Hi,

I'm one of those who really like my little Yeti,

however there are things that bug me and most of all is the harsh ride. ( road noise another)

Now I am on 16" Winter Tyres, and they make the ride slightly less harsh than the 17" original (Summer Tyres).

the Tdi 4x4 have been designed to be a 2000kg towing weight, and IMO suspension may work fine with a massive Caraven behind....but that will never happen in my life

I have two choices, either trade my my yeti for something that I do think have decent suspension like the Mercedes GLK 220 Cdi, however that is easily another +£10k, and probably not having some nice features like the automatic Parking aid.

So...

my question is can I change suspension parts from a 4x4 Tsi 160, 1800kg Towing ( assume suspension is softer on those).

sadly due to 4x4 I surely cannot use suspension parts from the 2WD ( that ride is fine with me)

Any comments , suggestions ?

Hi.

I have the same model.

I personally think it is over damped. I think the springs are fine, but the dampers react too much over potholes/speed bumps crashing down very quickly or not enough over small bumps and give the jittery ride.

Because of this it gives fairly good handling. But it is compromised.

Maybe aftermarket dampers of better quality would be better. My pocket isn't currently deep enough to try!!

Sent using whatever device I'm using at the time.

Why would you buy semi off road car to have soft suspension....

Eh?

True offroad cars all have soft suspension. That's what Rangerover got so right back in the late 60's.

Hard suspension is only for people who hack at the steering wheel in corners and get airborne.

my question is can I change suspension parts from a 4x4 Tsi 160, 1800kg Towing ( assume suspension is softer on those).

sadly due to 4x4 I surely cannot use suspension parts from the 2WD ( that ride is fine with me)

Any comments , suggestions ?

TP will confirm, but I don't think the rear suspension is any different on the Tsi 160. The lower towing limit is more to do with the power characturistics of the engine, not the suspension.

You need to find out what spring rates are used on each model combined with the different shock absorber ratings.

Plus you also need to check your insurance company would be happy with such alterations.

Cannot say for sure which of the following your car will have (the dealer should be able to give you a full list of the cars build/option codes), or which are actually suitable but the parts book lists the following for just the rear suspension;

Spring

1K0 511 115 DJ PR-0YH = Weight range 8 installation control only, no requirement forecast

1K0 511 115 CL PR-1JG = Rear shock absorption for rough-road design 2

1JL = Rear shock absorption,

0YE = Weight range 5 installation control only, no requirement forecast

1K0 511 115 CK PR-1JL = Rear shock absorption

0YD = Weight range 4 installation control only, no requirement forecast

1K0 511 115 CJ PR-1JL = Rear shock absorption

0YC = Weight range 3 installation control only, no requirement forecast

1K0 511 115 CH PR-1JL = Rear shock absorption

0YB = Weight range 2 installation control only, no requirement forecast

1K0 511 115 DK PR-0YJ = Weight range 9 installation control only, no requirement forecast

1K0 511 115 CR PR-0YK = Weight range 10 installation control only, no requirement forecast

1K0 511 115 CS PR-0YL = Weight range 11 installation control only, no requirement forecast

1K0 511 115 CT PR-0YM = Weight range 12 installation control only, no requirement forecast

Shock absorbers

1K0 513 029 MN

1K0 513 029 EN 1JL = Rear shock absorption

TP

Edited 11 April, 201313 yr by The Plumber

A decent spring manufacturer may be a better bet. There is a place in Sheffield which will make road springs to order. http://www.coilsprings.co.uk/

I'm sure there will be similar in Sweden.

Wow....I'm very suprised by all the good feed-back, some very extensive. will carefully study it later have to work now.

I'm sorry, but I'm a former Off-Road Racer ( MotoCross) and I smile at the comment why I want softer suspension in my 4x4.

1. it is NOT a race vehicle

2. Supension shall be designed to use full travel, that will never happen me in my Yeti

3. Suspension shall be designed for 3 different stroke stages

a/ initial ( soft for small stuff)

b/ midstroke ( bigger bumps)

c/ bottoming Max G-outs( that is sometimes why you can see a rubber piece on the shock shaft to save mechanical parts)

and even if I was using my Yeti as a Rallye car, I'm pretty sure my Yeti is overdamped / oversprung,

but as you are from the UK...the reason I have a 4x4 is due to slippery Winter conditions, not going Off-Road, that I do on my Motorcycle specially buildt for that purpose.

there are some Shock and Spring manufacturers that supply parts to Yeti 5L, but have to check better if the 2WD parts fit my 4x4, and NO I'm not worried about insurance or approvals, will mostl likely change back to stock before selling the vehicle

Thank you all, will get back soon

I'm surprised that no-one has yet mentioned the simplest alternative .....

.......... get a set of 16" wheels with 215/60 16 tyres (and store your 17" set until you sell). This has been done by several forum members.

Changing to 2WD springs will not work because the weight is different to your 4x4 / TDI - it will alter the ride height.

If you wish to change shock absorbers then, in theory, KONI FSDs should work; they are designed to give a more compliant ride but will otherwise be firmer to suit the sporty driver.

