Hi all, I've done my share of searching on here but I can't quite find what I'm looking for.

My vRS crashes too much over pretty much all bumps. I'm going to take it to a garage and rule out anything being loose or worn on the front suspension (I have a sneaky suspicion some bushes might be knackered before their time) but if there's nothing wrong I have to assume it's just that the standard front struts are just a bit ****.

On the back of that I've had a glance at coilovers but the damn things all seem to lower the car by at least 30mm and I don't want that. There's no way to get to my road without going over loads of speed bumps so a low car is a no-no. Plus I want the ride to be compliant and (relatively) comfortable, like a Renaultsport Megane 265 or thereabouts. All coilovers seem to do when I've actually been driven around in cars that wear them is completely ruin the ride altogether so I'm nervous about going down that route.

Does anyone have any suggestions for suspension upgrades that lower the car by no more than 15mm and that actually give a high-quality ride? On the firm side is fine but it would need to be compliant and supple.

I read this, and found my mind working around upgraded dampers rather than any form of lowering springs. Koni FSDs for example.

Or bilstein shocks, however can be pricy

+ weitec do 20mm lowering springs

I also like Koni FSDs for a nicely controlled ride, firming up only when needed.

Koni FSDs, eh? I'll have a butcher's hook. Thanks.

As already mentioned upgrade the dampers. I'm totes by bilstein b8 when the time comes but noticed koni now do specific vrs sport and fsd dampers now.

First of all how many miles has the car done. (Is it also all standard suspenion, wheels and tyres)

Secondly, I had the chance to borrow a Renault Sport Megane 265 for half a day from my local Renault Dealership and drove it over my regular roads, and although it has had good reviews for a well damped ride for a hot hatch, compared to the standard VRS ride it was very harsh. So much so I wouldn't be able to live with it ! It was far worse than my current KW V1 setup (admittedly I run 50 profile tyres now). So if you have been in the Renault and found it a better ride than the VRS I suspect that there is something wrong with your suspension.

The VRS when it was released was always praised for its good ride quality for a sports hatch

Karl

Edited 19 March, 201313 yr by korban

Although very expensive, you could look at air ride? Slam the car when parked, yet raise right up for when your going home? I know X12TAG has done this

First of all how many miles has the car done. (Is it also all standard suspenion, wheels and tyres)

Secondly, I had the chance to borrow a Renault Sport Megane 265 for half a day from my local Renault Dealership and drove it over my regular roads, and although it has had good reviews for a well damped ride for a hot hatch, compared to the standard VRS ride it was very harsh. So much so I wouldn't be able to live with it ! It was far worse than my current KW V1 setup (admittedly I run 50 profile tyres now). So if you have been in the Renault and found it a better ride than the VRS I suspect that there is something wrong with your suspension.

The VRS when it was released was always praised for its good ride quality for a sports hatch

Karl

More or less what I was thinking. I'm going to have it checked out first before I spend any big money.

Right, I know what the problem is now. The front suspension lower arm bushes are completely knackered - a definite MoT failure on both sides. That's why the ride is harsh and why it strikes cat's eyes so fiercely.

Now here's the rub. I'd been quoted £300 to fix them, because the whole front subframe needs to come off or some cobblers like that. Fortunately I have friends at Skoda UK and they're going to do the work at Milton Keynes for a reduced rate. But new suspension is at least off the cards.

That work should cost no more than £150 to supply the bushes (genuine x type) , fit them and perform

a realignment after fitment. I've paid for that job 3 separate times on my previous cars at two different

garages. neither time did it come to more than £150.

I see you're in Bristol (so am I), I know a great VAG independent in the area if you are interested.

You'll get the work done there for the price I mentioned. PM me if you want more details.

I let the same garage work on my both my Fabias, my MX5, my van and now my Audi.

Always been very happy with their work.

That work should cost no more than £150 to supply the bushes (genuine x type) , fit them and perform

a realignment after fitment. I've paid for that job 3 separate times on my previous cars at two different

garages. neither time did it come to more than £150.

I see you're in Bristol (so am I), I know a great VAG independent in the area if you are interested.

You'll get the work done there for the price I mentioned. PM me if you want more details.

I let the same garage work on my both my Fabias, my MX5, my van and now my Audi.

Always been very happy with their work.

PM sent.