[JMcQueen]

Ok, I've just picked up my car from having the suspension lowered (I used Eibach -50mm springs and Eibach Pro Dampers). Just thought Id post initial thoughts and I have a few questions.

Looks wise, the drop is spot on BUT (and its a BIG but) there seems to be some issues with the actual driving of the car now. For a start, I've noticed that that the power steering will now lighten at speeds of around 20mph (as if parking) which can be very off putting when driving and also the traction/stability seems to be a lot more eager to cut in now where as before (same speed,same corner) it wouldnt have....

Just going to have something to eat and then go for another drive to get a feel for it and make more of an assessment. If anyones got any suggestions as to the above issues then it would be most welcome.

 

[gerard]

have u had your wheel alignment done since getting the car lowered??? if not get it done matey

 

[JMcQueen]

I asked about having the geometry set back up again and the mechanic said that it didnt need doing as it self indicates or something or other. Might take it in tomorrow though just to have it checked.

 

[SuperMario.Dave]

self indicatse ny bum,what a laugh!

you need a proper laser rig,few cars are set properly from the factory anyway,well worth a visit

also depends how easy or nor the Mk 5 is to adjust,no amount of braying with a 10lb hammer could get my old Skoda vRS on line fully

 

[JMcQueen]

Definitely think I'll be paying a visit tomorrow to get the alignment checked. I just went out for another quick drive through some roads I know and the car was undrivable (nearly anyway) it was crabbing all over the road, made me feel sea sick. Anything above 50 felt dangerous. Also, i just tried a corner that I knew I could take at 50 before and at 40 I actually had the front right wheel coming into touch with the arch!!

I expected it to be a harder ride and a bit twitchy (taking the 18's into account too) but this is too much. I think I'd better call the garage first thing as well and tell them not to dispose of my old shocks and springs because if I cant get this sorted then Im going back to the factory setup!!

 

[Milkfloat]

Whatever happens get you old springs and shocks back, they cost money and are nearly new. Put them in the classifieds.

 

[Foxy]

I have been pretty happy with my -30mm setup to be honest, but i'm noticing the car's a little bit twitchy now - like tramlining only alot less severe.

There's a Lasalign centre about 5 miles from here - I might just pop in there for a checkup!

 

[SuperMario.Dave]

maybe 18s and 50mm is just too much?

 

[JMcQueen]

Some people have 19's and a 50mm drop so I doubt its the combination thats the issue. Im just hoping its a alignment issue. Sometimes it feels fine and then it'll feel awful.

It doesnt pull like it would if the tracking was out, but something is definately not right. What would be the symptoms it was a alignment issue?

 

[SuperMario.Dave]

19s!? the mind boggles,do they really expect the car NOT to tramline with the inevitable huge tyres?

 

[JMcQueen]

Mine doesnt tramline though, it just steers sometimes like its a mind of its own!!

 

[MikeP]

Get it laser aligned... witha drop that low you might need tie bars for the camber if it's gone out too far [:O]

Also, what did they set your dampers to? Are the Pro ones adjustable?

 

[JMcQueen]

No, they're fixed to one setting. Its really hard to describe the drive. It oversteers then it understeers. You can be driving along nice and straight and all of a sudden it'll twitch to one side or the other with no input from the steering wheel.

 

[kenl]

Oh dear, sorry to hear of your probs.

Go get the laser alignment as suggested and if that doesn't fix it swap back. IMO you shouldn't waste a good car in the name of fashion!

 

[JMcQueen]

All I can say is Phew!

I took it to be laser aligned first thing this morning and everything was WAY out. The rear toe for example was -8o. They sorted the toe out but the camber is still a little outside of the tolerance levels but since the camber cant be altered on the car there little that can be done about it.

The best thing is though is that its actually drivable now! The traction light doesnt come on and I can drive in straight line without worrying. It understeers a little too much for my liking but thats more to do with the nature of the kit I guess.

Now, getting it chipped this afternoon so I pray I dont have any drama with that (touch wood!)

 

[kenl]

Excellent. Best keep an eye on your tyre wear for a while. How much did the laser alignment & adjustment cost may I ask?

On the understeer I thought that these lowered suspension conversions were meant to improve the handling? Is the understeer worse than before?

 

[JMcQueen]

Cost me ?20

To be honest, from what I've read, its only going to improve your handling if you lower it by about 20mm or less. Any more than that and your lowering you roll center below the ground which can actually make things worse. But this is opening a WHOLE can of worms.

I wouldnt recommend a 50mm drop and would suggest that teh 30mm one is perhaps best if you want handling improvements. I just fancied trying the 50mm to see what its like. If I dont like it, I'll swap it for a 30mm drop in a few months.

 

[chrisf70]

Glad you got it sorted.

If you're having it chipped this afternoon isn't that going to compound the problems your'e having now like understeer. If you're going for power/speed shouldn't handling be a priority too so you can get that power down out of bends?

 

[JMcQueen]

Your propably right, but like I said, if it doesnt feel right I'll swap the springs back to either stock or a 30mm drop.

 

[kenl]

?20 is great for a laser alignment. I know BMW dealers charge ~?150 to do this on their KDS machine!

Honda dealer charge ?80, wonder what VW charge.