MK5 Golf GTI

All Things Mk5 => How to Guides / Troubleshooting => Topic started by: GTIEagles on April 27, 2015, 08:39:55 am

Title: Any handling experts out there?
Post by: GTIEagles on April 27, 2015, 08:39:55 am
A couple of months ago I had a set of new Toyo T1-Rs fitted to my car. I have now covered over 1000 miles on them and I finally managed to go for a spritely drive at the weekend.

The car seems to handle fairly well, the grip is good but the turn in feels quite soft and vague (I am running factory pressures) to the point that it doesn't really inspire much confidence but the most alarming thing I experienced was the weird skipping sensation when going over slight bumps in the road. This seems to happen at normal speeds and it upsets the whole balance of the car making it feel loose. I'm sure I have felt this before on the car and it felt like the backend was stepping out.

My initial thoughts are the shocks need replacing, as the ride can be quite crashy at low speeds (especially when it's cold)

Does anyone have any other suggestions? The car is on 104k.
Title: Re: Any handling experts out there?
Post by: AJP on April 27, 2015, 09:02:50 am
Get the suspension geometry set up by someone that knows what they're doing. Anywhere with a Hunter machine would be a safe bet.
Title: Re: Any handling experts out there?
Post by: GTIEagles on April 27, 2015, 01:56:21 pm
Get the suspension geometry set up by someone that knows what they're doing. Anywhere with a Hunter machine would be a safe bet.

Can a poorly aligned car display those symptoms? It tracks straight and the tyre wear seems normal.
Title: Re: Any handling experts out there?
Post by: AJP on April 27, 2015, 04:44:26 pm
Well it's one thing to get right in the first place.

Although from what you said it does sound like the car is bouncing on the springs a bit.
Title: Re: Any handling experts out there?
Post by: btowery on April 28, 2015, 12:16:33 am
I agree most likely dampers. Get a shop that you trust to evaluate. If you replace, you'll have to get the alignment done in any case, suggesting it may be a second step. If your 'trusted technician' says that you don't need dampers, then--dollars to donuts (as we say over here)--he'll suggest an alignment.