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Model specific boards => Golf mk2 => Topic started by: Steve_B on 08 November 2008, 12:53

Title: Suspension problems
Post by: Steve_B on 08 November 2008, 12:53
Over the last couple of months the ride in my 8v has become progressively bouncier, it's got to the point where if I go over a speed bump (I live in London, lots of them around), or a dip in the road at any kind of speed, the car keeps bouncing for ages. There's no noise or anything, just keeps on bouncing.

From my limited knowledge I'm guessing it's something to do with the shocks, or possibly an engine mount. I've read that to check engine mounts you can bring the clutch up to the bite point with the handbrake on to see if the engine jumps around, but what's the best way of checking your suspension? Have done a search but couldn't really find anything. The haynes manual is absolutely no help either, unsuprisingly.

Cheers
Steve

Title: Re: Suspension problems
Post by: mattneck(Beavis) on 08 November 2008, 15:03
bounce it.

just lean on each corner and push it up and down and let it bounce..  :wink:
Title: Re: Suspension problems
Post by: Khare on 08 November 2008, 15:54
as matt said. lean on each corner and bounce the car, it should spring back up straight away. If it bounces for too long then you probably have a broken damper.
Title: Re: Suspension problems
Post by: DarnPB on 08 November 2008, 18:12
Shock absorber for sure. Replace them as a pair or a car set. Although now would be the time to upgrade.
Title: Re: Suspension problems
Post by: Steve_B on 08 November 2008, 18:31
Been thinking about an upgrade but there's so many f ing speed bumps round my way, scrape the splitter sometimes as it is so not sure about lowering the car, even though I'd love to try it.

What are my options? Am I right in thinking if I get coilovers they drop the car by at least 20mm?
Title: Re: Suspension problems
Post by: Diamond Hell on 08 November 2008, 19:42
You could fit Koni replacement dampers and this will give you a marked improvement in handling, without having to drop your car.
Title: Re: Suspension problems
Post by: Mr Blue on 08 November 2008, 20:07
damper is gone.

replace both sides at the same time. or you will notice a few mm's diffrence in height on one corner
Title: Re: Suspension problems
Post by: Steve_B on 08 November 2008, 20:15
Cheers for the replies guys. Koni dampers sounds like a plan then. So new shocks, top mounts and possibly bump stops as well? Time to get the card out  :smiley:
Title: Re: Suspension problems
Post by: Nate187 on 10 November 2008, 00:39
Go for Boge dampers they rock  :evil:
Title: Re: Suspension problems
Post by: DarnPB on 10 November 2008, 18:24
Go for Boge dampers they rock  :evil:

But thats what he is trying to avoid!! :undecided:
Title: Re: Suspension problems
Post by: Agreeable Slick on 10 November 2008, 18:28
Not necessarily the shock, there is a tiny little circlip that sits on the top of the piston that can snap off, and as a result the car will start bouncing around. Great fun. 
Title: Re: Suspension problems
Post by: Nate187 on 10 November 2008, 18:30
Go for Boge dampers they rock  :evil:

But thats what he is trying to avoid!! :undecided:

Lol. Boge gas dampers with your standard springs and your onto a winner.
Title: Re: Suspension problems
Post by: Steve_B on 10 November 2008, 21:18
How do I check this circlip thing? Had a look at haynes and it looks like I'll have to take the shock out just to see it.
Title: Re: Suspension problems
Post by: Diamond Hell on 10 November 2008, 21:26
Not necessarily the shock, there is a tiny little circlip that sits on the top of the piston that can snap off, and as a result the car will start bouncing around. Great fun. 

That's only the rears though...
Title: Re: Suspension problems
Post by: Agreeable Slick on 10 November 2008, 21:45
Not necessarily the shock, there is a tiny little circlip that sits on the top of the piston that can snap off, and as a result the car will start bouncing around. Great fun. 

That's only the rears though...

correct, but as he didn't stipulate i thought i would mention it.
Title: Re: Suspension problems
Post by: Steve_B on 10 November 2008, 22:39
Hmm, it does seem to be the rear ones that are gone so it's a possibility. Is it possible to find out by jacking the car up and shining a torch in there? Won't be able to look until the weeknd otherwise.
Title: Re: Suspension problems
Post by: Diamond Hell on 10 November 2008, 22:43
Take the cap off the top of the turrets and bounce up and down - you'll soon see if the circlips have failed.
Title: Re: Suspension problems
Post by: Agreeable Slick on 10 November 2008, 23:41
to add to that, the reason why would be cos you will see the piston come shooting up through the hole.
Title: Re: Suspension problems
Post by: Steve_B on 11 November 2008, 19:26
Do you just mean the rubber cap that sits on top. Surely if i start unscrewing the nuts on the top plate the suspension will collapse?

Have removed the caps and can't see anything moving, but then it all seems botled down anyway.