Skip navigation

rear shock absorbers replaced, car now too low

Post

Back to the top

Mk 1 Rivage - body of car hitting tyres with passengers in the rear - never been a problem before

I just had both front and back shock absorbers and springs replaced, Bilsten shocks and spings - all standard.  Drove the car on Sunday with adult passengers in the rear and some shopping in the boot - car now hitting the tyre at the rear drivers side on every dip and bump in the road.

the springs seem very springy - not sure how else to say it.  I have checked with Bilsten and they say the parts are correct.  Any ideas what to do next apart from re-fit with new parts?

I have had the car for 23 years, always carried passengers,/loads - beginning to wish I had left it alone!

Post

Back to the top
Check the length of the original springs, the number of coils, the diameter of the spring wire and compare with the new ones. It's the only way to check.
Sounds as though the new springs are incorrect in some way, so compare with the original ones you took off.
Either that or the shocks are for a lowered car and the bump stops aren't doing their job properly

Last edit: by golfy1

Post

Back to the top
Thank you.  The shocks are the right ones.  I have checked the old springs - they are both different!

I just wondered what make/model others use for their Cabriolet springs if they don't want to lower them

Post

Back to the top
Bilstein should be among the best available. Have you checked the catalogue numbers of the parts you were supplied against Bilstein's online catalogue - at the following link?

Passenger car

Last edit: by typ_53b


1992 VW Scirocco GT II 1.8 90 PS 30k

Post

Back to the top
 I have checked the old springs - they are both different!

You must somehow have got the wrong springs?

In what way are they different, different length different number of coils, different wire diameter?
This is obviously the source of your problem. The make of spring is irrelevant, what is important is you have the wrong ones fitted.

Last edit: by golfy1

0 guests and 0 members have just viewed this: None.