Bouncy bouncy after new springs fitted.

[raf_gti]

I've now passed the 1000 mile mark with my newly fitted Eibach's on my Mk3.

Initially I was delighted with the improvement, firmer suspension without crashiness and a chassis which finally felt sporty, I've re-explored all my favourite B-roads with a great big smile on my face!

However, over the last weekend the car has started to feel rather strange, especially the rear end. Going over mild bumps in the road has produced a noticeable bounce, very much like there is no rebound control on the shocks, even my friend being taken for a drive on the car for the first time with new springs commented on the effect.

Can the recent high(er) temps cause this problem? I know on mountain bike forks at high temps rebound performance drops off, is this the same on cars? At 24000 miles and 4 years are my shocks likely to need replacing?

Very interested to hear your thoughts

Steve

[hornetrider]

I've always thought the Bilsteins on the sport are underdamped with the Eibachs fitted. On smooth roads the car grips like a limpet, but when it gets bumpy things can get quite unsettled. The car is regrettably leagues behind the suspension on my Boxster for example, which was remarkably composed.

If you're noticing it now to the detriment of your handling I would say your next upgrade needs to be shocks. Which ones, however, is not in my sphere of knowledge! I'll keep an eye on this for suggestions.

[raf_gti]

hornetrider said:

I've always thought the Bilsteins on the sport are underdamped with the Eibachs fitted. On smooth roads the car grips like a limpet, but when it gets bumpy things can get quite unsettled. The car is regrettably leagues behind the suspension on my Boxster for example, which was remarkably composed.

If you're noticing it now to the detriment of your handling I would say your next upgrade needs to be shocks. Which ones, however, is not in my sphere of knowledge! I'll keep an eye on this for suggestions.

What's getting me is that it wasn't noticeable straight away, it certainly became more pronounced after 1000 miles or so, the car is still under warranty so would be ideal if they are shagged but how to prove, that will be the tougher issue!

[hornetrider]

I also know from bike riding that on colder days oil viscosity increases giving slightly stiffer damping - this may be what you are experiencing. However a set of coilovers may be ultimately what is required, maybe some Gaz Golds or H&R?

It might be a cheapish option to do that as you would surely get a good price for Billies/Eibachs on eGay.

[raf_gti]

hornetrider said:

I also know from bike riding that on colder days oil viscosity increases giving slightly stiffer damping - this may be what you are experiencing. However a set of coilovers may be ultimately what is required, maybe some Gaz Golds or H&R?

It might be a cheapish option to do that as you would surely get a good price for Billies/Eibachs on eGay.

I'm noticing the opposite in that the damping is a lot looser than it previously was. Whereas the front deals with the road surface fine the back end throws a hissy fit, often feeling like it is bottoming out :S

[stargazer30]

Before you spend money on shocks I'd rule out the obvious and get a four wheel alignment/geometry check. It could have gone out as the springs settled in or worse something could have worked loose.

[hornetrider]

raf_gti said:

hornetrider said:

I also know from bike riding that on colder days oil viscosity increases giving slightly stiffer damping

I'm noticing the opposite in that the damping is a lot looser than it previously was.

Er, that's what I was saying

[raf_gti]

stargazer30 said:

Before you spend money on shocks I'd rule out the obvious and get a four wheel alignment/geometry check. It could have gone out as the springs settled in or worse something could have worked loose.

I'd like to think that the alignment wouldn't be out by that much, even allowing for settling of the springs. It will certainly be getting looked at by a local suspension guru though (and not Kyle from Kwik Fit!)

[NeoVR]

stargazer30 said:

Before you spend money on shocks I'd rule out the obvious and get a four wheel alignment/geometry check. It could have gone out as the springs settled in or worse something could have worked loose.

This... its amazing just how much a geo can change just how the suspension works..

also IIRC lowered mk3's can suffer from twisted bushes?.. not sure if this could be something worth checking?

[Shaw Tarse]

NeoVR said:

stargazer30 said:

Before you spend money on shocks I'd rule out the obvious and get a four wheel alignment/geometry check. It could have gone out as the springs settled in or worse something could have worked loose.

This... its amazing just how much a geo can change just how the suspension works..

also IIRC lowered mk3's can suffer from twisted bushes?.. not sure if this could be something worth checking?

