My front suspension is very rigid and stiff and I would like to soften it up some. The rear suspension feels fine. The stiffness is all in the front end. I can feel every little bump in the road.

Let me tell you a little bit about the car. It has 50.000 miles on it and has only been driven in good weather and very few time in the rain. Essentially no corrosion of the suspension parts. Rubber bushings look very good with the exception of the lower shock mount bushing which is going bad due to some oil getting on the rubber. Don't know where the oil came from unless it came from the shock. I am planning on replacing the shocks very soom and would like to do something to soften the front suspension at that time. The steering wheel even shakes in my hands with every little bump.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks guys

 

Has it always been thus?

Are you the 1st owner?

Could a previous owner have fooled with the shocks?

Do you have computer controlled shocks (electrical connectors) on top of each shock, sport mode on the transmission selector?

 

Regardless of the low miles and only being driven in good weather, the rubber parts in the front suspension deteriorate with age:

1. Upper Wishbone Bushes
2. Lower Wishbone Bushes
3. Vertical Link Bushes

The Shock Absorber(s) themselves or the upper mounting and/or lower bush could be worn.

If the ride quality has seriously deteriorated, the Front Cross Beam Vee Mounts or Bushes could have failed.

Graham

 

These are not computer controlled shocks. Neither I nor the previous owner have done anything to the front suspension. The front suspension was completely inspected by myself and a very good indy. The only thing we could find was the lower bushing in the shocks are STARTING to deterioate due to oil getting on them which appears to come from the shock. The car has always been this way since I have owned it (9000 miles). Doesn't seem to get any worse. I just really don't think it needs to be this stiff. I will replace the shocks soon with bilstein. Can I get less stiff shocks? That seems to be the problem. It is just designed too darn stiff to suite me.

 

You won't find a softer shock than the ones on it. All you can do is get smaller wheels with more rubber between the wheel and the road and run at the low end of the pressure spectrum. You should try the XKR with the sport suspension and the 20" wheels, then you would be happier that yours wasn't that stiff!

 

Next time you're in town, you can test drive mine and compare notes. Mine is also 100% stock bushings and shocks, but they are replacements. Send me PM if you do come this way.

Maybe the upper mounts are so thin, its transmitting every vibration to the body?

 

Thanks Matt. That is a good idea and I just might take you up on that.

Bob