Something has to be done! I'm sure the already bad ride of our 2008 1.4 500 is getting worse, the back is the problem, dampers were changed year before last (Sachs) and all looks in good condition. It's just harsh. On some roads my Fitbit records that I've been jogging. I know one option is to change the complete setup for something post 2010 but I don't fancy that job. I think the issue is springs as much as dampers. I don't want to lower it. Surely by now someone has come up with an aftermarket spring/damper combination to improve it but Googling finds nothing. Any recommendations ?
Technical 2008 500 harsh ride rear damper spring options
- Thread starter Watermann
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Technical 2008 500 harsh ride rear damper spring options
The problem is the beam itself, rather than the spring/damper combination. If yours is getting worse, how old are the tyres?
If it were as easy as just changing the springs & dampers, Fiat wouldn't have reengineered the beam.
I beleive the redesign was done at Ford's insistence as a condition of the contract to produce the Mk2 Ka.
I remember test driving a 500 shortly after launch; the ride quality with the original beam was so poor as to be a dealbreaker. Even with the modified beam and all components in 'as new' condition, I'd describe the ride as 'just about adequate'; it isn't a patch on the original Mk1 Ka.
No twist beam setup is ever going to give you the ride/handling quality you'd get from having proper independent rear suspension; the inherent advantage is cheapness, not comfort.
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