How to make suspension feel nice again?
Posted by TopSigma01@reddit | askcarguys | View on Reddit | 12 comments
I have a 2008 Honda Civic Si. Its suspension feels suuuper worn out and mushy. It feels like a boat, like it’s all over the road.
How do I refresh the suspension and make it feel like a nice sportier car? Like a newer m440i for example?
I understand the basic jist of it; upgrade to coilovers / replace all or most suspension components.
But what specifically should I replace and in what order? Coilovers first? Then bushings and sway bar end links, ball joints, tie rods? Any advice helps!
Also, is there any meaningful difference in how I should upgrade the front vs rear suspension? I believe the front is a macphearson strut system and the rear is double wishbone. Does that change how I should upgrade suspension?
hatred-shapped@reddit
Every piece of rubber in the suspension needs to be replaced. And probably complete dampers
shreddedsharpcheddar@reddit
your car is 16 years old, you need to replace all of the suspension and steering bushings and driveline mounts. then consider upgrades afterward
bobqzzi@reddit
Your absolute best bet is to just replace the shocks with a good quality standard shock (if Bilstein makes something, go that way). Replace the strut tops, control bushings, and sway bar bushings with new stock ones. Have ball joints inspected and replace if bad. If the springs are broken or badly rusted enough it looks like the may break, replace them with new stock ones.
Once done drive the car and evaluate.
Under no circumstances install coilovers.
TopSigma01@reddit (OP)
No coilovers? How come?
bobqzzi@reddit
They ride like crap, are noisy, wear out faster, and 95% of them are too short.
Also, don't lower the car- it makes it handle worse
135is@reddit
Since when does lowering a car and coilovers make a car handle worse ? Have you ever been to a track? My car handles so much better with coilovers and lowered.
Novel_Economics5828@reddit
Coilovers are great if you get nice ones like Ohlins, MCS, etc. and actually use them as intended by taking advantage of conerweighting and dialing in your alignment via camber plates, etc.
If you don’t have the budget or don’t want spring rates that are likely too high for a street car, sticking with stiffer lowering springs with a slight drop from a good brand like Eibach paired with Koni or Bilstein shocks will be the better option.
Coilovers often times introduce more NVH especially if paired with camber plates and other parts that lose out on rubber insulation and oe spring bearings.
JollyGreenGigantor@reddit
Honestly most dampers start losing performance at 50-60K miles. Most suspension bushings start breaking down around 100K.
I'd bet you would be surprised at the ride quality increase of refreshed bushings on all your control arms plus fresh dampers. This along with new engine and transmission mounts will make a 20 year old car feel brand new in terms of drivetrain, steering, and suspension response.
You don't need coilovers and whatnot. But if you're going that route, at least refresh your bushings at the same time or you'll just have stiff springs and dampers and loose suspension links.
kerberos824@reddit
Mate, you've got a 20 year old economy car gussied up to be a sports car. It will never compete with a m440i. Apples to oranges. And I say that as someone who loves the Si and has had 3 Civics.
Also, unless you're spending three grand on coilovers, just don't. Get some better springs and struts, do the tie rods, get some decent tires, and call it a day.
Own_Shallot7926@reddit
Be honest with yourself about the car you own and what you're trying to get out of it. Civic Si is a reliable and somewhat sporty small FWD sedan. An M440i is an almost 400hp RWD high performance sports car.
I'd strongly advise against putting a set of adjustable racing coilovers on your car with the goal of making it "sportier." They'll cost more than the car is worth and I don't think you'll be thrilled with the result - you aren't making enough power to really squeeze better handling/grip out of them and they'll be extremely stiff. You will feel every bump right in your bottom. They aren't comfortable for daily driving. They won't add value to your car.
What you probably need is basic suspension maintenance. You might put some name brand shocks and replace any other worn parts with OEM.
Brainfewd@reddit
Coilovers, especially on the cheaper end, generally have pretty aggressive ride quality. Cheap ones are usually designed to just go low and that creates limited suspension travel and thus they need to be stiffer. Good coilovers CAN be ok on the street, but you will pay for them. Usually 2k+.
As someone else said, new struts from a reputable company like Bilstein or Koni would be a great start, even if you wanted to do a slight lowering spring, it’ll have better street characteristics than a coilover setup.
I would review all bushings under the car, as they’re closing in on 20 years old, and that’s certainly enough time for them to start to degrade.
Tires can also change ride quality a lot as well. Some have very stiff sidewall that will make the car feel firmer. But you don’t want to go too aggressive there either.
MasterKaleidoscope97@reddit
Coils and bushings, alot of aftermarket suspensions are stiffer especially for the 8th gen but some come with adjustable dampers which would get you on the right track.