VY sedan getting a bit wallowy

[Jacques]

Hi folks, First post on this forum but a regular on another car forum so I know how frustrating it is when noobs ask the same old questions but here goes anyway.

My 'other' cars are a Mazda MX5 which handles superbly and my work car a brand new Fa***on XR6 which also goes and handles very nicely. When I jump back into the VY Commie it feels like driving a marshmellow. Admitedly the tyres are crappy Bob Janes which are close to their use by date so that accounts for some of the problem. So my question is, how can I easily and cheaply improve the feel of the car. I know low profile tyres would help but I dont really want to buy new wheels if i can avoid it (would rather spend the money on the MX5!). Would new shocks do the job? Do I need to replace the springs to FE2s (how much and where from in Brisbane). What is the best bang for buck of these options? The VY has around 110k on the odometer.

thanks in advance,
Jacques

[dah_man_ben]

Mate, I just replaced my factory springs out of my Berlina (same as in the execs) with FE1.5 spec springs from a Calais. They cost me $40 off a relative... I didn't replace my shocks. Feels okay now, but I may replace the shocks later when I get some extra $$ after talking with a few people on here. Anyway, it handles like a dream compared to before. A bit rougher, but still doesnt creak over bumps (except potholes) and goes around corners heaps nice. Sits lower also, and I am very happy. I have a friend who has put FE2 in their VY wagon, feels great to drive but rough as guts on basically any bump. Same with another friends SS VY. Anyway, if you are willing to sacrifice comfort for great handling, go with FE2. If you want some comfort, but also want a sporty feel, go with FE1.5.

Sure, there are aftermarket springs/shocks out there which may do a better job but if your not looking at spending heaps of money, you can find second hand factory sports suspension for pretty cheap that feel insanely better than standard exec springs.

[wortus]

Hi folks, First post on this forum but a regular on another car forum so I know how frustrating it is when noobs ask the same old questions but here goes anyway.

Jacques

Has the car hit a pot hole and thrown the wheel alignment out? Is there any uneven wear on the front tyres and how much pressure do you have in them? Try 34 to 36 PSI all around.
Also have you checked the rubber bushes at the top of the front sway bar link pins? They may be loose or in need or replacement. Also check the other bushes especially the bushes at the front of the castor rods, they have oil in them which can leak out. You can either replace these with factory ones or Nolathane if you want to spend the extra $$. Replacing any bushes other than the link pins would need a wheel alignment.

[Jacques]

Thanks Wortus. I dont think the alignment is out, had it checked just a few months ago and it doesn't pull or feel wrong in the steering area. I already set the tyres at 35-36. Also rotated the tyres at the same time as the alignment. While the yres are not worn out, they are probably down to half tread life so will need replacing later this year. I'll have a look at the bushes you mentioned this weekend. Are they common wear items on the VY? I have taken my MX5 to Fulcrum Suspensions here in Brisbane and know they do a top job so might get them to look at the Commie sometime too. Only problem is they might recommend a $$$$ suspension upgrade!

[wortus]

Yes the bushes wear out, have a look at how the setup moves with the wheels off. They eventually squash down and you run out of thread to tighten them up. The VZ has the tie rod end like joint at both ends and is an improvement. You can also by after market kits that converts the VY to have a joint top and bottom but a new set of bushes every now and then is way cheaper and easy to fit. Mine are going to need replacing soon and I got a new set of 4 from Holden for less than $9.00
Apart from these have a look at the wheel bearings for play. How many K's on this car?

[Jacques]

Its done around 110K. I'm an old fart so it hasnt been thrashed or run on dirt roads (although like many popular cars it did start life as a Hertzmobile so may have had a harder early life). Bushes sound surprisingly cheap but I will probably have to pay to get them fitted. I wouldn't suspect worn bushes would give the wallowy ride I am complaining of though, still thinking shocks or springs...?

[wortus]

Might be the shocks, withthe car moving forward slowly brake hard and see if the nose moves up and down more than once or twice it's a god indication shocks are stuffed. Also do the same with someone looking at the front wheels and see how far they move back relative to the guards, if they move a lot it's an indication of the front castor rod bushes.
Whatever you do if you take it to P@@@ers for one of their safety checks and get told it needs a new just about everything be very wary and get a second opinion. I got told my VN needed about $2000 worth of repairs and it had just got a pink slip that same morning!
You'd be surprised how worn link bushes can make the car feel. Can you jack it up and see if there is any play in the hubs or play in the steering rack ends (push the back of the wheels in).

[minux]

It is a mixture of 2 things.
1. Thats just how holdens feel and 2. The tyres.

If you replace these it will help immensely. Its how I know the Senator is getting close to new tyres without looking at them.