Front Suspension dilemma

0149geep · 1st April 2014, 21:48

Since buying my 04 Connie CDTI 2 months ago I have asked for advice in the club about the fact that the front suspension is just not good and in saying that I am comparing it with the 80,000 miles I have driven in 2 previous Rover 75s the suspensions of both I would have described as very good.

The suspension is "joggerly" and noisy on poorish roads and really is spoiling what otherwise is a really good car.I have checked the tyre pressures which are ok.The car has only done 52,000 miles.

The plot thickens though because I have had the suspension checked by 2 garages both of whom say it is ok but to be honest even if 10 garages told me the same thing I still would not be convinced.For example,I previously had a Skoda Fabia who's suspension on the same roads was not just better but much much better than the current Rover I have.

Looking at the threads on here about the front suspension I note that others have made the same comments and some owners apparently have not solved the problem despite changing various suspension components and spending a lot of money.

I am not sure what my next step should be and would be grateful to receive your advice please.

clf · 1st April 2014, 22:43

I will start by saying I dont know or have experience of 75's, however, my ZT (and my XType Jag) has 18" rims, with 225/45 tyres, which contribute to the noise - what are your tyres? (my previous Passat, I had the option of 17" with low profiles tyres or it standard 15's with taller walls - which I took because, it was so much quieter and smoother with them on)

As I understand it too, there were options on the ZT for suspension - comfort and sports, perhaps an option on the 75 was fitted? (there are colour codes for the ZT, which I do not know, but am sure one of the more learned members would know)

Another potential source of 'joggling' could be the engine/gearbox mounts, perhaps fitted with an aftermarket one, or yours is starting to fail?

0149geep · 2nd April 2014, 09:56

I do not think that the "noise" is tyre noise but thudding over irregular surfaces.I will however have the engine mounts checked.Thank you for your comments

nwpmikey · 2nd April 2014, 10:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by 0149geep

I do not think that the "noise" is tyre noise but thudding over irregular surfaces.I will however have the engine mounts checked.Thank you for your comments

I have a thudding noise at the moment on my 75...

i have had wishbone bushes done and droplinks on both sides..

problem still there, usual mechanic said couldn't find anything wrong..

took somewhere else, asked garage to look at it, first thing he said after a quick check was top mount bearings...

a quick check on here told me how to check it myself and low and behold yes that does seem like the problem...

to check them, turn wheel full lock, hold spring and get someone to turn steering wheel, you may feel a knock thru the spring as it moves out of place...

get the top mount bearings checked..mine getting replaced tomorrow hopefully aswell as front anti roll bar bushes as they are shot aswell

berkshirelad · 2nd April 2014, 10:07

No, but as you raise the rim diameter, you lower the profile of the tyre.

There is a direct correlation between ride quality and tyre profile as higher profiles tend to have more flex in the sidewalls

Neil1 · 2nd April 2014, 10:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by nwpmikey

I have a thudding noise at the moment on my 75...

i have had wishbone bushes done and droplinks on both sides..

problem still there, usual mechanic said couldn't find anything wrong..

took somewhere else, asked garage to look at it, first thing he said after a quick check was top mount bearings...

a quick check on here told me how to check it myself and low and behold yes that does seem like the problem...

to check them, turn wheel full lock, hold spring and get someone to turn steering wheel, you may feel a knock thru the spring as it moves out of place...

get the top mount bearings checked..mine getting replaced tomorrow hopefully aswell as front anti roll bar bushes as they are shot aswell

I've had my top bearings replaced because it knocked when turning on full lock, thankfully this was picked up before I received the car from the garage I bought it from.

As for wheels the larger the diameter, the lower the profile of the tyre, the harder the ride will be.

0149geep · 2nd April 2014, 11:13

Well, the tyres are firestoneTZ300 215/55/R16 Any comments please?

Neil1 · 2nd April 2014, 11:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by 0149geep

Well, the tyres are firestoneTZ300 215/55/R16 Any comments please?

They are the same size as mine on 16" rims.
I find my ride is smooth and is only a bit choppy due to the the number of blasted potholes that I have to try and avoid.

