I've been having an issue with Tramlining on my '95 VDP. I've since replaced my tires (stock size) and it's seemed to help quite a bit but I still have the tramlining issue. Aren't there particular bushings that need to be checked for this issue and which ones are they?

 

I think the control arm bushings would be a likely culprit. But anything in the suspension or steering that has play, or that is too worn to hold suspension the geometry within spec, needs to be considered.

Unusual to hear of a tramlining complaint on a standard car. Typically it has been a (somewhat notorious) XJR exclusive

Cheers
DD

 

The outer tie rod ends and ball joints are common failure points, and as Doug mentioned at this age all original rubber suspension components must be suspected.

The upper control arm bushings can be replaced without removing the road springs and this is well worth doing.

Other suspects are the lower control arm bushings (replacement requires removing the road springs), and the subframe bushings, especially the rear pivot bushings (replacement of those and the Vee-mounts requires dropping the subframe or some clever contortions).

Other contributors are the large rear subframe mounting bushings. As they fail, they allow lateral play in the rear end that has a surprising impact on steering precision and stability.

I've done all this work on our '93 and have photos in the albums at the link in my signature.

Cheers,

Don

 

I managed to check the front end and I get very little play from the lower control arm bushing and the steering rack bushings. The tie rod ends and ball joints seem fine. I suspected my tie rods as I have a small leak on the passengers side inner seal but the tie rods have no play at all. I'll have to do a check on the rear suspension next.