Lopsided...kindof

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kieran.l
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Lopsided...kindof

Post by kieran.l »

This isn't really a big deal, I'm just curious, but the mk1 sits about 2.5cm higher on the nearside than the offside, both at the front and rear (on perfectly level ground at normal driving hight).
I measured from the ground to the top of the wheel arch at the front, and from the ground to the bottom of the wheel spat at the rear.

Front: Nearside - 66cm
Offside - 63.5cm

Rear: Nearside - 46.3cm
Offside - 44.4cm

As said, it isn't a big deal, just wondering are all BXs a bit like this, or should it sit a bit more level? Or is it just inherent variability? Despite the fact its only 2.5cm its quite noticeable if pointed out. And this isn't a one time thing as I thinks its always been a bit lopsided.
Also when putting the car in low position (which I always leave it in when letting it parked for more than a few days) it always hits the offside rear bump-stop first before hitting the nearside stop (there's a 2 or 3 second difference).
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Re: Lopsided...kindof

Post by JayW »

A fault at either the front or back causing the problem will in most cases be echoed to the opposide end.

Consider: One droplink shorter than the other or an estate rear cylinder having been fitted in the past amongst others.
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Re: Lopsided...kindof

Post by Mickey taker »

Dont forget that there will always be "weight " on the drivers side when the cars in use but only on the nearside when a passsenger is carried so perhaps the offside settles lower for that reason.

Just an idea
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Re: Lopsided...kindof

Post by MULLEY »

It should be level regardless of where the weight is in the car, thats the point of self levelling suspension. Sounds like sticking struts, if you give the front slam panel a shove when its lop sided, does it then settle at the same level?
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Re: Lopsided...kindof

Post by mat_fenwick »

JayW wrote:Consider: One droplink shorter than the other
I've had that when supplied with two of different makes. From memory about 10 mm difference. But could be a number of things as mentioned.
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Re: Lopsided...kindof

Post by kieran.l »

JayW wrote:Consider: One droplink shorter than the other
mat_fenwick wrote:I've had that when supplied with two of different makes. From memory about 10 mm difference. But could be a number of things as mentioned.
This is interesting as I just replaced both droplinks and they were two different makes cos I couldn't get the same one again.

But then again, I remember that it was last year that I noticed that at the rear at least the nearside was higher that offside. And the two old droplinks removed at least looked the same part. Didn't check the front then.

JayW wrote:Consider: an estate rear cylinder having been fitted in the past amongst others.
How could you tell if an estate rear cylinder has been fitted? Are they larger and take more oil?

MULLEY wrote:Sounds like sticking struts, if you give the front slam panel a shove when its lop sided, does it then settle at the same level?
I do think the struts are sticking a bit because most of the time when rising from low position to driving height, the rear rises gradually and slowly but the front generally doesn't rise gradually but springs up once the rear has risen. Sometimes it does gradually rise with the back but most times not. Also, sometimes after doing this and when sitting into the car it drops fully and instantly at the front but rises quickly again. :?
Is the slam panel the panel between the headlights that the bonnet secures into? I'm pretty sure that the car always settles into the lopsided position not matter whether rising to driving height or dropping from the high position to drive height, but I'll have to check that.
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Re: Lopsided...kindof

Post by MULLEY »

Yes, thats the slam panel, its strong, so unlike the bonnet if you push down on it hard, it wont bend or damage the paintwork etc... If by pusing down on that a few times with the engine running & the suspension is still higher on one side, measure those droplinks incase as the guy's above had said are different sizes.
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Re: Lopsided...kindof

Post by mat_fenwick »

kieran.l wrote:How could you tell if an estate rear cylinder has been fitted? Are they larger and take more oil?
Larger internal diameter, so they look identical from the outside. For an equal pressure (which it must be in the hydraulic system) a larger piston will exert more force on the suspension arm. That'll be balanced to some extent by the ARB linking the two arms together.

I've never seen the results of mismatched cylinders, and can't remember the sizes to know whether the effect would be significant though. Worth a check though - I think you would be able to measure the rough piston diameter even through the boot when the suspension is on high. Hopefully you would be able to get a good enough measurement to at least tell whether there is a difference.
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Re: Lopsided...kindof

Post by tim »

The White One has exactly this 'problem' and has had for a long time now. However, I've followed it many times and once pumped up she's fine. It may be something to do with the weight of the driver over time, unless this is just coincidence......
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Re: Lopsided...kindof

Post by rutter123 »

check the rear arm bearings if they are completely shot it will sit lower on that side, also worth measuring from the centre of the wheel to the wheel arch, without stating the obvious have you checked tyre sizes and wear and pressures.
when i got my tzd it had 3 165's and 1 175 tyre which wasnt noticed until the mot tester spotted it.
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Re: Lopsided...kindof

Post by kieran.l »

mat_fenwick wrote:
kieran.l wrote:How could you tell if an estate rear cylinder has been fitted? Are they larger and take more oil?
I think you would be able to measure the rough piston diameter even through the boot when the suspension is on high. Hopefully you would be able to get a good enough measurement to at least tell whether there is a difference.
I'll try this and also get a mesuring tape to the droplinks. Thanks :)
rutter123 wrote:check the rear arm bearings if they are completely shot it will sit lower on that side, also worth measuring from the centre of the wheel to the wheel arch, without stating the obvious have you checked tyre sizes and wear and pressures.
when i got my tzd it had 3 165's and 1 175 tyre which wasnt noticed until the mot tester spotted it.
Doubt its the arm bearings as they're in good nick - or at least certainly far from completely shot, pretty certain all the same size tyres although I should check the pressures maybe... :lol: :roll:
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Re: Lopsided...kindof

Post by docchevron »

mine is lower on the Os, I know why though, the front ARB isn't aligned. Since I'll be throwing valver ARB's on it soon I'm not that fussed..
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Re: Lopsided...kindof

Post by BX Bandit »

I measured my front TD one versus my 16v one to find no difference - nada - nil - zilchio! Although IIRC Citroen Net jobby says otherwise!
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