Guy

.......... get a set of 16" wheels with 215/60 16 tyres (and store your 17" set until you sell). This has been done by several forum members.

Changing to 2WD springs will not work because the weight is different to your 4x4 / TDI - it will alter the ride height.

Guy

Hi Guy,

I do have two sets of wheels 17" standard, and 16" Winter tyres with 215/60/16, and they are on right now....and I dread the day I have to swap to the ( original) 17" again as the 16" is no wonder of comfort.

Yes, the 2.0 diesel engine is heavier then the petrol one, however I would measure the ride height before after swapping spring coils.

Edited 11 April, 201313 yr by NilsW

To be specific; I mean buy a 2nd set of 16" wheels and run summer tyres on these.

If it is of any comfort (pardon the pun) I run winter tyres on my 17s and then have 18s for the summer.

Guy

To be specific; I mean buy a 2nd set of 16" wheels and run summer tyres on these.

If it is of any comfort (pardon the pun) I run winter tyres on my 17s and then have 18s for the summer.

Guy

Hahhaa...then we're quite different on what comfort level we accept ....you can borrow my kidney belt when I'm not riding MotoCross ;-)

sorry, but I'm not even satisfied with the ride of the 16"

So why did you buy a Yeti?

Didn't you go for a test drive before you bought?

Hahhaa...then we're quite different on what comfort level we accept ....you can borrow my kidney belt when I'm not riding MotoCross ;-)

sorry, but I'm not even satisfied with the ride of the 16"

OK; bit of a problem then. How do we solve it?

Left field suggestion; how about disconnecting the anti-roll bars.

There is a popular misconception that the strength or otherwise of the ARBs does not affect the ride. I will tell you, from the experience of fitting stiffer ARBs to my previous cars, that they do i.e. stiffer ARBs give a firmer ride. Disconnecting them should soften the ride, albeit at the expense of greater roll..

Beyond that, you are IMHO looking at not only softer springs but also softer shock absorbers - a tough search. Good luck.

Guy.

So why did you buy a Yeti?

Didn't you go for a test drive before you bought?

yes I did actually plenty, but mostly the 2WD as those where available...the 4x4 only once and then it was kind of thick snow...and snow is softer than bad asphalt with tons of potholes ...That is Stockholm reality

OK; bit of a problem then. How do we solve it?

Left field suggestion; how about disconnecting the anti-roll bars.

There is a popular misconception that the strength or otherwise of the ARBs does not affect the ride. I will tell you, from the experience of fitting stiffer ARBs to my previous cars, that they do i.e. stiffer ARBs give a firmer ride. Disconnecting them should soften the ride, albeit at the expense of greater roll..

Beyond that, you are IMHO looking at not only softer springs but also softer shock absorbers - a tough search. Good luck.

Guy.

Guy, you may be a genius ...I don't care I for roll really...I have even owned old Citroens ....maybe that is where I got spoiled...and not to forget my 7-series BMW with electronic damping. I will for sure ask my garage to look at it...I see you have kitted your Yeti in the opposite direction....and still bother to talk to me...that is very nice

Guy, you may be a genius ...I don't care I for roll really...I have even owned old Citroens ....maybe that is where I got spoiled...and not to forget my 7-series BMW with electronic damping. I will for sure ask my garage to look at it...I see you have kitted your Yeti in the opposite direction....and still bother to talk to me...that is very nice

Your garage? 5 mins per corner with the correct spanner / socket will disconnect them and a few cable ties to ensure the drop links don't bounce around and foul on the free end of the ARB.

I'll do it for you (if you pay my airfare)

Your garage? 5 mins per corner with the correct spanner / socket will disconnect them and a few cable ties to ensure the drop links don't bounce around and foul on the free end of the ARB.

I'll do it for you (if you pay my airfare)

Ahh, that's great I do have a decent workshop to be able to work on my bikes...just don't wrench on cars anymore, but this sounds simple....just will have to locate what parts is the ARB...so I don't loosen something I should not....I don't want to crash outside a Motocross track....my friends would die of laughter.

is there a Yeti workshop manual on-line for download ?, or picture at least

Ahh, that's great I do have a decent workshop to be able to work on my bikes...just don't wrench on cars anymore, but this sounds simple....just will have to locate what parts is the ARB...so I don't loosen something I should not....I don't want to crash outside a Motocross track....my friends would die of laughter.

is there a Yeti workshop manual on-line for download ?, or picture at least

Yeti manual is available usually from several sellers on eBay; you want to look for ELSAWIN. Beware though as IIRC they only work on a PC with Win XP, not compatible with Win 7.

If you can hang onto the weekend and PM your e-mail address to me I'll send the relevant pages to you.

