standard suspension too stiff - Volvo C30 Forums and Community

donki · 08-03-2007, 03:24 PM

I got my C30 about 2 weeks ago. It's 2.0D, Momentum package with Dynaudio. I'm generally happy with the car but for the bumpy road conditions in my hometown the suspension feels too stiff for me. I did test drive T5 prior to purchasing (only version my dealer had) and found it to be a little too stiff but the dealer convinced me that T5 had a sportier stiffer suspension than the standard C30 I was interested in. He said the standard C30 would feel similar to S40. So I did try S40, it felt good and orered the C30. But now that I got my 2.0D, i find it to be as stiff as that T5 I test drove and the ride does not feel comfortable. It kinda spoils the nice feeling of owning a brand new C30. My previous car was a Mazda3 and it felt much softer.

After reading some threads here I understand that C30 has a Dynamic Suspension as standard. S40 on the other hand has a Comfort Suspension as standard and stiffer Dynamic as an option. Maybe its possible to replace some parts in a C30 suspension (struts, springs) to make it feel more soft and Comfort-like? What makes the car stiff - springs or struts?

metadalek · 08-04-2007, 07:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by donki

I got my C30 about 2 weeks ago. It's 2.0D, Momentum package with Dynaudio. I'm generally happy with the car but for the bumpy road conditions in my hometown the suspension feels too stiff for me. I did test drive T5 prior to purchasing (only version my dealer had) and found it to be a little too stiff but the dealer convinced me that T5 had a sportier stiffer suspension than the standard C30 I was interested in. He said the standard C30 would feel similar to S40. So I did try S40, it felt good and orered the C30. But now that I got my 2.0D, i find it to be as stiff as that T5 I test drove and the ride does not feel comfortable. It kinda spoils the nice feeling of owning a brand new C30. My previous car was a Mazda3 and it felt much softer.

After reading some threads here I understand that C30 has a Dynamic Suspension as standard. S40 on the other hand has a Comfort Suspension as standard and stiffer Dynamic as an option. Maybe its possible to replace some parts in a C30 suspension (struts, springs) to make it feel more soft and Comfort-like? What makes the car stiff - springs or struts?

What sort of tyres wheels/tyres are you running?

donki · 08-04-2007, 12:41 PM

I have 16" wheels... tyres are Pirelli which came with a car (can check measurements later). I specifically ordered 16" to have a smoother ride... Have also tried lower tire pressures to ease the stiffness which helps a little but not too much.

Our road conditions are a lot of patched tarmac, uneven repair work and unpatched holes. The worst part of the stiff ride is that the rear end hops quite uncomfortably over the bumps. Front end feels better, I guess due to engine weight.

MichelR · 08-05-2007, 06:02 AM

C30 has a stiffer suspension then the S40/V40 because it's another kind of car.

You can't compare them in this way.

So I fear you made a wrong choice if you wanted a softer ride..

Black Rod · 08-05-2007, 08:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by donki

Our road conditions are a lot of patched tarmac, uneven repair work and unpatched holes.

Well, Donki, you can either trade your C30 in on a Citroen with oleo-pnuematic suspension and float over the bumps or keep the C30 and emmigrate

No-brainer that one.

metadalek · 08-05-2007, 09:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MichelR

C30 has a stiffer suspension then the S40/V40 because it's another kind of car.

You can't compare them in this way.

So I fear you made a wrong choice if you wanted a softer ride..

Yes, but the dealer obviously provided information that later turned out to be if not false, then at least misleading. Maybe you could get the suspension softened a little by a specialist. Although, that will affect the handling. Another alternative may be softer walled tyres, if such there be.

cy11 · 08-06-2007, 10:21 AM

Get Koni FSD/Eibach Prokit suspension kit, See:

http://www.koni.com/index.php?id=190

It will improve ride over broken roads, tar strips.

nfm

Sam · 08-06-2007, 01:05 PM

springs have to wear out a bit to soften it up. if u drive it across bumpy terrain alot like u say it will 'hang loose' eventually. sure it's not the ideal way if u wanna go for 400000 km but if u got better ones i'd be happy to read :)

Alex R · 08-06-2007, 04:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cy11

Get Koni FSD/Eibach Prokit suspension kit, See:

http://www.koni.com/index.php?id=190

It will improve ride over broken roads, tar strips.

nfm

+1
Aftermarket suspension can cure anything. Though with softer springs and the comfort compression/rebound settings you'd have to lift the car, so it doesn't bottom out.

