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Rear suspension prob
dogwood - 2/6/09 at 05:42 PM

Got a bit of a problem with the rear suspension on my Haynes Roadster.

I am using the recommended 250lb springs, but it seems to keep bottoming out.
Especialy when 2 up. (Both lardy's)

I've tried winding the springs up, but that seems to make it worse. (Less travel)

If I just replace them with, say 350lb springs, would that cure it,
or am I setting myself up for more trouble.



David

[Edited on 2/6/09 by dogwood]

mr henderson - 2/6/09 at 05:44 PM

Is the unfitted length suitable? Is the ride height when unladen correct, and are the adjusters wound up quite a long way to make it so?

dogwood - 2/6/09 at 06:07 PM

quote:
Originally posted by mr henderson
Is the unfitted length suitable? Is the ride height when unladen correct, and are the adjusters wound up quite a long way to make it so?




Hmmm.
Not sure if they are the correct length.
I assumed they were, I got them direct from Dampertech. on their recomendation.

The ride height is what I would expect it to be, Ie 4" to 5".

They have not been wound up hard.
Poss only half the adjustment.

Not sure what is actualy bottoming out.
if it is the springs fully compressing or the shox at the end of their travel.

I've tried bouncing up and down on the back whilst my wife looks underneath.
But can get the banging we get on the road.

David

mark chandler - 2/6/09 at 06:17 PM

Fit some rubber bump stops, I split my shocks and pushed some of these rubber cotton reels over the ram.

lin ky thing

No need to muck about with brackets and does not ruin the ride as they do nothing unless the suspension is loaded up.

Just add so they contact before the car bottoms out.

Regards Mark

handyandy - 2/6/09 at 07:21 PM

David i,d go for the bump stops as suggested , try them before changing springs etc as it may solve the problem, i,m using them on my Roadster build , if the prob is still there then ok its only cost a few pounds to find out, but i think they will solve the bumping/ bottoming out, also with them fitted it may allow you to then adjust the dampers to suit .
all the best
andy

dogwood - 2/6/09 at 07:50 PM

Hi

I understand fitting the bumpstops would help the bottoming out.
What is concerning me is, if it is bottoming out the springs must be too soft.

I am going to load the car up with camping gear and put a trailer on the back.
With that lot I am afraid it will be sitting on the stops.

I am happy to go for the heavier springs.
But are there any problems in doing this that anyone can foresee.

I have contacted Dave at Dampertech.
I am just waiting for his reply.

But the more advice/comments the better as far as I'm concerned.

David

brianthemagical - 2/6/09 at 09:37 PM

Does the car feel too soft at all? No point masking a problem and causing another.

it could tbe the dampers too soft aswell.

best bet would be to whip the springs of and ;lift the rear wheels, see what happens/if anything hits. It could be something in the way limiting travel.

gottabedone - 3/6/09 at 07:09 AM

If you are bottoming out, fitting bump stops won't help as they will limit the travel further. They will make the the bottoming less harsh though.

Are your dampers too short and these are bottoming out or are your dampers fine and the springs either too short or too soft. That way the spring either bottoms out or you foul axle on chassis etc.
I'd check your suspension travel first and then either take off the springs and check your range on your dampers or get some lardy mates to sit in the car and get under there to see what is going on.

Good luck

Steve