Hey,

so, recently the handling on my vRS doesn't feel right,

can't pinpoint it.

What tests do you recommend to be done to figure out what it is?

It just doesn't feel as planted as it used to.

thanks,

Stephen

Mileage?

What does it feel like?

Any recent mechanical changes? eg new tyres, new shocks etc

Any noises?

Tyre pressures would be the first thing and if they're old the handling will deterioate.

Start by checking tyre pressures all round, on cold tyres, using a proper calibrated gauge, not a garage airline.

If that's not it, check for worn-out bushes or leaking dampers.

milage: 59999 (as of 10 mins ago)

Tire pressures - I check these religiously, have my own gauge wouldn't trust a garage

nothing changed on it since I got it - about 8000 miles ago

Tires, still a ways left on them too, wearing evenly.

it just doesn't feel as planted, get's very upset over slow bumps,

hasn't done anything crazy like letting go around bends,

Checking bushes - what's the best way to do this?

Leaking dampers - no visible oil from looking in the wheel-well, any better way to see?

thanks

agree with above - you could also get a 4 wheel alighnment check to sure things up but if your looking at it your self check the lower suspention arm bushes for cracks or peeling - also check the anti roll bar for the paint cracking around the mounting bushes as this causes movement

I've just had lower wishbone bushes and a 4-wheel alignment done, and my handling has been transformed.

i'm replacing the dampers on mine very very soon,feels like its only the springs actually doing any work at the moment,its very wallowy over speed humps,saggy round bends.at 58000 miles they are knackered.

koni fsd's at the end of the month

In answer to Stephen's questions, in order:-

The number of ppl I've known who assume that garage airline on hot tyres gives the same pressures as BS gauge on cold!!!

Low speed damping - Now thinking the problem is that the damper bores have worn around the "normal ride height" position, and are allowing oil past. The only check for this is a bump test.

Bushes - Jack the car up and insert axle stands. Examine bushes for cracking or tearing. If there is some, try pulling the arm about by hand.

Oil leak - no longer think that there would be an obvious sign like this.

Ken,

thanks for the clear answers, I need it spelt out for me.

It did an NCT (Irish MOT) in Feb, and passed the bump test fine (must check the result sheet)

need to get me some axle stands, pain is my driveway is on a slope, will have to do it in work probably

If the bushes are cracked, it should be visibly pretty obvious, right?

I need to check my suspension bushes too as there's an annoying squeek (possibly from the front ARB) and the steering has never felt as sharp as I'd like -I suspect the wishbone bushes are worn. There a few speed humps and some very poor road surfaces on the route to work (not quite down to rural Ireland standards though!) which doesn't help.