Suspension "bounce"

Gonzo

Gonzo

A2OC Donor
Hi there

We've now had the A2 for nearly two years now and love it. :) Liked it so much, the other car is now an Audi too!

However, one thing that I've been meaning to get checked out is the suspension. I have no idea if "they all do that sir" and I'm a technical halfwit when it comes to cars but....

I know that even standard A2 suspension is a little harsh but I can live with that. What stands out for me, however, is the bounce effect on even the lightest bumps. The ride really is unsettled and one does find oneself bouncing around rather a lot.

Is this a normal consequence of a short wheelbase, low profile tyres and the light aluminium bodywork? I'm a bit loathed to got to a fast fit centre as they just want to sell me stuff. The roll bar and suspension arm thingies are OK as they were checked at the last service. It's whether the springs and dampers need any attention that I really don't know how to ascertain.

For info the car is a Jan 2002 Tdi SE with the 16" alloys. While I'm here I might as well add the rest of the spec:

Open Sky
Symphony stereo
Cruise
Climate
34,500 miles - a relatively quiet life with one middle-aged owner before me.
Oh..and its blue.

Any advice from those of you that know about such things would be very much appreciated.

Cheers:D

G
 
Forgot to mention - I already need to say thanks to the collective as I was about to buy one of those Celox chip things off t'internet but have desisted based on the general opinion of the forum that they are crap.

Money and hassle saved.

;)
 
Gonzo said:
I know that even standard A2 suspension is a little harsh but I can live with that. What stands out for me, however, is the bounce effect on even the lightest bumps. The ride really is unsettled and one does find oneself bouncing around rather a lot.

Is this a normal consequence of a short wheelbase, low profile tyres and the light aluminium bodywork?
Click to expand...

Hi Gonzo,

this bouncing behaviour is rather typical for our light A2 equipped with linear springs and too weak damping forces both in compression and rebound direction.

This topic has been covered extensively here in this forum. So by using high quality aftermarket shocks, the drive feeling, balance and comfort will become much more sophisticated. I strongly recommend purchasing the Koni FSD dampers, as both comfort and balance will greatly increase (no harshness over potholes, no bounce, etc). These positive effects also apply if using low profile tyres such like the 7x17 205/40 sport wheels.

Please check out links below:

http://www.a2oc.net/forum/showthread.php?t=4807
http://www.a2oc.net/forum/showpost.php?p=45498&postcount=80
http://www.a2oc.net/forum/showthread.php?t=6004
http://www.a2oc.net/forum/showthread.php?t=4727
http://www.a2oc.net/forum/showthread.php?t=5846
http://www.a2oc.net/forum/showthread.php?t=5984
 
Last edited:
Thanks Schnelletracker, really useful. I would love the Koni solution but £400 + fitting seems steep.

Is there a more cost effective solution that anyone has found to work?
 
The cheapest solution is to get 15" wheels and high profile tyres! The FSDs are great, although they are still firm, the ride quality is much improved, see the above threads mentioned by Schnelletrecker, he is our resident suspension expert :)
 
Cheers - it would appear that If I'm in it for the long haul (which I am), then the FSDs it is.

Thanks to you both for the advice.
 
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