Suspension kits - what do people recommend - and NOT FK

[Pabs]

Shocks/Springs I will go for will be the FSD's and Eibach combo.

Still contemplating coilovers, but more and more people are recommending the above.

 

[m0rk]

can't beat coilovers for getting the right adjustment, or changing spring rates, or damping

most people buy them to lower the car until it's on bump stops.

 

[Pabs]

I dont want to slam my car, mine is poss a bit too low as it is now. I never adjust it - once its on it stays like it. I didnt know u could change spring rates etc, and damping adjustment is only on higher end coilovers but people say it doesnt seem to make much difference.

 

[m0rk]

Yup, they're a standard spring diameter, which makes it ideal.

The damping adjustment does make a difference, but most people's driving might not show it (so it would be a waste)

 

[Pabs]

i'm assuming (n00b q here) that shocks/springs combo uses the standard sized springs too, so these can be interchanged relatively easily?

Ie if i keep my std springs, (ditch the shocks) and then put on the FSD's and Eibachs, I could essentially raise back to std height by putting std springs back on (perhaps if i sell the car?)

 

[m0rk]

Yes - I think FSD's are designed for OE springs

 

[Pabs]

ok cool... didnt get chance to speak to awesome and the matching of using lowered springs on the FSD's, but i'll get onto that next week.

 

[mr_s81]

Pabs I can totally sympathise with the problems you're experiencing with the FK's.

Just under a year ago I fitted FK Silverlines on my ibiza through a group-buy that was run here. At that time it *seemed* that the general opinion on FK was that of a budget company with good quality products. To be honest I've always found the ride to be very harsh in relation to the standard set-up and thought about changing back to the standard set-up again anyway.

Just last night on a drive out with my girlfriend there has started a 'clonking' noise from the front driver's side strut which happens over any degree of uneven surfaces and becomes more prominent as the car slows. I can replicate this sound when I 'lift' the car upwards from below the arch, but not when I attempt to press down on the wing.

I wasn't aware of any problems with the FK set-up until I came across this thread tonight and it looks like I'm not the only one who's had problems with them

Has anyone any idea what could be wrong with my coilovers? There doesn't seem to be any 'play' when I try to shake the strut although I can't fathom what this clonking noise is about.

Needless to say I'm getting the standard set-up back on asap. Even if the car will look like a monster truck again.

Ian.

 

[Pabs]

don't go panicking just cos of my thread here, it could be nothing major with yours.

How long you had the kit on? I suspect it has settled in a bit and dropped slightly, and then your anti-roll-bar is knocking on the driveshaft. I had this, and put a NEW arb on (with larger hoops at either end) and problem solved

best way to check this is to get it up on ramps and see if there has been contact between driveshaft and arb. They'll have a shine to them if this is the case where they've been rubbing.

 

[mr_s81]

Got my local garage to take a look at the car today and it appears that the bolt through the arb needed tightening. Seems to have stopped the rattling (for now at least!)

Hope you get yours sorted soon

Ian

 

[Pabs]

glad ur all sorted

 

[Copra]

paul, how is it going.?

ive had my new fronts fitted this evening and its soooo soooo sooo much better. i think mine were fooked from day one to be honest, the car hasnt felt this good before. ok, ive had new topmounts and poly bushes aswell, but still, im much happier. i just hope these ones hold up!!.....

 

[Pabs]

hi mate....

New Koni FSD's and Eibach Pro-kit springs going on at the end of the month - FK kit coming off, being checked/repaired, and then flogged on probably.

I got new top mounts when i got the FK's installed - large rubber things lol....

Hopefully getting all ARB and wishbone bushes checked too.

 

[Copra]

well so far so good. done about 1k miles since they were fitted (a week ago now) and so far they are still fine.

i wonder if they will last, if they dont i will not be happy!!

How are you getting yours back to germany? paying for the shipping yourself?!

 

[Pabs]

erm - shipping - not sure yet. Might not even be FK repairing it - can't be arsed with all the hassle. Depends on if there's someone local ish who can do it - if i get the part(s) from FK direct.

 

[Copra]

have you actually jacked the car up (even if its just with the sissor jack) and tested if there is play in the suspension assembly?

im not sure if anyone would be willing to take on the task, i would guess they are fairly specialised units.
FK would prob be the best bet. would it not be best to find out if they would be willing to repair it before assuming they will, and finding out costs etc?

just some ideas there...

mark

 

[chris_m]

New Koni FSD's and Eibach Pro-kit springs going on at the end of the month

Ooooo ill be keeping an eye on this thread then! Im looking at Eibachs with either Koni Yellows or FSD's.... have heard of some wierd height issues on the rear of lowered cars using FSD's, so a guinea pig would be good!

 

[Saul]

springs set the height, not the dampers, what have you heard?

 

[Tallpaul]

Ooooo ill be keeping an eye on this thread then! Im looking at Eibachs with either Koni Yellows or FSD's.... have heard of some wierd height issues on the rear of lowered cars using FSD's, so a guinea pig would be good!

Loads of Golf owners have used the fsd/eibach combo and i haven't read anything but good reports.

The eibach springs only drop the height by 20 - 30mm; i've read that Big Boys Toys tried to lower a car 40mm on fsd's and it just didn't work. The fsd's are designed to work with OE springs and it appears that 30mm is the most that they can be lowered.

 

[Pabs]

well my springs and shocks are at the garage now Finally, after a slight mess up with the original ones, they arrived damaged. However, Sarah at Awesome, was AWESOME, and managed to chase up Koni and get a replacement set asap. Chuffed to bits, so thanks Sarah & Awesome!!!

So I'll have the Eibach springs and FSD's on just before Trax, which will be nice

I'll get pics and info up when i can!