Ride Quality/Handling: Diagnosis

[oatz]

I joined the 'S Club' back in April - this is my first TVR (S2 2.9 V6, 1989) and I'm enjoying being an owner. A Cerbera driver waved up at me the other day on the Woodford High Road in London. Another driver hasn't waved up at me since I owned a VW Beetle (many years ago)!

Anyway. Here's the thing. I'm not happy with the ride quality. I'm going to list some symptoms and invite you to offer your diagnoses / solutions.

General driving at low speeds: rattles and shakes - picks up seemingly every bump no matter how small - potholes shake the car to its very bones

Driving more quickly: braking makes the steering wheel shake (other wise the steering wheel does not shake). Braking before a bend makes the handling feel a bit vague.

Bottoming out: the stainless steel exhaust takes a battering when bottoming out - this has even happened on the northern stretch of the M25 at 70mph - this stretch of road is not known for the potential to do this to cars!

So what do you think - I'll be happy to provide more info if required.

I live in the Epping area of London - does anyone meet up around there?

Oatz
www.restore-my-tvr.com

>>> Edited by oatz on Sunday 27th July 14:37

>>> Edited by oatz on Sunday 27th July 14:38

>>> Edited by oatz on Sunday 27th July 14:40

[mowog]

I would first take a look at several steering components (steering column bush/bearing and universal joints) any play hear would contribute to the rattling and vague handling. Quite cheap and easy to replace. A number of topics have been posted here concerning replacing steering column bush etc.

Made a world of difference on my S3.

darren

[oatz]

Thanks Darren - I'm considering taking it into Peninsula next week as I'm in the area. Perhaps I'll get them to give it the once over.

[bills1]

The shudder under braking will be the discs that are distorted and need replacing plus new pads.
This is not too expensive as they are only standard Ford Capri discs.
It gives you an opportunity to upgrade if you want to although the standard dics are more than enough for fast road use.
Your existing discs will be braking quite efficiently but are just uncomfortable with the shudder in fact mine passed its MOT with such discs although I soon got them changed.

Bill

[oatz]

bills1 said:

This is not too expensive as they are only standard Ford Capri discs.

I love it when people say this!
Thanks Bill

[oatz]

oatz said:

General driving at low speeds: rattles and shakes - picks up seemingly every bump no matter how small - potholes shake the car to its very bones.

Any views on this - could it be shocks?

[hut49]

You also mentioned it was bottoming out - might be tired springs, shot shocks, and worn suspension bushes.

[Podie]

bills1 said:

This is not too expensive as they are only standard Ford Capri discs.

You sure? I thought they were Sierra..!

[S3 Kieran]

Hi Oatz

Don't know about problem 2, but feeling every pothole and bottoming exhausts, ahem.... "they all do that sir" - at least I hope they do, or I shall wait for the answers with you.

As you are in Epping, you are fortunate that there is a TVRCC meet on your doorstep. Every 3rd Weds of the month at Merry Fiddlers pub. I must confess, the turnout there has been disappointing the two times I've gone - but I'll meet you there on the 20th if you like - and we can compare rattles - the road down to Fiddlers Hamlet has more holes and repairs than you can shake a TVR at!

If you want a run out at the weekend - I'm just up the road in Bishop's Stortford

[bills1]

I paid £88 for the pair of discs AND pads.

With regard to the hard ride, yes the ride is hard but not harsh.
I found that replacing the front shockers and washers sorted mine. The ride is still hard of course but you dont get that spine shaking shudder on bumps.

I have also had S3 trailing arms fitted (the originals rusted through) and this has raised the ride height and greatly improved the handling.

I will be going to the Mania.
I would be only to pleased to show you the work I have done and had done.

Cheers Bill

[oatz]

S3 Kieran said:

As you are in Epping, you are fortunate that there is a TVRCC meet on your doorstep. Every 3rd Weds of the month at Merry Fiddlers pub.

Thanks Kieran - I'll try to make it!

[oatz]

bills1 said:

I found that replacing the front shockers and washers sorted mine.

Thanks Bill - I'm going to have it checked out (hopefully by Peninsula as I'm down that way soon).

[S3 Kieran]

Oatz

Look forward to seeing you there - note though that no bugger seems to turn up until 8.30 - 9.00 as many work in London and have tea first etc.

(So do I, but I managed to get there for 8) So I shall aim for say 8.45 - there you go.

I assume I shall be looking for a red S2?

[Marcus]

Front discs are Ford Escort / Sierra 240mm diameter. Motorcraft part 5023573. Available from anywhere, EBC and any number of 'performance' discs are available.
Pads are Motorcraft part 5018899, also recommend Pagid or Mintex 1144, or even Green Stuff.

Check road clearance to exhaust, should be at least 4" at the lowest point on a flat surface, (with 22psi in the tyres!) and you should be able to open the bonnet and fit the stay without the nose touching the ground!

It could be tires springs and bushes, the TVR rubber bushes are rubbish, especially on the shocks. I have a parts list for Superflex polybushes for the shocks, make a world of difference!

email me if you want more info!

Marcus

[oatz]

S3 Kieran said:

I assume I shall be looking for a red S2?

That's me - pretty sure I can make it - although it's far enough away (in time that is) for things to change diary-wise. Paint is somewhat faded so look out for a sort of orangey red!

[oatz]

Marcus said:

Front discs are Ford Escort / Sierra 240mm diameter...

Cheers Marcus!