Suspension issue

GroovyCarrot · Post by **GroovyCarrot** » Mon Mar 14, 2005 4:05 pm

Check the shocks and see if there's any leaking from them. If there is then definately you should replace them, if not then perhaps replace them anyway if you feel so inclined and the handling really is very spongey.
Shouldn't think there'd be a need to replace the springs unless they're obviously damaged in some way.. should be pretty durable otherwise. As for standard shocks you'll only find oil, although if you want to pay a bit more and go for an aftermarket manufacturer then air might be the way to go.. don't know that it'll make all that much difference on standard suspension, but might be worth a shot...
As for the third option, well, go for it if you really do want to improve the handling and/or the looks of the car, obviously you'll have to pay more of a premium for that though.. to be honest it really depends on personal preference. Bear in mind insurance and tyre scrubbing if you have larger than standard wheels/tyres.

If you're worried about the MoT, some places do pre-MoT checks for not too much money, might be worth it if you want to make sure it goes through first time..

polock · Post by **polock** » Mon Mar 14, 2005 4:10 pm

Cheers for the advice.

A few bounces on the front end reveals what sounds like bubbles in the shock absorbers, more of a squelching sound

A full lowered set wouldnt be much of a problem for me at the moment as i have completely standard 13" steelys attached to each corner. lol

Certianly food for thought tho. I'll have a ponder and report back on what i decide.

Cheers again

GroovyCarrot · Post by **GroovyCarrot** » Mon Mar 14, 2005 4:21 pm

Well, go for it then

Just don't do what I did and expect to stick 185/60's on 5.5" wheels and not have to tear lumps off the wheel arches with a hacksaw

polock · Post by **polock** » Mon Mar 14, 2005 4:25 pm

Consider it noted, i might squeeze some almighty 14"ers in there if i can find a set, lol

k4lps · Post by **k4lps** » Wed Mar 16, 2005 6:41 am

polock wrote:Hi there.

Ive been thinking about the suspension on my wee polo as its veeeery spongy and bumpy roads are making me sea sick, LOL

Ive come to a few decisions and hopefully you can give me some advice and direction. So here goes:

1. Do i just replace the shock absorbers all round as a quick fix?
2. Do i replace everything (springs and shock absorbers) all round with a set of standard parts, and if so, with gas or oil?
3. Lower it about 40mm with a full set of Gmax or similar?

Any help/advice would be greatly appreciated as the MOT is looming round the corner (July i think)

Cheers,

Brian

gas is better then oil but also expensive
and lower it with the best you can afford

GroovyCarrot · Post by **GroovyCarrot** » Wed Mar 16, 2005 5:13 pm

I'm getting pissed off with my car to the point that selling up is looking like a serious option... I've had the front suspension apart twice now, I have new shocks and new top mounts. First time I did it I made the mistake of fitting the top mounts the wrong way up (don't ask..), so they broke up within a week or so and it was knocking over any little bump in the road. Took it apart again, fitted new top mounts the right way up this time, it's been fine for the last couple of weeks but just today it's started knocking again. Happens particularly when going around tight left corners, but also over bumps in a straight line. I've tightened all the nuts and bolts I can think of, none of them really needed it. Can anyone suggest anything? Please? It's going to drive me round the bend before long.

polock · Post by **polock** » Thu Mar 17, 2005 8:00 am

This might sound daft cos ive never actually took suspension apart before but.....are the springs in the right way round and seated properly?

As for my options available to me, money allowing...anyone had any experience of JR Sports Suspension? Part No. 42101K

GroovyCarrot · Post by **GroovyCarrot** » Thu Mar 17, 2005 2:37 pm

Yeah, springs are in properly and everything.. if I drive along with the window open I can head a metallic clanging.. like I've left a nut loose and something's rattling around, but I'm sure I haven't... unless it's the nut that holds down the top mounts onto the shock absorber, but I did them up pretty tight...

polokris · Post by **polokris** » Mon Mar 21, 2005 11:36 am

a clangin hay....... have u checked ur break pads... as mine rattle like a b***h!

my diagnostics was the same...... metallic clanging, sounds from the fron wheel area, all the bolts are tight...... but then i reaised.... (dunt ask how) it was the break pads..... coz wen i put my foot on the break, the noise goes!?>

GroovyCarrot · Post by **GroovyCarrot** » Mon Mar 21, 2005 4:16 pm

I don't think it is.. although I'll give it a try. Happens particularly when I'm turning corners.
I did check yesterday and find that the slotted nut that holds the top mount onto the suspension on one side was loose.. the mount itself didn't look damaged, but it's hard to tell without removing it from the car. Still making thumping, clunking noises over bumps and particularly going round corners with any stress on the suspension, but the metallic noise has gone so I presume that was the fault of the nut..

polokris · Post by **polokris** » Mon Mar 21, 2005 11:23 pm

good good, hope u have solved the problem, im changing my dampers (front only) and springs next weekend!! ...... PLEEZ WISH ME LUCK! lol.....

GroovyCarrot · Post by **GroovyCarrot** » Mon Mar 21, 2005 11:59 pm

I'm afraid I haven't though

Still clunking along in a frustrating manner..

Good luck with yours

One bit of advice I'll give you if you've dismantled your front suspension is to take photos as you go along.. really would have helped me an awful lot

k4lps · Post by **k4lps** » Tue Mar 22, 2005 8:41 pm

GroovyCarrot wrote:I'm afraid I haven't though Still clunking along in a frustrating manner..

Good luck with yours One bit of advice I'll give you if you've dismantled your front suspension is to take photos as you go along.. really would have helped me an awful lot

try jackin the front of the car up on axle stands and turn the streeing to try and locate the noise

did you fit the rubber things when you reassembled the strut??
tho it could be a faluty shock you should always push the rod in and out a few times to see if the resistance is the same along the shocks travel

GroovyCarrot · Post by **GroovyCarrot** » Tue Mar 22, 2005 11:03 pm

Rubber things? The top mounts or the bump stops? Well.. fitted them both anyway.

I'll try jacking it up and trying to find the noise, sounds a good idea. I have a nasty feeling that the loose top mount nut that I found might have caused the (new..) bearing to collapse.. going to head over to GSF on thursday (payday

) and get a replacement, that way I have easter weekend to get it done if that's what the problem is...

polock · Post by **polock** » Thu Jul 21, 2005 3:29 pm

Hi,

Im replacing my rear shockers next week as the MOT man says one of them is leaking, ive had a look and it is.

Does anyone have any advice, tips or do's & dont's that may be of help to me.

Cheers!