Guy

Sent from my Xperia S using TapaTalk 2

Cannot say for sure which of the following your car will have (the dealer should be able to give you a full list of the cars build/option codes), or which are actually suitable but the parts book lists the following for just the rear suspension;

Spring

1K0 511 115 DJ PR-0YH = Weight range 8 installation control only, no requirement forecast

1K0 511 115 CL PR-1JG = Rear shock absorption for rough-road design 2

1JL = Rear shock absorption,

0YE = Weight range 5 installation control only, no requirement forecast

1K0 511 115 CK PR-1JL = Rear shock absorption

0YD = Weight range 4 installation control only, no requirement forecast

1K0 511 115 CJ PR-1JL = Rear shock absorption

0YC = Weight range 3 installation control only, no requirement forecast

1K0 511 115 CH PR-1JL = Rear shock absorption

0YB = Weight range 2 installation control only, no requirement forecast

1K0 511 115 DK PR-0YJ = Weight range 9 installation control only, no requirement forecast

1K0 511 115 CR PR-0YK = Weight range 10 installation control only, no requirement forecast

1K0 511 115 CS PR-0YL = Weight range 11 installation control only, no requirement forecast

1K0 511 115 CT PR-0YM = Weight range 12 installation control only, no requirement forecast

Shock absorbers

1K0 513 029 MN

1K0 513 029 EN 1JL = Rear shock absorption

TP

What do these "weight ratings" equate to?

Nils, you can likely get away with no rear sway bar. But the front could be an exciting experience. I'm not aware of any independent front suspension car that didn't have a sway bar.

If you can hang onto the weekend and PM your e-mail address to me I'll send the relevant pages to you.

Guy

What do these "weight ratings" equate to?

Nils, you can likely get away with no rear sway bar. But the front could be an exciting experience. I'm not aware of any independent front suspension car that didn't have a sway bar.

Guy and Kiwibacon, I'm overwhelmed with the helpfulness you show me. THANK YOU.

for sure I can wait until after the wk-end, probably have no time to do this earlier than next wk.

KiwiBacon, interesting info you provide..I say the same which spring fit which vehicle.

FYI...I have worked Professionally with suspension at www.Ohlins.com, but cannot afford thier products on my yeti, and the stuff is more for racing, they do have electronic dampers but then we easily talk + £20k

Yeti manual is available usually from several sellers on eBay; you want to look for ELSAWIN. Beware though as IIRC they only work on a PC with Win XP, not compatible with Win 7.

I recently bought a copy which was compatible with my 64bit Win7

http://www.ebay.co.u...ME:L:OC:GB:3160

If you do buy from this seller, I would advise either printing or saving to desktop, the pdf instructions from the set-up DVD rather than trying to follow the printed intstructions supplied (there are a few contradictions & the DVD version normally wins out).

Other than that, works really well.

Edited 12 April, 201313 yr by Skoda Al Coda

I recently bought a copy which was compatible with my 64bit Win7

http://www.ebay.co.u...ME:L:OC:GB:3160

If you do buy from this seller, I would advise either printing or saving to desktop, the pdf instructions from the set-up DVD rather than trying to follow the printed intstructions supplied (there are a few contradictions & the DVD version normally wins out).

Other than that, works really well.

Thanks for the link; might be worth buying to get to 2012 update (which will work on my, new last year, win7 PC; ironic as I bought it with Win7 Pro just to get the XP mode that I needed for ELSAWIN at the time!).

Guy and Kiwibacon, I'm overwhelmed with the helpfulness you show me. THANK YOU.

for sure I can wait until after the wk-end, probably have no time to do this earlier than next wk.

KiwiBacon, interesting info you provide..I say the same which spring fit which vehicle.

FYI...I have worked Professionally with suspension at www.Ohlins.com, but cannot afford thier products on my yeti, and the stuff is more for racing, they do have electronic dampers but then we easily talk + £20k

IIRC Bilsein do an electronic / magnetic damper kit, which is similar to the OEM system used by Audi; cost though is around £2 - £2,500.

IIRC Bilsein do an electronic / magnetic damper kit, which is similar to the OEM system used by Audi; cost though is around £2 - £2,500.

Checked Bilstein and they do have dampers called Damp Tronic (B6/B8/B12/B16 -series) however have not found any real info except

http://www.bilstein....econtrol_en.pdf

and a BMW owner 2009

http://www.e90post.c...ad.php?t=270940

I would say that not for peace of mind go over a £2k budget, ,my goal was more £500.-

ALL of this seem to go towards a PERFOMANCE car fix not a COMFORTABLE " Old man in a hat" fix

Edited 12 April, 201313 yr by NilsW

Guy and Kiwibacon, I'm overwhelmed with the helpfulness you show me. THANK YOU.

for sure I can wait until after the wk-end, probably have no time to do this earlier than next wk.

KiwiBacon, interesting info you provide..I say the same which spring fit which vehicle.

FYI...I have worked Professionally with suspension at www.Ohlins.com, but cannot afford thier products on my yeti, and the stuff is more for racing, they do have electronic dampers but then we easily talk + £20k

I also like a nice compliant ride. I find the ride and handling of my Octavia Scout to be an almost perfect mix. Halfway between RangeRover and Track-car. Given the similarities in suspension hardware between Scout and Yeti it would be interesting to compare the stock springs and dampers for each.

I would also look at Koni for a mix of excellent ride and handling. Ohlins of course speak for themselves. No chance of bolting your Yeti dampers onto a dyno at Ohlins and asking for some free tuning?