Surf Handling

[karlp]

I have just bought a 3.0L TD surf Import. This is my first Surf and my first 4*4 so I do not know what to expect regards handling. I have just had a set of Goodrich Macadam (road) tyres put on because the handling seemed to me to be unlike a normal car. The handling seems more like a Transit van with a little vibration through the bodywork rather than the steering wheel at certain speeds ( I know usually wheels need balancing but this has been done within the last 50miles).

I do not go off road (solely bought for towing and reliability).

My road car is a BMW.

I am happy with the car and would rather sort these little things out than be disappointed.

Am I expecting too much.

Thanks

Karl

[marky]

KARL whatever you do dont use 4WD while on Tarmac its only to be used on soft surfaces Max speed in 4WD is around 50 MPH. TYRE pressures between 28 - 32 psi are about the norm. Check this 1st & see what results you get.

[karlp]

I have checked the tyre pressures - all 31.5 psi.

Akso 4WD lever is in HIGH with 4WD button out.

This is how it has been from start.

Karl

[TonyN]

Believe me, the handling is far better than a Transit, they drive just fine, but nothing like your BMW.

Find someone local of the forum and hitch a ride in it, then you'll see if yours has a problem.

[karlp]

That is a good idea.

Is there anyone in the Southampton area that would be willing to do this. They could drive mine also and give opinion.

Regards

Karl

[Koi]

That is a good idea.

Is there anyone in the Southampton area that would be willing to do this. They could drive mine also and give opinion.

Regards

Karl

If the rides like a transit then youv'e got a Pajjjjjero or the like

When the wheels are balanced the should be balanced on a proper stud fitment on the machine not the cone one that just slides into the centre of the wheel.
Many have still had problems after wheels were balanced with the latter, also check shocks etc.

[stara]

took mine to the local ATS garage who don't have a lugcentric balancing machine, none of the local 'private' tyre fitters have one either, are these machines really that difficult to come across?

[Koi]

took mine to the local ATS garage who don't have a lugcentric balancing machine, none of the local 'private' tyre fitters have one either, are these machines really that difficult to come across?

Its not the machine but the parts that fit onto it, its simply like the hub of the wheel with the studs on it. It slides on to the machine like normal and bolted in place, the wheel then bolted to this like normal. Thats what they used whem i had mine done, guy used it straight away. Showed me the wheel balanced in the normal way then with the stud attachment, there was a big difference in the balancing between the two.

[TBIRDVIC]

Your local tyre balancer

Hi Guys

I assume you used a local tyre shop to balance your tyres/wheels. Which one was it ???? Phone No. please.

Vic................

[exmee46]

I have just bought a 3.0L TD surf Import. This is my first Surf and my first 4*4 so I do not know what to expect regards handling. I have just had a set of Goodrich Macadam (road) tyres put on because the handling seemed to me to be unlike a normal car. The handling seems more like a Transit van with a little vibration through the bodywork rather than the steering wheel at certain speeds ( I know usually wheels need balancing but this has been done within the last 50miles).

I do not go off road (solely bought for towing and reliability).

My road car is a BMW.

I am happy with the car and would rather sort these little things out than be disappointed.

Am I expecting too much.

Thanks

Karl

Well, it weighs 2 tons, has a high centre of gravity, a live rear axle and rear wheel drive.

Having said all that, a properly set up Surf should be smooth and quiet. You may get some shudder over potholes but not wheel induced vibration. As remarked here - make sure the balancing is done onnthe proper fitment - not just an adaptor for smaller hub sizes. Check all steering linkages for wear. One of the reasons we love them is because they are so refined compared with a lot of other 4WDs.

Cheers

Kev

[andy s]

hi mate if all your tyre pressures are ok and the balanceing is all done the vibration could be the prop shaft.

[mart 870]

took mine to the local ATS garage who don't have a lugcentric balancing machine, none of the local 'private' tyre fitters have one either, are these machines really that difficult to come across?

I lot of tyre places dont have them simply because of the cost, a full centreless balence kit (some peugeots wheels dont have a hole in the middle of the wheel!) cost around £600.

I`ve got one but when i put new tyres on my Surf i just used the standard balence kit and its been fine since.