VYII Suspension

[vy2ber]

Is it just me or is the suspension in the VY (I have a VYII Berlina) really hard. For a vehicle that cost $45K(new) the ride stinks. I am quite disappointed with it particualrly since it's cornering isn't that brilliant. At first it seemed ok, but any 'new' car does. It seems to be getting worse but that could be just me. I previously had a '94 VR and admittedly it was spongy but much more comfortable than the '05 Berlina. I hear the suspension was changed in a recent model but I think they have gone to the opposite extreme. What does anyone else think.

[SPack]

Mate, pop the hood and check your data plate: If the section titled "SUSP" has FE2 inscribed on it, you will have to get used to the rough ride.

FE2 is the sports suspension pack as per S/SS models. If that is the case- it's surprising that you feel the cornering is not so good; my S pack corners like it is on rails compared to the standard suspension (but yes, the ride is pretty hard)

[Jeffro74]

must be fe2 i have berlina with the standard susp it was as smooth as had to change it i hated the ride :P
now its hard :

[Reaper]

Is it just me or is the suspension in the VY (I have a VYII Berlina) really hard. For a vehicle that cost $45K(new) the ride stinks. I am quite disappointed with it particualrly since it's cornering isn't that brilliant. At first it seemed ok, but any 'new' car does. It seems to be getting worse but that could be just me. I previously had a '94 VR and admittedly it was spongy but much more comfortable than the '05 Berlina. I hear the suspension was changed in a recent model but I think they have gone to the opposite extreme. What does anyone else think.

You didn't test drive the car before you bought it??? I have a VYII SS and it seems fine to me - maybe a little firmer than the BA Ghia that I also drive but not excessive. Are the wheels & tyres stock??

Reaper

[VYSHSV8]

Dont forget some of the Berlinas came with a suspension pack named FE1.5 as well not as harsh as FE2.. This is what I have been told so dont quote me on this..

[brentmc]

Well, theres nothing wrong with FE2 suspension in my opinion. If you get a sports pack, or options listed as sporty then you can expect to get a stiffer (sportier) ride.

Really I thought the standard suspension in say the executives wasnt all that much different...I mean, yeah its a bit smoother...but not by much.

[clixanup]

Dont forget some of the Berlinas came with a suspension pack named FE1.5 as well not as harsh as FE2..

No, that package is only available on Calais. Well that's how it was on VYII, not sure about VZ.

[clixanup]

I previously had a '94 VR and admittedly it was spongy but much more comfortable than the '05 Berlina.

How old were the shock absorbers in it? You're supposed to change them every 40,000km, but people never do.

[VYSHSV8]

No, that package is only available on Calais. Well that's how it was on VYII, not sure about VZ.

Thanks for that new it was one of them..

[SPack]

Well, theres nothing wrong with FE2 suspension in my opinion. If you get a sports pack, or options listed as sporty then you can expect to get a stiffer (sportier) ride.

Mate, I'm with you all the way; I don't have the best roads to drive on- rough as guts really (QLD Govt) - so a lot of my driving is pretty uncomfortable, but when I hit those nice smooth curves mm-mmmmm........sweet as.........

[MikeVXSS]

i love the FE2 mine also corners like its on rails i love the rough ride, in fact i hate driving my work car because of the body roll lol lol.

[vy2ber]

How old were the shock absorbers in it? You're supposed to change them every 40,000km, but people never do.

Well its ready to clock 60000 in the next few days. It may be that they just need replacing. When I bought the car I was told all but the tyres were under warranty but no dealer has been willing to come to that party. Had the 60000 service done late last week at a different dealer and again was told that's just how they are. Pretty weak I think. It drove a lot better than it is now when I first bought it. That's why I think I have a case but its not being heard so I may as well give up the point and wait until its out of warranty and replace it with something good.

If I choose to put after market shocks on now I'll bet Holden will wipe any suspension issues under the new car warranty. Basically I'm stuck with hard suspension either way. I'd prefer to not void warranty when there's still a year to go.

[SPack]

How old were the shock absorbers in it? You're supposed to change them every 40,000km, but people never do.

That's a new one on me, I have never heard of any requirement to do that (it's more often than most people change their tyres). Wouldn't Holden put it in the service schedule to be changed every 40kk? That way the would be able to slug you for a new set of shocks every couple of years? It would also pretty much negate their warranty obligations for shocks as it would come under "normal wear and tear", just like spark leads etc.....

Well its ready to clock 60000 in the next few days. It may be that they just need replacing.

If you are worried about the condition of your shocks, why not take them into a suspension specialist and get them checked. A number of shops (Pedders for example) can do a shock absorber test for less than $20 and they give you a printed report. If there is a problem identified, take it to the Holden dealer and see just how prepared to argue he is then.

Further to that, in my experience, shock absorbers normally become "soft" when they wear out. ie. they loose their gas or oil media and cease to be effective at dampening the vertical movement of your suspension components. As a result, the ride gets "springy" or "bouncy" as opposed to "bumpy" (which is what firm suspension will give you). Also, it is unusual for all four shocks to clap out at once.........

I'm sure that if I'm wrong someone will correct me.

[clixanup]

That's a new one on me, I have never heard of any requirement to do that (it's more often than most people change their tyres). Wouldn't Holden put it in the service schedule to be changed every 40kk? That way the would be able to slug you for a new set of shocks every couple of years? It would also pretty much negate their warranty obligations for shocks as it would come under "normal wear and tear", just like spark leads etc.....

Holden doesn't require it, but if you compare a shockie which has done 40K to a new one, well it speaks for itself. Would you pay $1500 for a major service? Because that's what it'd cost if they had to change the shocks. AFAICT, most people are pissed off about handing over $400...

And besides, how often does the Holden service book mention wheel alignment & balancing? It doesn't. My dealer never does this, because it isn't in the little book. When I asked, they said they could "take it down the road and get it done at a tyre place for you", but they didn't have the facility or staff necessary for this maintenance item. I have to take care of it myself.

I'd be surprised if Holden would honour their warranty on shocks anyway, unless the factory didn't fit them properly in the first place.

[SPack]

Sorry clixanup, I have to apologise for the way I came over in my earlier post, It seems a bit, how do I say it? prickly?..... I acknowledge what you say about the condition of the shockies deteriorating and that Holden wouldn't want to impose periodic shockie replacement on owners for fear of chasing them to another manufacturer. You are right on all of that.

I guess what I don't fully agree with is the figure of 40000km. It's just like tyres; in that it depends on your style of driving and the type of roads that you drive on. It would be a pretty sad state of affairs if the average set of shocks only lasted that long. The roads that I drive on are shitful (I,ve almost clocked 60000 km on them) and my FE2 suspension is like new. I guess, what I'm saying is that shock absorbers are "on-condition" items, when they clap out you change them, whatever the k's they've done.

And it is pretty easy to get them checked.......

[yeeros]

this post is a little late but anyway.... my stock vy exec has the worst suspension ever. of all the commodores i've driven, it is the only model that doesn't feel like a true commodore.
everyone knows that the vt suspension was regarded as soft and couldn't cope with heavy weight (ie heavy passengers), but that is exactly how suspension setups should be for a comfortable ride (perfect for lightweight european drivers).
It is my theory that the springs were excessively stiffened to cope with higher passenger weights (not the toe/camber compression issues), and shocks softened to counter them.
Thats why fe2 is so much better than standard. It is setup correctly and was a popular option. One day ill put in aftermarket components, one day.....

[Bravotwozero]

[QUOTE=yeeros;673334]this post is a little late but anyway....QUOTE]

Only 18 months