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Model specific boards => Golf mk3 => Topic started by: admc6 on 14 June 2009, 21:52

Title: Skittish over bumps
Post by: admc6 on 14 June 2009, 21:52
Hi all,

My gti has always seemed a little skittish over bumps, especially at the back.
Doesn bother me too much, but means you cant have as much run  :laugh:

Any ideas what would cause this? or are all mk3 gti life this?

Title: Re: Skittish over bumps
Post by: shepgti on 14 June 2009, 21:54
had this exact same feeling with my standard shocks, it went when i fitted my coilies so i would say change the suspension!
Title: Re: Skittish over bumps
Post by: thai-wronghorse on 14 June 2009, 21:58
is it running standard shocks and springs? Do you know if the rear axle bushes or top mounts have been changed in it's lifetime?
Title: Re: Skittish over bumps
Post by: AudiA8Quattro on 14 June 2009, 22:00
Rear axle bushes are shot.
Title: Re: Skittish over bumps
Post by: thai-wronghorse on 14 June 2009, 22:01
Does sound that way.
Title: Re: Skittish over bumps
Post by: shepgti on 14 June 2009, 22:05
Rear axle bushes are shot.

mine are fine but still had the issues
Title: Re: Skittish over bumps
Post by: admc6 on 14 June 2009, 22:08
Its running on standard shocks and springs.

Dont think they have been changed, but will have a look through history. Do they not check them in one way or another when its serviced?
Title: Re: Skittish over bumps
Post by: thai-wronghorse on 14 June 2009, 22:10
Its running on standard shocks and springs.

Dont think they have been changed, but will have a look through history. Do they not check them in one way or another when its serviced?

i very much doubt it tbh, plus most garages are scared to go anywhere near them unless they think they can get some major wedge from your pocket.
Title: Re: Skittish over bumps
Post by: admc6 on 14 June 2009, 22:12
Is there anyway to check them?

Not that it matters too much as i'm going to get a suspension kit for it as sson as i can afford it
Title: Re: Skittish over bumps
Post by: thai-wronghorse on 14 June 2009, 22:16
A suspension kit of any kind won't cure the problem IF it is the rear axle bushes though. Id start by visually inspecting them to see if the rubber core looks perished, split and loose from it's metal housing. Then maybe jack up the rear end of the motor and see if you can lever / find any play inbetween the axle and axle mount on the floor pan.
Title: Re: Skittish over bumps
Post by: admc6 on 14 June 2009, 22:18
Ok cheers for that. I will have a look see as soon as i get the chance
Title: Re: Skittish over bumps
Post by: Wayne on 14 June 2009, 23:09
Mine was the same, turned out both rear shocks were leaking, fitted coilovers and it was fine.
Title: Re: Skittish over bumps
Post by: Stirring Moose on 15 June 2009, 19:23
Probably a suspension thing as already mentioned but,  just out of interest, what tyres are you running? I run standard 205/50 R15s on my Mk3 but I have some nice Dunlops on the front paired with el cheapo Nangkangs on the rear. In my opinion all this does is kill some of the understeer but some people have said the car feels twitchy. That can be the problem with any vehicle dynamics problem; the human element. Engines produce nice solid irrefutable numbers but chassis and suspensions have this whole "feel" business to take into account.

S.M.
Title: Re: Skittish over bumps
Post by: Rmachines on 16 June 2009, 07:50
If the rear kicks a bit on we manhole covers... thats rear axle bushes, suspenssion does the same though.
Title: Re: Skittish over bumps
Post by: Mikester on 16 June 2009, 12:26
If its low on coilovers i wouldnt be suprised, mine can step out a bit. lol.
Title: Re: Skittish over bumps
Post by: admc6 on 16 June 2009, 18:09
I have 215/40/16 (i think its 215 not 205, whatever is standard on anni alloys) with toyo's. I know its not the tyres as was doing the same with previous set.
Willhave a look at bushes at the weekend and go from there