0149geep · 2nd April 2014, 11:59

What I don't get is why the suspension is very poor but garages cannot identify the problem.What is that about??

DMGRS · 2nd April 2014, 12:10

The front lower arm bushes (these) sometimes don't seem damaged on first appearance, however if you get up close you may see slight 'tearing' of the rubber.

Mine are like this, and I have 'wandering' problems and a generally poor ride - my friend's ZT was the same, and changing them has transformed the car.

1st April 2014, 21:48	#1
0149geep Newbie Rover 75 saloon 2004 Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Nottingham Posts: 17 Thanks: 10 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Front Suspension dilemma Since buying my 04 Connie CDTI 2 months ago I have asked for advice in the club about the fact that the front suspension is just not good and in saying that I am comparing it with the 80,000 miles I have driven in 2 previous Rover 75s the suspensions of both I would have described as very good. The suspension is "joggerly" and noisy on poorish roads and really is spoiling what otherwise is a really good car.I have checked the tyre pressures which are ok.The car has only done 52,000 miles. The plot thickens though because I have had the suspension checked by 2 garages both of whom say it is ok but to be honest even if 10 garages told me the same thing I still would not be convinced.For example,I previously had a Skoda Fabia who's suspension on the same roads was not just better but much much better than the current Rover I have. Looking at the threads on here about the front suspension I note that others have made the same comments and some owners apparently have not solved the problem despite changing various suspension components and spending a lot of money. I am not sure what my next step should be and would be grateful to receive your advice please.

2nd April 2014, 12:10	#10
DMGRS Discount MG Rover Spares Rover 75 CDTi, 2x MG ZS180 Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Hythe, Southampton Posts: 11,354 Thanks: 456 Thanked 3,377 Times in 2,027 Posts	The front lower arm bushes (these) sometimes don't seem damaged on first appearance, however if you get up close you may see slight 'tearing' of the rubber. Mine are like this, and I have 'wandering' problems and a generally poor ride - my friend's ZT was the same, and changing them has transformed the car. __________________ Your trusted MG Rover specialist! Tel: 02380 001133 / Email: [email protected] We now have a 'chat' function on our site for even quicker replies. Give it a try! Remember - discount code FORUM5 for 5% off

1st April 2014, 22:43	#2
clf This is my second home MG ZT CDTi Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: carrick Posts: 7,859 Thanks: 3,494 Thanked 2,657 Times in 1,973 Posts	I will start by saying I dont know or have experience of 75's, however, my ZT (and my XType Jag) has 18" rims, with 225/45 tyres, which contribute to the noise - what are your tyres? (my previous Passat, I had the option of 17" with low profiles tyres or it standard 15's with taller walls - which I took because, it was so much quieter and smoother with them on) As I understand it too, there were options on the ZT for suspension - comfort and sports, perhaps an option on the 75 was fitted? (there are colour codes for the ZT, which I do not know, but am sure one of the more learned members would know) Another potential source of 'joggling' could be the engine/gearbox mounts, perhaps fitted with an aftermarket one, or yours is starting to fail?

2nd April 2014, 09:56	#3
0149geep Newbie Rover 75 saloon 2004 Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Nottingham Posts: 17 Thanks: 10 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I do not think that the "noise" is tyre noise but thudding over irregular surfaces.I will however have the engine mounts checked.Thank you for your comments

2nd April 2014, 10:07	#5
berkshirelad Gets stuck in Rover 75 Tourer Connoisseur SE Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Newbury Posts: 836 Thanks: 9 Thanked 101 Times in 91 Posts	No, but as you raise the rim diameter, you lower the profile of the tyre. There is a direct correlation between ride quality and tyre profile as higher profiles tend to have more flex in the sidewalls

2nd April 2014, 11:13	#7
0149geep Newbie Rover 75 saloon 2004 Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Nottingham Posts: 17 Thanks: 10 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Well, the tyres are firestoneTZ300 215/55/R16 Any comments please?

2nd April 2014, 11:59	#9
0149geep Newbie Rover 75 saloon 2004 Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Nottingham Posts: 17 Thanks: 10 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	What I don't get is why the suspension is very poor but garages cannot identify the problem.What is that about??