suspension/shock absorber question

[grayback]

so as i was enjoying the early days of my new sonic, one day i was with my cousin who is eventually more "car techy" than me. he noticed that upon heading unto a hump, that the rear suspension is somewhat more "bouncy" than of the front.

we get off the car and test it by pushing the car downward. i also noticed that the rear part is easier to push down than the front. is this normal?

i got to write this up because i know that my cousin's background is modifying cars (drag racing, drifting) and i am thinking that he is comparing the default sonic's configuration to those he previously get hand on.

 

[rdss]

It's fine, it's an economy car aimed at comfort vs drag racing and drifting. Throw on some coil overs or springs to reduce the bounce.

 

[sx sonic]

Normal.

Like RDSS hinted at, it really depends on what the car is intended to do.

Racing vehicles typically have very stiff springs and tighter dampening. The front to rear bias is also set up differently since the car isn't going to have to handle acceptably for 1 driver AND possibly 4 passengers and a trunk full of luggage. Racing vehicle are setup to ideally fill only 1 requirement, get around the track as fast as possible with little to no regard for comfort, and a known load (the driver)


Your sonic on the other hand is setup to be comfortable, somewhat sporty, and must accommodate different loads. It must work good when only you're driving and also acceptably with a car full of people and luggage.



That and also the fact that there is significantly more weight on the front suspension is why the spring and dampening rates are different front to rear.

 

[grayback]

i was about to go to the dealer to let them change my suspension..haha...

thanks for the relief guys!