I recently had the suspension checked on my X-Type because I thought the car rode really hard. I'm new to the X-Type having just bought the car off my parents. The dealer checked the struts and said everything was fine (except for front tires which they replaced). He added that these cars tend to have a fairly stiff ride. Is that so. When i hit some bumps on the highway, I hear a bang in the front and I can really feel the bump.

Does anyone know of any aftermarket modification to make the car ride softer?
Thanks.

2002 X-Type 3.0L

 

Kilroy, I will admit that the suspension of the X-Types are a little firmer than a standard car. But, not objectionable to me. Secondly, do you have a standard X-type or the Sport model? The sport models do have stiffer springs than a standard X-type. So, that can add to what you are seeing. Since you took it somewhere to have them check the shocks and suspension and they say everything is ok, I will assume the shop knows what they are talking about. I would check the tire pressures. Running the tires up at max pressure will cause the car to ride rougher. The same can be said about the tires being too low in pressure. I tend to keep my tires in the front at about 40 psi and the rears at 35 psi (unless I have a lot of weight in the rear, then I bump them up to 40 psi). After that, I am out of suggestions. NOrmally a rough ride is caused by a frozen shock or a completely collapsed/extremely weakspring.

Chris "Thermo" Coleman and K-Re Ann, the 03 X

 

I think the ride is pretty smooth in my 05 sport. Although I traded in my 05 Mustang GT. I actually think my x-type handles tighter than the stock mustang. Best of both worlds with the X, smooth ride but tight-a$$ handling when you lay into it.

 

I second the tire pressure opinion. Just a few pounds can make a difference. Also the 17" wheels do ride a good bit stiffer than the 16" ones - if you have the 17's. I wouldn't classify a normal response as a "bang" however, so perhaps you might want to have your control arm bushings looked at.

 

go to the dealer and test drive another x-type... then you will know if it is your car or if it is the way the x-type rides.

 

Thanks for the replies. I don't have the sport model and I think the rims are 16in. The tire pressures are good as the tires were just put on. Something doesn't sound right when that big "bang" noise happens though. I'll ask the ******* about the control arm bushings though.

Kilroy

 

Double check the tire pressures. Just because they were just put on doesn't mean they were inflated correctly. I've had them installed before and checked the pressures and they were not right (even at the dealer). For "comfort" settings, you should be around 30psi. Although I'd recommend more like 34 for the front and 32 for the rear for comfort for 16 inch tires. I run my winter 16's around there, and my summer 17's at 35 front, 38 rear. The car is sensitive to these settings.

However, with a 16 inch setup, you should not be feeling a "bang" over bumps, it should be pretty compliant. Might consider an independent shop instead of the dealer, as this is not necessarily a dealer only type of issue and the labor rate would likely be much less.

 

Kilroy, I see that you are up in NY state. Would you happen to be near Albany? I only ask that as I will be most likely travelling up to Albany here next month and I could stop by, say hi and also check out your car. Just a thought. I am always meeting people from various forums to put a face with the name. I was up in Buffalo a month ago seeing a friend from my Ford Truck group.

Chris "Thermo" Coleman and K'Re Ann, the 03 X

 

No Thermo, I'm not that far upstate, but thanks for the offer. I'll try a couple of these suggested tire pressure settings and see what happens. Thanks folks for all the help.

 

i have the same thing with my 02 x type. 16inch. tire pressure did make a difference.

 

what did you set your tire pressure at?

 

Remember that even though you may refer to us as a ***********, your chances are better from someone that works on your car all day long and drives em all. also probobly knows the most common failures and what noises are created by which components, since we HAVE to find these problems when under warranty and dont accept no for an answer. Have you riden with the tech to say "that noise" and show how it can be duplicated? Cause if you havent how would you expect to identify the and correct noise yourself? Youre tuned into it and know when in does it and under what conditions. We dont have crystal ***** and do not get but a small amount of the money you pay a dealer. But the degree that you work with someone to rectify a solution regardless of the industry, is usually the effort you get in return. Ask that they ride around with chassis ears to identify the area the noise is coming from and for Gods sake pay the man(or woman) for their time, we dont get paid to stand around unlike an hourly/salary employee........

 

I agree with the stiff ride. I have an 06 x-type on 17's and I often hear the "bang" sound on pot holes... it's loud and hard enough that the quarters in my ashtray popout when the lid is up

 

hello. i set it to 34psi back and front. (or u could go 34 front and 32 back) i had all four tires pump up to max air. the car felt like it was riding on bricks! max pressure in my tiresis 40psi. i believe. ...when the garage did the inspection i mention that the car was giving a hard ride. he look under the front end on lift didn't find anything wrong he could see. and suggested that to me. but i do feel these models give a firmer harder ride.when i test drove a few. before i bought mine.i have the contitires on it.