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Wishbone query

PostPosted: Sun Aug 25, 2019 8:18 pm
by Pegleg
I know that there is a difference in the castor angle of approximately 1.5 degrees between the Gta/Gti and the cooking models (as well as a small camber difference). Looking at the spares available for the front suspension it appears that there are different part numbers for the wishbones and for the lower ball joints depending on whether or not they are destined for a Gta/Gti. This leaves me with 2 questions:
1. Is the difference in castor angle achieved solely by the lower wishbone or does the upper suspension arm play any part in this?
2. Is there any geometry difference in the bare wishbones between the cooking and the Gt models or is the difference confined only to the lower ball joints?

My wishbones have been replaced by the previous owner using a local garage. Although both sides were allegedly done there was a gap of some years between doing 1 side and the other. Ever since I have had it it has pulled to one side and in a car with such delightfully delicate steering (albeit fwd) this is beginning to bug me. Camber and ride height are closely matched side to side and toe-in and tyres are fine.

The basic idea is to buy a matched pair of ball joints but I don't want to do all that work fitting them if the geometry remains unaffected. If the advice of anyone out there will keep me lazy for a little longer it will be much appreciated.

Re: Wishbone query

PostPosted: Wed Aug 28, 2019 8:34 pm
by Rich
My understanding is that the ball joints need matching arms. My GTI based K3 had GTI-specific arms and joints. I think you have three options in order of increasing negative camber... standard Metro, GTI and MGF. I have possibly got a set of MGF arms that are probably still attached to the MGF orange band rack I was going to fit to the K3 before life intervened.

Re: Wishbone query

PostPosted: Mon Sep 02, 2019 9:15 am
by Pegleg
Thank you Rich - for taking the trouble to reply and for the offer.
I will rootle around & see if I can turn up a pair of Gti wishbones; if not I may get back to you.

Re: Wishbone query

PostPosted: Mon Sep 02, 2019 9:35 pm
by Rich
You shouldn’t need the entire wishbones, just the detachable ball joints. It’s the arms that may be tricky to find for a GTI. MGF may be the easier option.