Should I refresh suspension? If so, what?

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Bennet
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Should I refresh suspension? If so, what?

Post by Bennet »

Hi there,

I'm looking for some advice on what components I should consider replacing in order to get my mk1 to drive as would have when new.

It's a mk1A, near mint, with 40,000 miles.

It doesn't quite feel "right" to me at the moment. It doesn't feel very stable at motorway speeds, and not very planted in general. Perhaps this is just the nature of mk1 MR2s though... I have never driven another one for comparison.

I've been recommended a four wheel alignment. Before I get this done, should I consider replacing any bushes, or anything else? Knowing the history of the car, it's very likely it still has all the original parts. I asked at a trusted local garage about the benefits of replacing the springs or shock absorbers but they said there's nothing wrong with the old ones.

I do not want to lower the car or decrease the quality of the ride. The low mileage makes me hesitate to rush in to replacing components that may yet have a lot of life left in them.

Any input would be welcome.

Thanks.


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Re: Should I refresh suspension? If so, what?

Post by Protok »

4 wheel alignment first, they can usually find out what's not working right and what is worn out.
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Re: Should I refresh suspension? If so, what?

Post by jimi »

If all the bushes, springs and dampers are in good condition then leave them alone. A Mk1 is generally very "planted" can be a bit twitchy in very strong crosswinds and a bit "floaty" at the front once you are into treble figure speeds. Definitely get a proper 4 wheel laser alignment done. What tyres / pressures are you running ?
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Bennet
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Re: Should I refresh suspension? If so, what?

Post by Bennet »

jimi wrote:What tyres / pressures are you running ?
I can't actually remember what the tyres are, other than in the vaguest terms. The car has been in storage for a couple of years and I've only just got it back out. They're mid range good years. "Touring" something, I think.

They are the ones that came on the mk3 alloys that I'm running. Plenty of tread. Around 30 PSI.
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Re: Should I refresh suspension? If so, what?

Post by jimi »

Bennet wrote: They are the ones that came on the mk3 alloys that I'm running. Plenty of tread. Around 30 PSI.
Which MK3 wheels i.e. 15" all round or 15" front 16" rear ? either way do they still have the MK3 sized tyres fitted ? if so that's your problem, the handling will be absolutely horrible if you still have the MK3 sizes 185 x 55 x 15 Front. 205 x 50 x 15 Rear.
The best size to run with MK3 wheels on a MK1 is 195 x 50 x15 all round, that's what I have had for the last 10 years and the car is well "planted" :D

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Bennet
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Re: Should I refresh suspension? If so, what?

Post by Bennet »

They are different sizes front to rear, as I recall. I'll switch back and see if it makes a difference. Many thanks for your input. :)

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