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Loose/bouncy backend at speed through corners?


MDMetal

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Hard to describe this. I recently switched from Falkens to MPSS tyres so expecting an improvement. Now whether I'm pushing the car harder as the tyres are a bit better I'm not sure but the backend feels a bit unstable at times. For example on a stretch of A road if I'm pushing or following another fast car round some medium corners at speed when the back rolls over to the outside of the corner it feels like it bounces back a bit which adds some wiggle. tight corners feel fine as I guess there's the force keeps everything pushed over I didn't use to feel this. I'm guessing it's not the tyres mind! The garage has done a 4 wheel alignment which has definitely sharpened the steering and responsiveness but the back end feels the same not as confident as last year basically. SO what could it be? They've had a quick look at the rear suspension but can't find anything.

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I would check the shocks first then the droplinks - ARB's very rarely wear out - I have seen them bent though :scare:

 

 

Bushes is another good call to check - all this after tyre pressure (as you have had an alignment done)

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pressures should be 36 all round, not sure of the geo etc to be honest, it's not lowered so should all be nicely stock. I did swap the arb drop links when I bought the car so I'd hope they were fine but I'll have a look! How best to check the shocks?

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Worth saying on a hot day the pressures were at 40 and I lowered them to 36 which did feel a bit better. The tyres were changed in winter so static cold air 36 vs hot day spirited driving 40 then lowered back to 36 in the same conditions MPSS all round yes. Tyres are new from January so have a decent mileage on them ~1000 if not more probably

Edited by MDMetal
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Some good advice above and if the lower tyre pressures have not addressed the handling and given the 'issue' has only arisen after the tyre change/alignment work I would be suspicious of what alignment settings the garage has used at the rear as ZEDs are so planted in the dry and you really should be finding you can push the car through the fast bends with a lot more confidence now.

 

Have you got any alignment printouts you can post up?

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Run my MPSS at 32 cold in the summer 34 cold in winter if that helps - I have wider than stock rims and tyres though.

 

To check shocks bounce the car firmly down in one corner (don't bend the body panels) release and stand back - car should rise and settle with no extra bouncing or rocking - if it looks like a water bed then all 4 are shot (or it's got early French suspension - older Citrons do that when they are OK :lol: )

 

If you cant bounce the car then either the shocks have lost all rebound and are shot or the springs are to hard :)

 

Did one the other day and when we took the shock off it just goes all the way down, you should not be able to push it down by hand this one had to be held up :lol:

 

That was no oil due to a split seal.

 

Hope it helps :)

Edited by Keyser
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So pressures lowered, feels better but still not right. I need to have a proper play with the shocks, it feels as if pushing down the car returns up straight away although the rear feels springier than the front. Haven't checked enough to be sure though!

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Are you running OEM suspension?

 

Rear is nearly always slightly lighter spring rate than the front - front takes the weight when braking so need to be harder to compensate for this and engine weight, stops nose dive and hopefully under steer when braking hard into corners.

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I'll try and check the bushes as well, which are the common offenders? Rear anti roll bar? I had the front ARB bushes changed last year so on that logic the rears could be on their way out too, how easy would they be to DIY?

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I would suggest that before you start throwing money at the car throw a bit to an Independent specialist for an informed opinion. ;)

 

If you post up your location (town/county) then we can point you in the direction of someone suitable.

 

Oh and if you weren't given any printouts of the 4 wheel alignment I guess they don't have the equipment and while a piece of string (or however they do it) can be used lasers will always give a more accurate reading.

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