I'd have thought, that given the place RAF had his suspension done, these wouldn't be an issue?

[raf_gti]

Shaw Tarse said:

NeoVR said:

stargazer30 said:

Before you spend money on shocks I'd rule out the obvious and get a four wheel alignment/geometry check. It could have gone out as the springs settled in or worse something could have worked loose.

This... its amazing just how much a geo can change just how the suspension works..

also IIRC lowered mk3's can suffer from twisted bushes?.. not sure if this could be something worth checking?

I'd have thought, that given the place RAF had his suspension done, these wouldn't be an issue?

I'm hoping so too

Going to take it to a 'WiM approved' place which is local to me, I fancy a slightly sharper setup than the WiM fast road so may as well get it all checked out then.

Going to be an expensive time as tyres are just about due for replacement as well

and brakes...

and exhaust...

and so on!

[roddo]

I find the damping the weak spot when you fit lowering springs. I have fitted dozens of lowering kits and most customers like them, However I do stress before fitting the Billies/damping will still be the same.

I think you need a full after market set-up. I have a demo car with Gaz fitted available in Sheffield.

We are the preferred mx5 supplier of Gaz shocks........... Ask Gaz!!!!!!!

Feel free to call me on 0870 600 8787

Advise is free.........

Paul

[hornetrider]

How much are Gold coilovers fitted roddo, with alignment etc?

[raf_gti]

roddo said:

I find the damping the weak spot when you fit lowering springs. I have fitted dozens of lowering kits and most customers like them, However I do stress before fitting the Billies/damping will still be the same.

I think you need a full after market set-up. I have a demo car with Gaz fitted available in Sheffield.

We are the preferred mx5 supplier of Gaz shocks........... Ask Gaz!!!!!!!

Feel free to call me on 0870 600 8787

Advise is free.........

Paul

What I am finding frustrating is that for the first 1000 miles I was hugely impressed, it's almost like it has gone back to it's original feeling overnight albeit sitting 30mm lower.

I may take up on the offer of the demo car..

[NeoVR]

roddo said:

I find the damping the weak spot when you fit lowering springs. I have fitted dozens of lowering kits and most customers like them, However I do stress before fitting the Billies/damping will still be the same.

I think you need a full after market set-up. I have a demo car with Gaz fitted available in Sheffield.

We are the preferred mx5 supplier of Gaz shocks........... Ask Gaz!!!!!!!

Feel free to call me on 0870 600 8787

Advise is free.........

Paul

Definitely worth getting a test drive..
Paul knows his stuff, had my MK1 geo done by him a couple of weeks ago and its awesome

[roddo]

Guys please give me a call on the above number for prices etc

Paul

[jacjac]

I have had my 07 mk 3 for a year now. Quite soon after I got it I had WIM lowering springs and a full geo set up, but after a weeks spirited tour of Scotland found the set up to be bouncy especially on the back and floaty at speed. I was talked into fitting Gaz coil overs at WIM at £750, but at present very unhappy with this set up. Fine on a smooth surface but crashy over any imperfect surface. Have taken the matter up with Gaz and will be taking the car to them to check over in the next few weeks.

[hornetrider]

jacjac said:

I have had my 07 mk 3 for a year now. Quite soon after I got it I had WIM lowering springs and a full geo set up, but after a weeks spirited tour of Scotland found the set up to be bouncy especially on the back and floaty at speed. I was talked into fitting Gaz coil overs at WIM at £750, but at present very unhappy with this set up. Fine on a smooth surface but crashy over any imperfect surface. Have taken the matter up with Gaz and will be taking the car to them to check over in the next few weeks.

Are they adjustable? How have you got them set up?

[raf_gti]

jacjac said:

I have had my 07 mk 3 for a year now. Quite soon after I got it I had WIM lowering springs and a full geo set up, but after a weeks spirited tour of Scotland found the set up to be bouncy especially on the back and floaty at speed. I was talked into fitting Gaz coil overs at WIM at £750, but at present very unhappy with this set up. Fine on a smooth surface but crashy over any imperfect surface. Have taken the matter up with Gaz and will be taking the car to them to check over in the next few weeks.

Interesting, sounds a very similar experience to myself.

Did you have the geo re-fettled after having the springs fitted initially?

The last thing I want is to chase perfect handling on a chassis which may not be able to deliver it.