2002 Honda S2000 Suspension
Discussion
I purchased a 2002 S2000 a couple of months ago to enjoy and look after for several years, and hopefully eventually to sell for at least the same amount.
The dampers feel OK just using the wing push test but the front end seems to float around a lot. When I change gear causing the front to dip then it steers momentarily to the right, and a dip in the road will send it off track too. Mrs. Molehusband doesn't enjoy driving it because of this which is a shame.
I expect the suspension bushes need changing. I see you can get a complete set of Polybush for £359 + vat. Is this the answer? Is it an fairly easy project to fit new bushes?
I want to keep it standard so don't want to get into fitting any of the many suspension upgrades available though perhaps I should consider new dampers while I'm at it.
Do any S2000 experts have any views on this please?
Cheers
"Reg"
The dampers feel OK just using the wing push test but the front end seems to float around a lot. When I change gear causing the front to dip then it steers momentarily to the right, and a dip in the road will send it off track too. Mrs. Molehusband doesn't enjoy driving it because of this which is a shame.
I expect the suspension bushes need changing. I see you can get a complete set of Polybush for £359 + vat. Is this the answer? Is it an fairly easy project to fit new bushes?
I want to keep it standard so don't want to get into fitting any of the many suspension upgrades available though perhaps I should consider new dampers while I'm at it.
Do any S2000 experts have any views on this please?
Cheers
"Reg"
You need to get your suspension geometry checked and corrected. It is very likely to be out. The adjustment bolts seize into the bushes on these cars preventing the correction of the geometry. You should know this from the research you did before you bought the car.
The bushes are the cheapest part of the job to buy, getting the seized ones cut out of your wishbones is the bit that will cost the money. Budget anything from £700-£1000 depending on how many adjustment points are seized. Also not something you want joe bloggs to do, you should take it to someone that has experience as it is a difficult job. TGM Sport in fleet did mine, they are very well known on the S2000 forum.
The bushes are the cheapest part of the job to buy, getting the seized ones cut out of your wishbones is the bit that will cost the money. Budget anything from £700-£1000 depending on how many adjustment points are seized. Also not something you want joe bloggs to do, you should take it to someone that has experience as it is a difficult job. TGM Sport in fleet did mine, they are very well known on the S2000 forum.
Edited by Al U on Monday 27th April 14:28
They shouldn't be floaty, they are quite hard to the road even in OEM guise.
Tyre pressures all good? I was going to say engine mounts too might be at fault when you mentioned the car acting odd when changing gear, but I am not too sure about it now I've reminded myself the S2000 is rear drive. I had that on my Integra and it was the mounts.
Whats the mileage on the dampers?
Tyre pressures all good? I was going to say engine mounts too might be at fault when you mentioned the car acting odd when changing gear, but I am not too sure about it now I've reminded myself the S2000 is rear drive. I had that on my Integra and it was the mounts.
Whats the mileage on the dampers?
As above, suspension geometry is key. It can make an enormous difference so on anything driver focused it should really be checked at least as often as you change the oil, IMO.
It's also quite possible that the dampers are shot. Bouncing the wing up and down was never a very effective method of testing them, even on a poorly damped mainstream car. On a sports car, you'll notice the handing start going wrong long before you can detect anything via that method.
I wouldn't poly-bush a road car. They need regular lubrication, which is a pain in the arse. If the bushes need doing, either fit new OEM-type rubber bushes or get it rose-jointed and put up with the increase in harshness. Bushes will usually easily out-last dampers though so if it's on the original dampers they are more likely to be the culprit. Fitting plastic bushes is also difficult because it generally requires reaming if the other parts aren't designed explicitly to take them.
It's also quite possible that the dampers are shot. Bouncing the wing up and down was never a very effective method of testing them, even on a poorly damped mainstream car. On a sports car, you'll notice the handing start going wrong long before you can detect anything via that method.
I wouldn't poly-bush a road car. They need regular lubrication, which is a pain in the arse. If the bushes need doing, either fit new OEM-type rubber bushes or get it rose-jointed and put up with the increase in harshness. Bushes will usually easily out-last dampers though so if it's on the original dampers they are more likely to be the culprit. Fitting plastic bushes is also difficult because it generally requires reaming if the other parts aren't designed explicitly to take them.
Edited by kambites on Monday 27th April 14:33
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