Suspension overhaul

[Monkeymagic]

Hi guys Im after some experienced advice. Noticed the my S2 Coupe has been gradually pulling left last few days and today realised the nsr corner is sitting an inch lower than osr.
I've jacked it up and the springs which are blue H&r??? looked in one piece although very scabby. I'm looking at doing a spring and top mount replacement.

My questions are what are usual culprit of uneven stance when springs haven't snapped, top mount?

And what parts do people recommend. THe shocks were done not so long ago so am looking springs and associated parts

I'm not familiar with the car just yet and hate beig caught out not having all the parts needed so am looking at planning ahead.

I did look for some Eibach springs as I love the ride but appears they aren't a model covered.

THe springs on it currently i find a little crashy on British roads anyone any experience of various brands. I love the look of the KW coilovers but on Mk2 golfs which I have lots of experience they are too harsh and I have always gone for EIbach...

Do the KW's come complete and just a bolt on affair????

[Jamo]

If you can afford them the KW V1's will do you proud on the S2

Budget alternative are FK automotive ( VRS are a distributor )

[Rusty]

Blue HnRs are pretty much the only option for the coupe, Eibach don't make anything for it, neither do a lot of other companies

The coupe is a crashy ride on even stock stuff; a function of it having fairly basic suspension and a lot of weight to control. If you want to have it lower than stock then the only other option is to go coilovers and get something like the KWs for sale by Yaz. I've not been in a car with these on but they have been well received by those who have commented on his thread.

If it's sat low on one side then that's not normal, so it could be a knackered top mount or it's not been put back together properly when the dampers were done. The springs have to go the right way up, with the flatter section at the base and the helical section up top, sitting in the spring cup. Top mounts are so cheap that it's worth just replacing them for now and then looking for a longer lasting option in the future, although on the rear, they'll last a while for sure.

For a road setup, the stock springs are fine, although they sit a little higher than the HnRs but are better suited to some stock dampers. For a more sporty setup (read bouncy ) you can go for front coupe or avant HnRs all round and this will bring the back of hte car up a little and stop it looking low, as the blue coupe HnRs do.

As for the car pulling to the left, mine's done this pretty much since I bought it. I've replaced pretty much everything on it and had it 4 wheel aligned many times. Only once did it drive straight and that was when I had the castor set properly too! I've also found that they car is very susceptable to cambers and road imperfections.

[Yaz]

The coupe is a crashy ride on even stock stuff; a function of it having fairly basic suspension and a lot of weight to control. If you want to have it lower than stock then the only other option is to go coilovers and get something like the KWs for sale by Yaz. I've not been in a car with these on but they have been well received by those who have commented on his thread.

Thanks Rusty, and here's the thread: http://www.s2forum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=53493

[mcandmar]

In relation to pulling to the left i have found it is usually castor angles, i had mine setup perfectly but a few large bottom outs over ruts have shifted one of the balljoints in the a-arm and needs setup again. Problem is finding a tracking place that could be bothered or understand how to adjust it for you.

[Monkeymagic]

The slight creeping to the left has started only a few days ago and then today i notice the nsr wheel is sat in the arch where the osr is not. I checked all four springs and they are complete but as i say scabby. I think i'll go for the KW and new top mounts all round. I just like the idea of bolt off bolt on.. Thanks for all the advice.
I know what you mean about being prone to following road cambers etc. My brother has had his coupe for years and has had it tracked aligned several times for this problem. I always said it was in his head.....

[UrS4boy]

In North America there have been several H&R front spring failures on C4 UrS4s and UrS6s, typically in areas with lots of winter snow where they apply salt to the road to keep the road safe. In many cases, H&R has replaced the springs under warranty to the original purchaser of the springs (labour, to remove and install, not covered).

Try contacting H&R and asking about replacements.

[Monkeymagic]

They have been on years looking at my service history and are very rusty. I bought the car only 3 months ago so quite rightly they would tell me to go forth i reckon. I quite fancy doing the job myself and sprucing things up. Nice idea though.

[Monkeymagic]

Yaz I have PM'd you regarding the coilovers mate. Steven

[Yaz]

Yaz I have PM'd you regarding the coilovers mate. Steven

Hi Steven I'm just checking my application list and will reply to you in a min mate.
Thanks
Yaz

[Monkeymagic]

Cool and which bolt do i need to measure the mounting to hub bolts or the top mount thread. I'm thinking its the hub mount ones.

[Acidburn]

Cool and which bolt do i need to measure the mounting to hub bolts or the top mount thread. I'm thinking its the hub mount ones.

hub to strut bolts mate

[Yaz]

hub to strut bolts mate

That's the ones, they will either be M12 or M14 bolt size.

[Monkeymagic]

Cheers Chaps. Yaz Permanent front axle weight according to VIn is 1035kg i'll measure bols tomorrow and get back to you. Thanks again.

[Yaz]

Cheers Chaps. Yaz Permanent front axle weight according to VIn is 1035kg i'll measure bols tomorrow and get back to you. Thanks again.

Thanks Steven look forward to hear from you tomorrow mate.
Yaz