twobone Posted June 21, 2011 Share Posted June 21, 2011 Of late I have been driving a bit faster and I've noticed that on fast curves, the rear end seems to lose its stability after the suspension has settled. Its almost like the geometry changes quite dramatically when the suspension is compressed. Just when you need the confidence in the middle of a fast sweeper, she gives me a little squirm and the car moves around a bit. Is this just the nature of a live axle versus an independent suspension? I wonder is the inside wheel "toeing in" under compression? I'm new to Caterhams and find it just a bit unnerving. The "A" arm bushing is fine. Should I firm up the rear shock settings a bit? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slomove Posted June 21, 2011 Share Posted June 21, 2011 I have live axle on my Birkin and did not find this an issue on the road and even less on the track with good shocks and some setting experimentation. Actually I find it a pretty well behaved ride. It takes a pretty rough road in a curve to get it hopping and the few time I drove a DeDion Caterham I did not notice much of a difference. I would check the springs and shocks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SkinnyG Posted June 21, 2011 Share Posted June 21, 2011 Are ~all~ the bushings good? Are you running out of travel? Are the upper trailing arms horizontal (or angling down at the front) at rest? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martin H Posted June 23, 2011 Share Posted June 23, 2011 To back up the other comments, I ran a live axle Caterham for several years on track, and certainly didn't experience the symptoms you describe. My first port of call would be to remove the A frame bushes (i.e. not just a visual check) if you haven't already. Martin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ian7 Posted June 23, 2011 Share Posted June 23, 2011 is your axle straight? ie, check what toe settings you have static, then consider what changes once dynamics are included Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheDingo8MyBaby Posted June 24, 2011 Share Posted June 24, 2011 It could be the shock settings. Is your car fitted with SPAX dampers? I have trouble setting mine - either too soft or two hard. How about tire pressures? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twobone Posted June 24, 2011 Author Share Posted June 24, 2011 Thanks. I will check my shock settings and perhaps invest in some better tires. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KiwiBirkin Posted June 24, 2011 Share Posted June 24, 2011 Twobone I had Spax shocks on my Birkin when I purchased it and changed them over to Gaz (front & rear) the difference in ride was like night & day, I think the Spax had a hard life over the 30000 kms they had done on the car before the change. The car became more settled in corners and the Gaz were easier to adjust and setup. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now