Suspension body roll

[Richardw]

Just owned my first s type for 3 months now, so have no experience of how s type handlles.

Most of the time it's a pleasure to drive and feels secure, until one ventures on to B class roads that are uneven and have variable cambers, then the suspension seems unable to compensate for this irregular surface, and doesn't feel like it copes as well as my old 306,

It seems to yaw ( left to right) more than I would expect from a car of this class and it having a reputation for good handling .

The shocks seem okay when given the bounce test, and settle quickly.

Has anybody had a similar experience, or is this a characteristic of the s type comfort suspension.

Grateful for any advice.

RichardW..

[Claws]

Hi Richard

What model S type do you have? I have a 3.0 'Sport 200' (whatever that means?) I also have to use B roads, and find the ruts / grooves left by farm vehicles want to dictate the position of the car, so keeping a strong hand on the wheel sorts that out. I may be completely wide of the mark here (the chaps will correct me) but the suspension on my car is quite stiff, which I would expect for a 'Sports' model. It may also be my imagination, but when I press the 'S' button it feels stiffer!

Overall I find the steering / body roll to be very responsive, so would imagine variations in road surface would affect the car, especially if the depth of the uneven surface is quite significant. But like I say, the guys in the JOC will have a damn sight more experience / knowledge than I

[Richardw]

Hi Steve,Thanks for your post, my car is a 3.0. Ltr SE. Has covered 90K and has the comfort type suspension, as opposed to the firmer sport version.

It appears to accentuate the road deformations rather than mitigate them, more apparent in the sideways direction.

On the face of it the shocks seem okay don't continue bouncing on static test, and doesn't nose dive on braking there is no suspension rattles or knocks ,however I have an iffy bush on one of the rear shocks but other bushes don't seem to bad, could worn bushes affect the handling to this extent ?

As I mentioned before my old 306 handles this grade of road better, never the less I still enjoy driving the S Type and it looks fantastic,

If I can improve the suspension it will be just perfect!.

[Claws]

Hi Richard

I will leave the answer regarding bushes to those more experienced than I, this is my first Jag also, so my knowledge is limited.

Just curious, does your car want to meander on flat roads if you take your hands off the wheel, or while braking? Is your steering tight / responsive?

I'm trying to drag up memories from the days long gone, when I use to do my own mechanics, I have tyre pressure? Tracking? Jumping into my mind for some reason. You have checked the bounce on the shocks, I use to check the body roll as well, to make sure it settled the same when rocking it from passenger side, and drivers side.

If anything else springs to mind, I'll let you know

Steve

[Richardw]

Hi Steve, my Jag doesn't meander or follow ruts as you describe, although my wife complains her car does this, hers has a stiff suspension, unlike my Jag , could it be related to tyre size otherwise it difficult to say whether it's normal for that on your model, I shall eventually take mine to a experienced s type mechanic for a full appraisal of shocks and bushes and if necessary a test drive

Thanks Richard

[Mr Lawrence]

First of all "comfort suspension " says it all.

There is another setting, obtained by changing the springs which will give you a firmer ride but not as much as the sport settings.

Also, tyre pressures, if I remember there's a comfort, normal and fully loaded pressure setting which will either be in the book or drivers door pillar.

16in wheels have a bit more bounce in them too, this coupled with soft tyres and comfort suspension will give a wallowy ride.

Generally any worn suspension parts will give a tell tale knock over rough ground.

So, check the tyre pressures are set to normal first and take it from there.

I have 17 in wheels and normal suspension, according to my build sheet, and whilst the ride isn't bone jarring it's stiffer than my old 99 T reg that had 16in wheels.

[Mike_eng]

I also have the SE, when I first bought I was disappointed with the handling until I had a full laser alignment done.

 

As I remember  it the following were set wrong:

Front tracking

Front camber on one side

Front Castor on both sides (in opposite directions)

Rear Camber on one side

Thrust line 

 

Needless to say when it came back it was transformed and will now go round my favourite bend faster than any of the cars I've ever owned.

 

Since I've lived round here:

 

405 Mi16

Hyundai coupe F2 EVO

Seat Leon Fr with Eibach rising rate springs and Koni FSD shocks.

Company car Audi A4 2.0 TDI S-line

[Russ68]

I have the Sport and I'm not entirely happy with the handling, but I put this mainly down to a random tyre selection with a different manufacturer on every corner. I'll be changing these in due course as tyre selection, condition and pressures largely define the handling. Based on what Mike says I'll have the geometry carefully checked when these are fitted.

 

I also have an MGF with well sorted suspension including polybushes and SPAX adjustable shockers, and I fully intend on bringing the S-Type up to a similar standard. IMHO it's not worth changing out a serviceable component in order to upgrade it, but replacing a worn component with an upgraded one makes complete sense!

[red-z]

My thoughts are:-

1. check tyre condition, ie good tread, correct pressures,  if all OK

2. get wheel alignment checked.  If you still have the problem

3. get a proper suspension check done

4. take another S-type for a test drive to see if it's any better, either one from this club if one lives near you (I'd offer mine but I live in Australia), or find one in a car yard and make out you are interested in buying it.