GS-T Suspension Issues

[mikelv]

I have been having quite an issue with the way my daily driver rides and handles. Currently, it feels like there is absolutely no dampening affects whatsoever. When the car rides, it feels like I’m driving without any shocks.

Currently, I have been running the Tein SS Coilover kit, which has less than 3000 miles on it. I figured I would ask for some suggestions since I am nowhere near a suspension guru. I have attempted to search the Tein threads, and have found a little information regarding damper failure. How can you tell your dampers are failed? Is there a visual inspection, or is it just a road feel? I wouldn’t understand why the dampers would fail because I have not driven the car hard, and I did not jack the shocks all the way “slammed”.

I spoke to Tein on the phone, and really didn’t get too far because I didn’t know what questions to ask, or where to being. All he could say is send them in, and give him money.

I have been under the car, and the bushing look okay visually, and I did the old “shake the tire” ball joint inspection. There is no slop or play in my tires, so I’m quite confused.

At this point, I have increased the ride height to maximum setting, and the damper is all the way on the softest setting.

When I first did the install, everything rode just like a Cadillac. The car sat over a winter, and now rides terrible. Even on the highway, it hops like the damn tires are taking none of the effect. Where do I start?

The only conclusion I can come to is damper failure from sitting in cold weather for 4-5 months. That, or there is something I am missing during visual inspection of the suspension bushings, and ball joints.

Another issue: Not too sure how much the upper A-arms come into play with ride comfort, or performance?

Any questions on information, please ask. To this point, I have the following:

New Outer Tie Rod Ends
Tein SS Coilovers
Ball Joint Recall
All stock bushings/ball joints/ arms

What do I need to do or look for? At this point I'm ready to buy new everything!
Help!!!

 

[turboglenn]

Turn the damper up! with the dampening all the way down there's no resistance on the shocks when moving up and down. MOre dampening will slow the shock down. YOu want to balance the dampening along with the spring rate for starters, then adjust for handling and desired ride from there.

Good luck, you've got great suspension, you just need to fiddle with it until it's set how you like it!

 

[mikelv]

I didn't break anything did I?

I had things set pretty stiff before, with no luck?

Sounds like a tuning issue huh? Damn, damn, damn I suck at this!

Man, I need to read up on suspension tech.

Thank you!

 

[romeen]

Don't feel bad. Suspension tuning is the most difficult and complicated part of modding a car. Tein makes a quality product and I doubt they would "break" from what you have described (but it does happen).

Try playing around with the damper settings like Glenn suggested. FWIW, I am running H&R OE Sports with Tokico Illumina 5 way adjustable struts. You would think that the softest setting would give the most comfortable ride. But both the handling and the ride comfort is better on the firmest setting. I know that seems counter-intuitive and I can't explain why that is. Maybe it matches the spring rates better. My point being that the softest setting may not necessarily give you the best ride.

Also check your tire inflation pressure (make sure they are not overinflated). On my car increasing the pressure by 2 or 3 psi makes the ride noticeably harsher.

Tire pressure can have a significant impact on handling and ride quality. Don't go by what others recommend. Try to find what works best for you by trial and error.