Hi All

I'm hoping others can suggest if there are any remedies. Or similar reports!

I have taken my '59-plate Octavia VRS onto the German Autobahns several times this summer, and tried speed testing it on each occasion - safely, i might add!

With a fairly empty boot, at speeds of 120mph and upwards, the back end becomes very very light and twitchy, even on the smoothest road surfaces; I imagine that the spoiler is not adding much value in terms of extra stability.

However, in loading the boot with weight - around 60kg or so, it pulls the front of the car up, so that it loses traction and stability at the front at the same kind of speeds as before!

I'm not sure what the solution might be - I've taken 'Gandalf the Grey' (it's a ltd edition) up to 145mph super briefly, but it's currently just not a clever idea to try to top it out when you lose confidence as you gain speed.

Any ideas? Again, I'd like to point out that I've been super cautious when doing this - 3am drives through Germany, unrestricted speed limits, no other traffic, etc, and I'm sensible enough to know not to push any further with these issues. I'm just keen to know if it can be resolved; I don't think there are so many cars which can't be driven at their maximums!

Many thanks

dan_ce007

Hmm. Have you have wheel alignment checked (full alighnment - not just tracking)?

Mine is a 2008 vRS (same suspension as yours) and the high speed stability is excellent - it stays very well planted all the way up to its indicated maximum.

I did with my Scout 1.8TSi Germany, France, UK and many others in last month and never felt lose front or end at up to 140mph. Boot was full but not with heavy stuff (2 small bags, tiny baby puschair,).

I would say I'd like the steering to be a bit more beefier at high speed as it felt a little light to my liking, otherwise no issues that you mention, and I can't see why the estate should be more stable than hatchback.

Hmm. Have you have wheel alignment checked (full alighnment - not just tracking)?

Mine is a 2008 vRS (same suspension as yours) and the high speed stability is excellent - it stays very well planted all the way up to its indicated maximum.

on a private runway of course :p :p

on a private runway of course :p :p

No, in Germany on de-resticted Autobahn. (My username might give some clues...).

I would imagine a lowering setup of some kind would help, allowing less wind under the vehicle, which could be making it 'lift'

also you might want to consider an anti lift kit, to keep the nose down. but thats only if its really bothering you, I mean how often do you really do those speeds?

Edited 19 October, 201015 yr by daz_pd

I have no problem with high speed runs, it just feels set up for it. Mine is an estate btw

High speed stability issues are usually wheel alignment related. I've driven some cars that just wonder around at say 100 and it's a bit lairy. The strange thing is you can go to say 120 and it settles down!

It could be worn bushes but that's unlikely on a 59 plate car!

The only time I have had issues like that is when I have had new tyres fitted and the have not been inflated to the correct pressure?

I would imagine a lowering setup of some kind would help, allowing less wind under the vehicle, which could be making it 'lift'

also you might want to consider an anti lift kit, to keep the nose down. but thats only if its really bothering you, I mean how often do you really do those speeds?

Interesting . . . . I have a 59 plate FL Vrs. I have done 28k miles in the last 10 months, & have noticed the steering going light at speed (no where near speeds quoted here mind) and have but it down to the front end lifting as the speed increases.

When you look at the front end you do notice it looks to ride quite high. My previous car was a 3 series msport (alot lower ) and was very stable at speed so I thought I was being picky. Its a confidence thing me thinks. I wonder if there is a part that can be added to the front spoiler that would help it feel more planted ??? Or may lowering the ride height??

Hi All

I'm hoping others can suggest if there are any remedies. Or similar reports!

I have taken my '59-plate Octavia VRS onto the German Autobahns several times this summer, and tried speed testing it on each occasion - safely, i might add!

With a fairly empty boot, at speeds of 120mph and upwards, the back end becomes very very light and twitchy, even on the smoothest road surfaces; I imagine that the spoiler is not adding much value in terms of extra stability.

However, in loading the boot with weight - around 60kg or so, it pulls the front of the car up, so that it loses traction and stability at the front at the same kind of speeds as before!

I'm not sure what the solution might be - I've taken 'Gandalf the Grey' (it's a ltd edition) up to 145mph super briefly, but it's currently just not a clever idea to try to top it out when you lose confidence as you gain speed.

Any ideas? Again, I'd like to point out that I've been super cautious when doing this - 3am drives through Germany, unrestricted speed limits, no other traffic, etc, and I'm sensible enough to know not to push any further with these issues. I'm just keen to know if it can be resolved; I don't think there are so many cars which can't be driven at their maximums!

Many thanks

dan_ce007

Actually, just did a long run from Hampshire to Vienna (return) and apart from getting nicked for speeding in Austria.. .. the Vrs was a blast on the Autobahns, only problem with Germany at the mo is the amount of roadworks which slow things up.

Anyway, in answer no, 120mph plus on many occasions and very stable, felt safe.

Car is Vrs 2.0 CR170 TDI, DSG and estate (I like to consider her a Tourer though)........

mine felt fine upto 115 (speedo reading) not light at all. Mine is a combi though. Again this was not on public roads.

I've found its rather too easy to get up to silly speeds!

Might be worth checking out what has been suggested above, the tyre pressure is cheap and easy to do

GUys, many thanks for all your comments

Tyre pressures are good, but checking out the other options shortly.

I'll keep you posted.

Thanks again

both me and another member on here used to live out in germany and on many occasions have taken our cars off the clock. Cant say i felt it was anything but stable. The same goes for track work as well. The mk5 chassis is excellent.

id say your tyres could be the issue. some tramline more than others. could be your alignment as well though

I would suggest a full geometry check..

Recently i have the same effing problem. It's ok on the bends but on the straight going fast and any slight uneven ground at high speed it feels very sloppy :'( , it just feels awful..

if you have only recewntly developed the problem, that also strengthens the likelihood of something being out on the car like alignment IMO