17 replies to this topic

[zeezeebaba]

I'm not happy with the way my suspension on 24k miles bangs and would like to get it checked properly. Can anyone point me in the direction of a specialist in my area please? Basingstoke Hants/Berks/Surrey areas. Thanks

[hairy]

Back on track, Guildford are who you want

[zeezeebaba]

Ace thanks, I will give them a try.

[The Batman]

Yup Back on Track

[zeezeebaba]

Cheers. This is my first VX and I swear it shouldn't crash over bumps in the road. Obviously I don't know what it's supposed to do and probably sounds worse due to no sound deadening but the near side sounds worse than the offside. Maybe because I'm sitting on the off side. The car has just had an MOT so surely thongs like toe links being shot would have been noticed. It's not over undulating road surfaces but sudden jolts like expansion joints or shallow depressions in the road. It can sound like the dampers are shot and it's hammering the top mounts. Maybe it's normal but I doubt it hence the need for expert advice!

[zeezeebaba]

Things not thongs typo

[fiveoclock]

Possibly ball joints

[siztenboots]

Or just very cold damper oil Doors can be adjusted on the latch pin to hold better.

[zeezeebaba]

I have a day off in the 11th so I'm going to try and get it looked at then. A comparison with another car would probably be helpful too. Thanks for the replies it's appreciated. It's had a new steering rack fitted once within its 11 years and I have no play or knocking from that.

[jonnyboy]

Standard shocks are quite noisy if you arent used to it. BOT will advise but driving over grates/drain covers and the lick they go with a right old bang. Its been covered on these pages before with some people saying they dont etc but it was certainly the case in 2003 when I first got a ride in a VX220 and has been the case with 100 odd VX220s we have bought and sold/driven including 9 of my own cars. Aftermarket dampers tend not to transmit noise in the same way as the original Bilsteins but rarely ride as well so its a bit of a compromise. Of course it is likely that the shocks are past their best we see this on the majority of cars with original shocks now regardless of mileage. 

 

I would highly recommend Gaz Monos as a good OEM replacement. A very good damper with good noise characteristics and no jarring ride. They are significantly cheaper than Nitrons/Quantums. I wouldnt recommend the Golds unless you are really on a budget in which case refurb of the OEM dampers would be best. 

[zeezeebaba]

Nice one Jon I really appreciate the response. I've come from a heavy 350z and had to spend a small fortune sorting that out r.e. suspension components, well around 2.5k in total until it was sweet. I think this has come as a shock based on the lack of sound insulation and such. I'm not adverse to spending the cash on the VX so once BOT have checked it over I will proceed from there. Thanks mate.

[zeezeebaba]

I've just had the MOT and belt changed as a precaution. My priority was getting the mechanicals sorted. It's only done 24k but has just passed 11 years old and it's the age related issue that leads to components going I imagine. The next issue is checking the exhaust mounts/brackets as the current Larini fitted is touching the chassis/bodywork somewhere and vibrating in the cabin.Other than that she's in for a new bonnet release cable next week again a notorious issue if not kept lubricated. Interior wise I have a crack on the inner black sill cover drivers side and two tiny holes in the drivers bolster which just needs patching. These issues aside she is very tidy having had the protective film placed at the usual trouble spots externally. As a car it's a phenomenal drive. I was in the market for an S2 but always had the VX in my sights, pound for pound the VX won.

[james_ly]

Or just very cold damper oil Doors can be adjusted on the latch pin to hold better.

 

+1

 

Could also be windows rattling in the frame, mine 'rides' so much better with earphones in.  

[zeezeebaba]

Booked in at BOT next Monday, cheers lads.

[zeezeebaba]

Well after two hours work the lads at BOT have transformed the tubby. Top work from a top outfit. Thanks for the recommendation.

[pete-r]

[james4563]

What exactly did you have done?

[zeezeebaba]

What exactly did you have done?

Full geo, the previous owner had slammed it to the floor and I'm sure on a track it would have been OK but on the road it was awful. Next job is a smaller wheel combo and Nitrons. It has the Gaz units on at the moment and I'm not a huge fan of them but they will do for now.

Edited by zeezeebaba, 12 December 2017 - 07:35 AM.