Is my suspension on its way out?

[lewyvrs]

My 2003 Octavia Vrs has got just over 51k on the clock, and within the last few weeks the car seems to be handling like a bag of sh** e.

It has a standard suspension set up with the only upgrade being a whiteline RARB. I fitted new Toyo Proxes recently, and I know theyre probably not the best in the wet, but my confidence in the car has been totally undermined. It seems to skip all over the road at reasonable speeds, and sometimes I feel like the back end is skidding out.

I've been under the car, jacked it up and can see no play anywhere. Does anyone think that the tyres are are playing a part in the crud handling or am I missing something? I know the car is 9 years old, but wasn't driven hard by the previous owner and I've only done 7k in the last year.

Can anyone point me in the direction of any checks I can do before throwing a boat load of cash on a new suspension setup?

Cheers in advance

Lewy

[mannyo]

Worn or bushes are the usual culprits. They don't always show with the car up in the air.

[lewyvrs]

Worn or bushes are the usual culprits. They don't always show with the car up in the air.

I suppose age will play its part and deteriorate bushes. Any thoughts on where to start?

[NathanF1]

Mine's a 04 plate with 65k on the clock and the suspension is shot to ****! :(

The previous owner seemed to take really good care of it too, as it's in excellent condition inside and out, full service history and bills for everything. But it's properly soft, not tight at all and does skip around a lot. That's on brand new Michelin Pilot Sport 3's too!

So as I am planning on keeping the car, it's a full set of bushes and new suspension for me.

Edited 28 December, 2012 by NathanF1

[skud vrs]

My suspension and bushes was shot at 60k. That could be the culprit.

Try your front arm bushes.

Could just be the weather as you are running summer tires.

[lewyvrs]

Cheers for the replies, wasn't planning on spending much more on it, but I think a new set of coilovers and bushes all round won't do any harm.

Just have to convince Mrs L.

[NathanF1]

Mine has just this minute been booked in for a complete suspension refresh. Albeit standard shocks and springs, but should still make a massive difference. That and new bushes, plus front and rear ARB upgrades and a stage 1 map when I've moved insurers in a few months should make it like a new car!

Now I just have to hope I don't need a new wife when the current one finds out

[Steven89]

have you checked your tyre pressures ? i found on my old car that proxies were ditch finders even in the dry :(

[lewyvrs]

The tyre pressures was my first thought. Even though there was a slight difference in each tyre, when I put them right I still have the problem.