I feel your pain being born in the former Soviet Union (Belarus). C30 is definitely not for post-Soviet roads, though normal sedans/wagons like 3-series or S40 are fine. C30 is not "normal". It's lowered for a reason, as it's a slick premium URBAN car. It won't look good lifted, but you can always put some racing number plate on it, complete with the roll cage and lots of stickers. Never wash it and claim you're in the process of building a rally car. :)

donki · 08-07-2007, 04:11 AM

Thanks for all the suggestions. I have experimented more with tire pressures and lowered the rear tire pressures to a lower lever than the fronts. It is still not what I'd like it to be but it feels better. I hope it will loosen up more over time too. I guess thats what I have to accept. It just does not feel right changing suspension parts with an aftermarket ones on a brand new car - at least not yet. But I will keep the Koni option in mind. And ... the roads will get better and better here every year.

Alex... I'm from Estonia, not Belarus. While our history as a borderline country to the russians is painful indeed, there's no pain being born here ;) Home, sweet home!

Sam · 08-07-2007, 04:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by donki

It just does not feel right changing suspension parts on a brand new car

rubbish! read my project ;)

donki · 08-07-2007, 04:23 AM

Yeah, I have followed your project, Sam. Nice indeed and very courageous. You seem to have good experience with suspension tuning and probably have some good contacts on that field. What would be your choice for softening it up a little? Would like to hear your recommendations! :)

Sam · 08-07-2007, 04:27 AM

if you have the posibility and u don't care for looks, one of the only ways would be install koni's adjustable in stifness (the yellow kind) and consult your dealer for oem springs from other models which are w bit softer. tho i'm not sure i'd spend that kind of money for dubious effect

maybe if u can find a fitting part koni heavy track aborbers wouldn't be a bad option either, they're usually for 4x4 vehicles tho

donki · 08-19-2007, 10:01 AM

OK, I have experimented with tire pressures and I think I have found a good compromise. My tires are 205/55 R16 Pirelli. Recommended pressures for my 2.0D are 230 kpA front and 210 kpA rear. I have found that I get a reasonably soft ride with pressures 220 front and 160 rear (1 or 2 persons in a car). With that pressure the tires still look visually OK and not flat looking. Pressure has been measured after about 30 min ride to take account the pressure rise in front tires from engine heat (I noticed that it can rise about 20 kpA due to engine heat). I know that riding with lower pressures does not help my fuel consumption or tire wear but it does feel more comfortable over the bumpy roads.

Black Rod · 08-20-2007, 11:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by donki

. . . and 160 rear (1 or 2 persons in a car). With that pressure the tires still look visually OK and not flat looking.

160kPa

There are worse things than a rough ride - like the rear tyres rolling off the rims as you round a corner.

Quote:

Originally Posted by donki

Pressure has been measured after about 30 min ride to take account the pressure rise in front tires from engine heat (I noticed that it can rise about 20 kpA due to engine heat).

I don't think that it is engine heat but heat built up because the tyres are squirming from under inflation.

Quote:

Originally Posted by donki

I know that riding with lower pressures does not help my fuel consumption or tire wear but it does feel more comfortable over the bumpy roads.

Please get some advice from a reputable tyre technician before travelling too far on 160 kpa. The factory recommended settings are already a compromise in favour of ride over handling. You must be very brave to go below the factory recommendation. Good luck!

08-03-2007, 03:24 PM	#1
donki C Join Date: May 2007 Location: Estonia Posts: 15	standard suspension too stiff I got my C30 about 2 weeks ago. It's 2.0D, Momentum package with Dynaudio. I'm generally happy with the car but for the bumpy road conditions in my hometown the suspension feels too stiff for me. I did test drive T5 prior to purchasing (only version my dealer had) and found it to be a little too stiff but the dealer convinced me that T5 had a sportier stiffer suspension than the standard C30 I was interested in. He said the standard C30 would feel similar to S40. So I did try S40, it felt good and orered the C30. But now that I got my 2.0D, i find it to be as stiff as that T5 I test drove and the ride does not feel comfortable. It kinda spoils the nice feeling of owning a brand new C30. My previous car was a Mazda3 and it felt much softer. After reading some threads here I understand that C30 has a Dynamic Suspension as standard. S40 on the other hand has a Comfort Suspension as standard and stiffer Dynamic as an option. Maybe its possible to replace some parts in a C30 suspension (struts, springs) to make it feel more soft and Comfort-like? What makes the car stiff - springs or struts?

