Watt's Linkage

Huskyman

I have been doing some research into the Watt's lnkage after reading an article in Evo, where they test-drove the new Astra and said how good it's handing was! The author of the article stated that this new found handling precision was down to the inclusion of this type of linkage with the same type of rear suspension as found in the earlier verisions of the Astra.
I wonder if this would be a relatively simple but effective mod? 🙂
It looks like this could be done by taking out the spare wheel well, putting bracing in and then making up the linkage to suit.
Any ideas or suggestions on this one?

vocky

it could be done, I know it was a common mod on the mk2 escorts

FLD

I had it on a mk2 escort. Not sure how it applies to an astra but it stops any sideways movement of the rear axle without the arc effect of a panard rod.

Huskyman

I think a trait of the rear suspension of the Astra is too much geometry change during hard cornering, where the wheels are deflected laterally. If you can stop this from happening then turn-in and agility should improve, as the behaviour of the rear suspension plays a big role in the way the steering feels during turn-in and cornering. I am doing more research into this one, and thanks for the answers gents.

FLD

Just a thought...
When I was doing doorslammers we used to use a-frames rather than watts linkages. Just that little bit better. Might be worth looking into. I'm not familiar with the astras set-u so it might not be applicable but always worth investigating these things.

Hope that helps