Qusetion by: Steve Gage Answer by: Ronald HairbottleI own a Discovery 1 300 TDI that’s dangerously pitching and rolling to the side. I recently had the vehicle’s wheel alignment / balancing checked by a reputable tyre dealer but it didn’t help. I’ve also fitted three different sets of springs and shocks in an attempt to solve the problem, but the Disco continues to rock ‘n roll – even more so when travelling uphill.
Could this be due to the extra load / weight of my roofrack, rooftop tent, fridge and dual battery system? At first I suspected the anti-sway bar but I’ve driven in several Discos that have had their rollbars removed for extra wheel articulation and none of them showed signs of pitching / rolling.
I’ve also tried a range of tyre pressures from 1.8 to 2.2 bar, but nothing seems to help. What am I overlooking?
Steve Gage
THE EXPERT’S OPINION:
With the extra weight packed in your Discovery the problem could very well be suspension-related as the Disco’s standard setup ain’t up to the task for heavily-loaded applications. If your vehicle’s fully packed for overland use, we advise that your suspension system be adapted to the load, namely in terms of shock valving and spring rating.
The removal of the anti-sway bar is a common modification for trail-driving rigs that predominately drive off-road; however, the vehicle must be equipped with high-performance shock absorbers and you need to keep the GVM as low as possible. Removing the anti-sway bar in a fully-laden 4×4 will make the vehicle dangerously unstable on-road.
I’d have the anti-sway bar bushes checked for wear or damage. I’d also remove the tent to see if this solves the problem.
Ronald Hairbottle
TAC 4×4 Traction
(015) 293 0736 / 082 376 5378 / t.a.c@mweb.co.za