08-05-2007, 06:02 AM	#4
MichelR C30WORLD Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Netherlands Posts: 242	C30 has a stiffer suspension then the S40/V40 because it's another kind of car. You can't compare them in this way. So I fear you made a wrong choice if you wanted a softer ride.. __________________ Ordered a new C30 R-Edition MY2011 on 1 July.. delivery around September C30 1.6 Kinetic Passion Red, 2007, Sport steeringwheel, sport pedals, High performance audio, 17" Zaurak, Spoiler and Bodykit

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08-04-2007, 12:41 PM	#3
donki C Join Date: May 2007 Location: Estonia Posts: 15	I have 16" wheels... tyres are Pirelli which came with a car (can check measurements later). I specifically ordered 16" to have a smoother ride... Have also tried lower tire pressures to ease the stiffness which helps a little but not too much. Our road conditions are a lot of patched tarmac, uneven repair work and unpatched holes. The worst part of the stiff ride is that the rear end hops quite uncomfortably over the bumps. Front end feels better, I guess due to engine weight.

08-06-2007, 10:21 AM	#7
cy11 New User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: South Bend, Indiana Posts: 1	Get Koni FSD/Eibach Prokit suspension kit, See: http://www.koni.com/index.php?id=190 It will improve ride over broken roads, tar strips. nfm

08-06-2007, 01:05 PM	#8
Sam C30 tuner/Volvo employee Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Belgium, Gent Posts: 1,714	springs have to wear out a bit to soften it up. if u drive it across bumpy terrain alot like u say it will 'hang loose' eventually. sure it's not the ideal way if u wanna go for 400000 km but if u got better ones i'd be happy to read :)

08-07-2007, 04:11 AM	#10
donki C Join Date: May 2007 Location: Estonia Posts: 15	Thanks for all the suggestions. I have experimented more with tire pressures and lowered the rear tire pressures to a lower lever than the fronts. It is still not what I'd like it to be but it feels better. I hope it will loosen up more over time too. I guess thats what I have to accept. It just does not feel right changing suspension parts with an aftermarket ones on a brand new car - at least not yet. But I will keep the Koni option in mind. And ... the roads will get better and better here every year. Alex... I'm from Estonia, not Belarus. While our history as a borderline country to the russians is painful indeed, there's no pain being born here ;) Home, sweet home!

08-07-2007, 04:23 AM	#12
donki C Join Date: May 2007 Location: Estonia Posts: 15	Yeah, I have followed your project, Sam. Nice indeed and very courageous. You seem to have good experience with suspension tuning and probably have some good contacts on that field. What would be your choice for softening it up a little? Would like to hear your recommendations! :)

08-07-2007, 04:27 AM	#13
Sam C30 tuner/Volvo employee Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Belgium, Gent Posts: 1,714	if you have the posibility and u don't care for looks, one of the only ways would be install koni's adjustable in stifness (the yellow kind) and consult your dealer for oem springs from other models which are w bit softer. tho i'm not sure i'd spend that kind of money for dubious effect maybe if u can find a fitting part koni heavy track aborbers wouldn't be a bad option either, they're usually for 4x4 vehicles tho

08-19-2007, 10:01 AM	#14
donki C Join Date: May 2007 Location: Estonia Posts: 15	OK, I have experimented with tire pressures and I think I have found a good compromise. My tires are 205/55 R16 Pirelli. Recommended pressures for my 2.0D are 230 kpA front and 210 kpA rear. I have found that I get a reasonably soft ride with pressures 220 front and 160 rear (1 or 2 persons in a car). With that pressure the tires still look visually OK and not flat looking. Pressure has been measured after about 30 min ride to take account the pressure rise in front tires from engine heat (I noticed that it can rise about 20 kpA due to engine heat). I know that riding with lower pressures does not help my fuel consumption or tire wear but it does feel more comfortable over the bumpy roads.