Instability

[MeonIan]

Hi all
Since starting caravanning in 2001 we have used a Bulldog 200 stabiliser, all good no twitching etc. Earlier in the summer we had the friction pads changed and since then the stability is worse. I must stress nothing else has changed, same car and van, loaded the same way, noseweight the same, tyres pressures checked each trip. Now from speeds upwards of 50mph every vehicle passing twitches the van, before 60mph was very comfortable, no twitching etc.
Now looking at the stabiliser I have to seriously lift it to get it in the shoe, seriously lifting the rear of the car, presumably the new pads have caused this. Can I or do I move the bracket fitted to the A frame so the pressure is not so great and could this be what is causing the stability issue.
Many thanks for your input

 

[RogerL]

From memory, the blade needs to be lifted 6" (150mm) onto the bracket to get the correct tension on the blade - the car should lift a little!
If you had new pads fitted, was the torque setting adjusted properly? Again from memory I think it should register about 50kg if you try to move the blade sideways when attached to the car.

 

[Sproket]

Have a look at this link, maybe it will be of help ...........?
Bulldog stabiliser fitting instructions

 

[ProfJohnL]

I agree with sprocket, its most likely the pressure adjustemnt on the disks to achieve the correct resistance to turning motions.

 

[MeonIan]

Well, I think you may all be right, never thought about that, my local towbar guy fitted the new pads for me but didn't have my car so couldn't have fitted it in the bracket to set the pressure. Have checked tonight with bathroom scales, thanks for link Sproket, and to get the bar to move only needed 17kg pressure not the 27kg recommended, adjusted the nuts and got 27kg so should be spot on now, now just have to wait until end Sept to try it all again.
Thanks one and all.

 

[Dustydog]

Don't forget the new pads will bed in, check after say 200 miles.