Is there a best way to rejuvenate suspension?

rogerbid · Postby **rogerbid** » Thu Feb 09, 2006 1:17 pm

Hi everyone,

First let me explain I am not a technical wizz so any improvements suggested here will likely be done at a local garage rather than in the driveway at home, unless I can get my RACV trained son to get his hands dirty!

I have had my 1998 MX5 for about 6 months and am delighted with it. I have to say the only time it shows any sign of its age (137,000kms) is when riding over poor road surfaces and in particular when crossing the ridges from the roadway into a driveway etc. I have not yet had a Pedders suspension check carried out, but am thinking of doing so to see what they recommend.

I do not propose changing to 'special' shockers though if this gets an overwhelming endorsement here I may well decide to go that way. I am wondering if a noticeable improvement may be obtained by replacing worn bushes etc. I admit my knowledge of suspension is next to zero!

If anyone has any suggestions as to improvements, or reputable experts around SE Melbourne to talk to, I will be delighted to hear them, thanks,

Roger

Garry · Postby **Garry** » Thu Feb 09, 2006 1:23 pm

New "quality" shocks will help considerably, and are easier and much cheaper than replacing your suspension bushes. Stay away from generic brands like Pedders or Monroe and go for something like Koni Yellows or KYB AGX's. They are a bit more expensive but the final result will be worth the extra money. You get what you pay for.

Andrew · Postby **Andrew** » Thu Feb 09, 2006 1:42 pm

Garry wrote:New "quality" shocks will help considerably, and are easier and much cheaper than replacing your suspension bushes. Stay away from generic brands like Pedders or Monroe and go for something like Koni Yellows or KYB AGX's. They are a bit more expensive but the final result will be worth the extra money. You get what you pay for.

+1 vote for the KYB's -

bigdog · Postby **bigdog** » Thu Feb 09, 2006 1:44 pm

What springs are you running with the AGX's Andrew? How do they compare with stock suspension?

Andrew · Postby **Andrew** » Thu Feb 09, 2006 1:49 pm

I have Eibach springs and they are great.

Both the springs and shocks made a huge differenc to the car, combine that with the 16" wheels and it stick like glue when going around corners.

Only complaint i would have is that it is a little low at the front, but i've learnt to live with that

Postby **Okibi** » Thu Feb 09, 2006 3:00 pm

Even though i've never had either on my MX i'd go for Koni over KYB.

Perhaps their product have improved recently but i'd read more people "upgrade from KYB to Koni" then the other way around.

Who here has dríven on both?

I went for the Tein Flex, one of the best features of the MX-5 is handling, I wanted a setup that could accentuate that.

Given the amount of kms on your MX-5, almost anything will feel better.

The Tein Super Street is about $500 more expensive then a Koni/King combo (new), so unless you're on a very tight budget splash out a little and get them

Flog your king springs to a forum member.

fd3s · Postby **fd3s** » Thu Feb 09, 2006 3:07 pm

i think anything more then teins are an over kill for the australian conditions unless you are going to do some circuit racing.....

i have a set of Apex N1 fully adjustibles on my rx7 - way too harsh for the road...... not recommended....

Garry · Postby **Garry** » Thu Feb 09, 2006 3:52 pm

I've tried KYB AGX's and Koni yellows on an NA. I thought the AGX's felt better, and they are very easy to adjust if a little noisey over speed bumps. Having said that I luuuurve my Koni's on my NB8B.

tk421 · Postby **tk421** » Thu Feb 09, 2006 4:46 pm

rogerbid wrote: I have to say the only time it shows any sign of its age (137,000kms) is when riding over poor road surfaces and in particular when crossing the ridges from the roadway into a driveway etc. I have not yet had a Pedders suspension check carried out, but am thinking of doing so to see what they recommend.

Hi Roger,

Just to clarify is it the bouncyness of the car you have issues with? (if they are original shocks, it certainly would be)

or is it the fact that you get rattles and creaks in body over such surfaces with the bumps basically shaking the c#%p out of the car (windscreen moves side to side a little as compared to the rest of the car - known as scuttle shake)

Worn shocks will certainly contribute to that but maybe (whilst this may be a little "serious" for you) you might want to consider some chassis bracing of some sort. A few of us with 98 models have recently ordered some products of this nature. We are still waiting for them to be installed though - hoping for good results.

I have put shocks on mine as well recently, certainly made great improvements to the handling but did not improve problem 2 very much (personally scuttle shake drives me crazy

)

Cheers

Steve

Matty · Postby **Matty** » Thu Feb 09, 2006 5:36 pm

I've been through several suspension versions. Basically, all the "hard" bits (ie metal) don't really wear out, but the rubber and oily bits do degrade.

If you're happy with the standard ride height and soft springs, then keep them - going lower has its compromises, though it does look tasty!

The OEM shocks tend to lose their damping abilities after not too many k's - yours are surely shot by now.

A set of Koni shocks with the standard springs is a truly excellent setup for road use. In fact, it served me very well on the track too.

New bushings are also a great. I replaced mine with aftermarket urethane ones (SuperPro) - great if you want a little more performance/handling sharpness. Cost about $500 for the full set of 22 control arm bushings. They do after a while tend to generate a bit of friction as the grease wears out though (OEM rubber bushings flex and therefore don't need grease).

For the sake of longevity a new set of OEM bushings are probably a better option for you, though will probably set you back about $700+...

Then you're up for installation labour - not too bad for the shocks, but the bushings can take a while. There are people around (here and the club) who might be willing to help out with the job. Shocks are pretty straightforward. Bushings are a little more work, but not beyind DIY status.

If you're a Vic club member you can borrow (from me) a tool which is a perfect bushing press. You'll need something like it to replace the bushings - even loaning it to a shop would probably help them with some parts of the job.

black & tan · Postby **black & tan** » Thu Feb 09, 2006 5:50 pm

For those that may be interested, GT Suspensions in Mt Alexander Rd (Melb) are having a sale, I just got a quote for a set of Noltec bushes $707.00, and they quoted $1600.00 for Tein SS coil overs with front pillow mounts.

Col.

rodent · Postby **rodent** » Thu Feb 09, 2006 11:28 pm

I've got kind of a similar question.

I don't think any of the suspension bits in my 15.5 year-old NA have been touched at all, but I know zero about suspension. Between the bushings, shocks and springs, which should I upgrade and in what order?

jonno

Postby **Okibi** » Thu Feb 09, 2006 11:49 pm

Shocks, but best to do the springs at the same time if you can.

Then bushes when you can afford it.

Best bet is to go chat to the guys at MX-5 Mania and they can explain the different options.

Matty · Postby **Matty** » Fri Feb 10, 2006 8:33 am

Oh, one more thing: I'd pick up a set of new bumpstops and shock boots as well.

The boots tend to fall apart after a few years, and the bumpstops are not just a failsafe but the regularly get compressed during cornering, hence get a bit of wear.

Brad · Postby **Brad** » Fri Feb 10, 2006 9:55 am

Can someone explain to me if pillowball top mounts are actually needed on the MX5's with Tein SS'? I've heard conflicting advice, that as they are not a strut they don't need pillowball mounts. Are they an optional extra on the TeinSS and if so how much extra should I be looking to pay?