Hi All

I bought an 04 Mk 1 Octavia Ambient SE 1 TDI 130 in August 09 from Skoda main dealer. 1 owner 56k.( New from this dealer).

his is the model just before the change to Mk2. Dealer says they threw all the goodies at this model to help clear that body shell including 16" alloys and low profile Bridgestones.

I complained to dealer aqbout the harsh ride who tested it on ramps and drove it and said nothing wrong and it drives as it should. .Tech guy said it could be the extra weight etc not suiting the suspension / tyres?

I thought I could learn to live with it but It drives like there are no tyres on it!! Especially now that the roads are full of potholes.

Can any of you guys who may have this model suggest how to overcome this. Can I put meatier tyres on it ? If so what would you recommend.

Many thanks

Dave

What profile are the tyres? With a lower profile you will feel the bumps more.

What profile are the tyres? With a lower profile you will feel the bumps more.

Profile is 205 / 55 R16 91W. Got about 2.5mm on them

Previously had 03 Passat. Same 130tdi 6 speed. (Company car) so thought this would be similar. Nothing like it!

Any type got more tread that will still fit. It's not possible to change wheel size is it without sending everything out of sync?

Could I reduce tyre pressures?

Thanks.

What profile are the tyres? With a lower profile you will feel the bumps more.

Profile is 205 / 55 R16 91W. Got about 2.5mm on them

Previously had 03 Passat. Same 130tdi 6 speed. (Company car) so thought this would be similar. Nothing like it!

Any type got more tread that will still fit. It's not possible to change wheel size is it without sending everything out of sync?

Could I reduce tyre pressures?

Thanks.

not really without going vack to 15" and 196/65. they are not usually too hard unless someone has fitted some uprated suspension

I'm sure that someone asked the same question a few months back, possibly even with an Ambient SE. I have a 53 plate Elegance TDI 110 which also has 205/55 16 tyres and wouldn't say that the front suspension was too hard. In fact I think it could do with firming up a bit.

Have you checked your tyre pressures with an accurate gauge?

Edited to say that I've found the original thread from September, also started by Talbot562?

http://briskoda.net/forums/topic/141442-very-harsh-front-suspension-04-octavia/page__p__1771970__hl__%20very%20harsh%20suspension__fromsearch__1entry1771970

Edited 16 January, 201016 yr by ExAudiSi

Just one other thought, perhaps the Ambient SE came with sports suspension as part of the "SE" package?

Might be worth checking the option codes on the data sticker to see if it has.

I can't imagine the SE being harder than an RS regardless of what wheels it has, and the RS has a fairly comfy ride considering. I take it the car hasn't had new (and inappropriate) front shocks fitted during its life?