was almost seized solid.

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Posted 5th Sep 2013 at 12:26
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ian7675

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Location: Gloucestershire

Registered: 12 Oct 2007

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Post #12
I'll do it myself jord, it's pretty straight forward.

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Posted 5th Sep 2013 at 12:33
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jord294

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Location: somewhere in north wales

Registered: 09 Nov 2009

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Post #13
No worries. I'm just advising you may need pistons aswell

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FRESHLY RE-FURBISHED GTI BEAMS
FITTING AND LOWERING AVAILABLE.
ALL AXLES BUILT USING GENUINE PEUGEOT PARTS

IF I'M NOT HERE, IT ONLY MEANS ONE THING.... I'M SOMEWHERE ELSE!
Posted 5th Sep 2013 at 12:37
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ian7675

Techno Viking

Location: Gloucestershire

Registered: 12 Oct 2007

Posts: 6,068

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Post #14
jord294 wrote:
No worries. I'm just advising you may need pistons aswell


There's some kits on eBay that come with the piston. Just rang Honda and they want £60 for the seals and £65 for a piston LOL

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Posted 5th Sep 2013 at 14:53
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