VW Golf III VR6 Suspension

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Sat 3 Aug 2002 12:36
VW Golf III VR6 Suspension - aj
I have 1996 Golf VR6 that I bought about a year ago. It has 117K miles on the clock. The previous owner bought the vehicle new, it has a lowered 'sports' suspension (I don't know if it was supplied like this from the dealer or whether this was after-market) which produces a very harsh ride. This, in itself, is not a problem to me. However, when driving on a bumpy road particularly one with a series of undulations the car has an alarming tendency to 'bounce' through the undulations which seriously affects one's ability to keep control.

Could someone tell me whether this is simply a product of the lowered suspension or if it is a case of needing to have the dampers replaced or if the whole setup needs changing (I hope not). It is difficult to test the dampers by leaning on one corner of the car as the suspension is very hard and has very little travel in order to see if it bounces.

Does anyone have any experience of different types of dampers and springs on this particular vehicle as I have never driven one of these cars with standard suspension. I have been told that cornering is not good with the standard setup.

Thanks
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Sat 3 Aug 2002 19:54
VW Golf III VR6 Suspension - Ben {P}
Sounds like someone has fitted some lowered uprated springs to the car with the standard dampers. The harder springs will work the dampers harder, therefore at 117k miles it is likely the dampers are knackered. I would reccomend Bilstein Sport dampers.

However, if you have the money get a set of the excellent Bilstein pss9 coil-over kits from Euro c*** Parts.

Ben
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Sun 4 Aug 2002 09:31
VW Golf III VR6 Suspension - Roger Jones
I've had a Golf III VR6 Highline since new. I don't understand the criticism of its handling that I've seen in certain specialist quarters (damping in particular), but then I don't thrash it about. I talked to a neighbour in the motor business about it and he told me of someone who had the whole set-up changed on taking delivery of the car as new, but agreed with my view that for normal usage that sort of thing is a wildly unnecessary extravagance. With standard set-up the ride is pleasantly firm, noticeably firmer and sportier than other Golfs, and it feels safe as houses.
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Tue 6 Aug 2002 13:03
VW Golf III VR6 Suspension - JohnM{P}
IIRC - CAR magazine were distinctly unimpressed by the handling and damping of their long-term test car (one of the first V6's), however, when they drove another one shortly before it was replaced by the MkIV, they found its handling to have been much improved...
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