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Solid rear suspension ??

Posted: Sat Aug 19, 2006 12:08 pm
by rolo
Need some help here. I have just bought a set of 4 Eibach Pro springs, minus 30mm all round and a set of 4 Bilstein B4 OE replacement gas dampers. I have only fitted the rears so far and the result is spine jaring. There seems to be almost no rear suspension movement and there is now a total absense of body roll. The dampers and spring are definately the correct ones.( I have checked the references on several sites). I have reused the original bump stops and shrouds which are in very good condition. Do you think that I need to shorten the bump stops due the the springs being 30mm shorter, or is there some other cause and remedy that you can suggest. I am definately not going to fit the front units untill this is sorted as any further similar effect would make the car,( 6n2 1.4 8v 24k mls.) even more undrivable. Please Help, Rolo.
Please scroll down to " final note "

Posted: Sat Aug 19, 2006 1:11 pm
by enimadrummer
Not sure mate, but Ive got the same springs and i kept original dampers etc, just fitted the springs and its been fine. Much smoother ride. So yeh i dunno lol sorry!

Chris

SUSPENSION BITS

Posted: Sat Aug 19, 2006 1:34 pm
by brumyterry
HI, I WOULD EXPECT TO FEEL A MARKED INCREASE IN THE STIFFNES OF THE REAR BUT YOU WILL NEED TO FIT THE FRONTS TO GET THE BEST RESULTS. IF ITS TO SOLID YOU WILL HAVE TO GO BACK TO OIL FILLED SACHS OR SIMILAR.

Posted: Sat Aug 19, 2006 4:53 pm
by rolo
Hi All, I have just checked the rear suspension movement to check the free travell before the bump stops make first contact and there is none at all. I think that this is allmost certainly the cause of the solid rear end. I propose either cutting down the originals by about 40mm or finding some replacements. What do you think? Eibach's own are about £10 each !!! which is extortionate for a moulding costing a few pence to manufacture. Does any one know of a cheaper scource for suitable polyeurathane replacement. Regards, Rolo

Posted: Thu Aug 31, 2006 10:49 am
by rolo
Final note, I have cut down the rear bump stops by 35mm and it has completely cured the extremely harsh ride, and body roll is still negligable.
I have done the same to the front stops and fitted the struts. Adjusting the camber was a real struggle, and the toe on one side very difficult due to it's locknut being seized.
The ride, handling and road holding are now an absolute knockout, I can hardly believe that it is the same car.
Incidently, at just under 24k mls. from new, the rear dampers were largely shot and the fronts completely so.
I would have thought that an item linked so strongly to safety would be designed and made to last the life of the car and not be the very first item to wear out.
Regards to All,
Rolo