Standard suspension - How stiff?

[Pete McCue]

Good afternoon all, my car has standard and, at 43k miles, probably original suspension. As I've gotten used to the car I'm driving it a little more "spiritedly" and I'm not sure it feels as planted as it should. I've had a four wheel alignment done a few months ago and the rubbers all "look" ok. I tried to bump the rear suspension the other day to check the dampers but couldn't even budge it! I'm only 5'6" and 12.5 stone but should it be that stiff? Thanks.

[Carolyn]

I can get mine to move, not a lot, but it does move and I'm 9 stone.

[Pete McCue]

I can get mine to move, not a lot, but it does move and I'm 9 stone.

Hmm, ok, thanks.
I had another go at it today and I can get it to move probably about half an inch or so. I don't want to put any more pressure on the wing though.

[McMr2]

Good afternoon all, my car has standard and, at 43k miles, probably original suspension. As I've gotten used to the car I'm driving it a little more "spiritedly" and I'm not sure it feels as planted as it should. I've had a four wheel alignment done a few months ago and the rubbers all "look" ok. I tried to bump the rear suspension the other day to check the dampers but couldn't even budge it! I'm only 5'6" and 12.5 stone but should it be that stiff? Thanks.

Lots of potential factors if the car doesn't feel planted, good that you've ruled out alignment. Presumably means the bushes/joints/rod ends are reasonable if a reputable garage managed to get the alignment in spec.

Not sure of the link between dampers being too stiff and not feeling planted - wouldn't worn/soft dampers be more likely to give that result?

[Ardent]

What tyres are fitted, age, condition, pressures?

[Pete McCue]

Lots of potential factors if the car doesn't feel planted, good that you've ruled out alignment. Presumably means the bushes/joints/rod ends are reasonable if a reputable garage managed to get the alignment in spec.

Not sure of the link between dampers being too stiff and not feeling planted - wouldn't worn/soft dampers be more likely to give that result?

Yes, it's a bit weird. It's difficult to describe what I'm feeling, it could even be that the roads are a bit slimy due to all the salt that's gone down lately. It's not like it's all over the place, just not quite right. I think I'll have a better look at all the rubber bushings.

[Pete McCue]

What tyres are fitted, age, condition, pressures?

Virtually new Toyo Proxes all round, pressures checked a couple of weeks ago and were spot on. I'll check again tomorrow though.

[Carolyn]

A lot of people reckon the Toyos are a bit on the sloppy side.

[Pete McCue]

A lot of people reckon the Toyos are a bit on the sloppy side.

Oh, bugger, I thought they were the "go-to" tyre for the MR2.

[McMr2]

Oh, bugger, I thought they were the "go-to" tyre for the MR2.

I fell into that trap too, did not like them on anything other than bone dry roads.

[Joesson]

Late to the debate but I notice you tried to bump your REAR suspension. I believe that will be naturally firmer than the front as it is preloaded with the weight of the engine and gear box. I suggest it is more typically to bump the FRONT suspension to determine the state of the dampers/ shock absorbers.
A couple of years ago , the front shock gaiters were noted as damaged/ non existent on the front and I fitted new and while there I changed the shocks all round for KYB. The rear gaiters were as new and they went back on. The removed shocks seemed to work fine and it was likely unnecessary to change them at the c 50k they were on but!
My point is that " not feeling planted " maybe nothing to do with the shocks. My daily is on 107k with Original shocks.
You mention checking your tyres " a couple of weeks ago". Is this with your pump and gauge or at a garage?
You will know that tyre  pressures vary with temperature, if you checked them on a cold day and then use the car days later at a warmer temperature the pressures will be different and v.v.
It has often been said on here that tyre pressures on our 2's are crucial and  when, infrequently used, I check mine  as a matter of course before driving it.
I use a 12v tyre pump and if nothing else it is a consistent measure of the pressures.

[Gaz mr-s]

According to brief reading the Proxes is a 'Touring' tyre.  I've never seen mention of recommendations for on a 2.

A popular choice a few years back was the Toyo T1R.  They were a Marmite tyre, some liked, some absolutely hated them.
They had soft sidewalls. I've bought a car that has at least 2 of them on & the front end goes all over the place.  It was common practice to run them at least 6psi higher than stock.

The replacement which has been bought by quite a few (because they're cheap) is the TR-1.  Reportedly the sidewall is a lot stiffer.  Anecdotal comment says they're quite good.
Still not the 'go-to' though. 

Dampers.....go on an undulating rural road.  In a straight line travel as fast getting close to your confidence limit. If you go over a crest the suspension will compress & then rebound. After the rebound it should be 'static'. If it tries to compress/rebound again the dampers need replaced.

[Pete McCue]

Late to the debate but I notice you tried to bump your REAR suspension. I believe that will be naturally firmer than the front as it is preloaded with the weight of the engine and gear box. I suggest it is more typically to bump the FRONT suspension to determine the state of the dampers/ shock absorbers.
A couple of years ago , the front shock gaiters were noted as damaged/ non existent on the front and I fitted new and while there I changed the shocks all round for KYB. The rear gaiters were as new and they went back on. The removed shocks seemed to work fine and it was likely unnecessary to change them at the c 50k they were on but!
My point is that " not feeling planted " maybe nothing to do with the shocks. My daily is on 107k with Original shocks.
You mention checking your tyres " a couple of weeks ago". Is this with your pump and gauge or at a garage?
You will know that tyre  pressures vary with temperature, if you checked them on a cold day and then use the car days later at a warmer temperature the pressures will be different and v.v.
It has often been said on here that tyre pressures on our 2's are crucial and  when, infrequently used, I check mine  as a matter of course before driving it.
I use a 12v tyre pump and if nothing else it is a consistent measure of the pressures.

Thanks for that. No, I never use a garage airline, I've got a compressor and separate digital pressure gauge.
I went with the Toyos as I'd noticed that many seemed to be using them and it's what was fitted to my car when I bought it, albeit really old ones! It does sound like it's more than likely the tyres as it's a sort of slimy feeling with a touch of understeer first then slight oversteer but not fast or snappy. Should have done a bit more research. 

P. S. Thanks for all the advice again.

[cptspaulding]

A lot of people reckon the Toyos are a bit on the sloppy side.

Wierdly I had them on my FL car. Changed the fronts first as they were worn. A few months later changed to Proxes on the 16" rears. Immediately noticed the difference. Felt like the rear was still moving for a half second after a manoeuvre. I even stopped to check the wheel nuts 20 miles into my 1st run in case the tyre place hadn't tightened them up properly. Couldn't stand it & replaced them within a few weeks.

Then, a few years later... Mrs Spaulding took her PFL into a tyre centre & they fitted Toyo Proxes before I could have any input. Well, it's not my car & Mrs Sp doesn't drive it as near limits as me. However, after a couple of borrows, I noticed I wasn't feeling that "squirm" from the rears at all on the 15" rears.

My experience then, Proxes on 15" PFL rear, fine & dandy. Proxes on 16" FL rear, squirming like a Boris Johnson when asked how many kids he has.

[Pete McCue]

That's really strange because that's exactly the sensation I'm getting but I'm on 15's. I even checked the wheel nuts! Maybe I should have a play with pressures.

[Iain]

They're a very soft tyre compared to the oem bridgestones so theres nothing wrong with trying a few more psi in them.