Sorting the handling

[PEGE63]

So the car is close to 10 years old, have 112K on the clock, have had its issues over the years but have spend the money and touch wood it'll do me a good few years until all this diesel-EV stuff calms down. As much as I want a newr V70 I feel I rather keep what I have and I can instead spend some money on it raher than looking at a new one on the driveway that lose depreciation daily. So to my point, car dives ok, engine fine but its a bit loose in the steering suspension compared to newer cars. Anyone considered (or have) to replace some bushes and suspension mounts as to tighten things up a bit?
I can of course leave things as they are and/or replace as and when but another way to look at it is to sort now and then enjoy the car even more for the 3-4-5 years to come.

[tommyweaves]

My D3 manual is 8 years old and has done 110k. Not had to replace any suspension components or bushes thus far. It's probably getting to the point where it will need work - MOT due this month.

I've been feeling as though the handling/ride are not what they used to be. Whilst I'd love to give all the suspension an overhaul, I think it would be a rather big bill to replace all bushes and joints in one go, as well as the shock absorbers.

So, my thoughts are to just treat the car to new shocks to get the best bang for buck in terms of improving the ride and handling.

That's about all I can add on the subject!

[seanc]

Originally Posted by tommyweaves

My D3 manual is 8 years old and has done 110k. Not had to replace any suspension components or bushes thus far. It's probably getting to the point where it will need work - MOT due this month.

I've been feeling as though the handling/ride are not what they used to be. Whilst I'd love to give all the suspension an overhaul, I think it would be a rather big bill to replace all bushes and joints in one go, as well as the shock absorbers.

So, my thoughts are to just treat the car to new shocks to get the best bang for buck in terms of improving the ride and handling.

That's about all I can add on the subject!

I keep drooling over a set of four Bilstein B4 shocks, but they ain't cheap!

[100K+]

Originally Posted by seanc

I keep drooling over a set of four Bilstein B4 shocks, but they ain't cheap!

OP 's car has 4C suspension..... Suspect BB4 are a cheaper option.


Cheers

Bob

[AndyV7o]

Start with trackrods, inner and outer.
Then either new bottom arms & balljoints or polybushes and balljoints.
Now get alignment done.
Then springs, dampers and drop-links (the drop-links need removing to to the others, they often get damaged removing them, and they dont cost a lot)
You might want to do top mounts with the latter too, but it depends if they're actually bug9ered or ok.

[Tony500]

Originally Posted by AndyV7o

Start with trackrods, inner and outer.
Then either new bottom arms & balljoints or polybushes and balljoints.
Now get alignment done.
Then springs, dampers and drop-links (the drop-links need removing to to the others, they often get damaged removing them, and they dont cost a lot)
You might want to do top mounts with the latter too, but it depends if they're actually bug9ered or ok.

Get alignment done last after all suspension work is done.

Or if your making changes slow, Kwik fit does 4w 3d tracking using the hunter system, £130 for 8 visits over 2 years is what I done. Stay away from national tyres but if there is someone close to you that specialises in suspension go to them.


If you mail a company that does the poly bushes they may set a package up for your car and could give you a good deal! They do/can increase vibration though! Adjustable top mounts could be another option too as it could help your driving style. I felt the most with uprated antiroll bars too!

[PEGE63]

Thanks for your comments. My independent is sound guy and we had a chat re this the other month when I compared the car to my 4K Seat Ibiza, - 'what do us expect to a 10 year old car?' was his answer and he is of course right. My point its keep it for 2-5 years and repair as required or tidy things out now and enjoy it more. Car drives fine but is a bit weak in areas and YES has 4C but deffo works fine (interestingly sport setting tend to be best even on crap roads). Think I'' explore busches etc to start with and will be prepared to spend maybe 1K on it and needless to say will do an alignment afterwards, got local tyre fitter who has the pukka gear for that, trust them better than the nationals, they have never let me down before.
Will keep u posted.