C30 General : - Softening the suspension - Page 2

Derek Oliver · May 6th, 2013, 17:36

We purchased an 07 2L diesel a few weeks ago my wife being the main user and she is delighted with it.

However being a long way past my sell by date with significant arthritis in the base of my spine I find the ride decidedly uncomfortable, particularly on the well potholed minor roads of rural Lincolnshire. Every small dip in the road gives me an unpleasant jolt.

The ride of the car I usually drive - a tatty 14 year old Pug 306 estate - by comparison is very comfortable along with nice handling. I would like to try and soften the jittery ride of the Volvo even if this takes the edge off the handling characteristics. At our age we don't tear about much !!

I suspect that much of this comes from the use of low profile tyres - 205/50 17 which will have little give in the sidewalls. There is plenty of clearance between wheel and brake calliper to change to 16 inch rims with a higher tyre profile to get roughly the same rolling radius. Not yet being very knowledgeable about the Volvo range can anyone suggest a 16 wheel that will fit. Or are the 5 stud PCD and offset the same as another make (Ford?)

Next will be to investigate adjustable dampers for the rear, but I would like to try the wheels & tyres first as 2 are due replacement soon anyway.

May 6th, 2013, 17:36	#1
Derek Oliver Junior Member Last Online: Jun 22nd, 2017 17:21 Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Rural Lincolnshire	Softening the suspension We purchased an 07 2L diesel a few weeks ago my wife being the main user and she is delighted with it. However being a long way past my sell by date with significant arthritis in the base of my spine I find the ride decidedly uncomfortable, particularly on the well potholed minor roads of rural Lincolnshire. Every small dip in the road gives me an unpleasant jolt. The ride of the car I usually drive - a tatty 14 year old Pug 306 estate - by comparison is very comfortable along with nice handling. I would like to try and soften the jittery ride of the Volvo even if this takes the edge off the handling characteristics. At our age we don't tear about much !! I suspect that much of this comes from the use of low profile tyres - 205/50 17 which will have little give in the sidewalls. There is plenty of clearance between wheel and brake calliper to change to 16 inch rims with a higher tyre profile to get roughly the same rolling radius. Not yet being very knowledgeable about the Volvo range can anyone suggest a 16 wheel that will fit. Or are the 5 stud PCD and offset the same as another make (Ford?) Next will be to investigate adjustable dampers for the rear, but I would like to try the wheels & tyres first as 2 are due replacement soon anyway. __________________ Derek Oliver in rural Lincolnshire New to Volvo - 07 C30 2.0 L D 1972 MGB GT big boy's toy Last edited by Derek Oliver; May 6th, 2013 at 17:38.

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