Strangely firm suspension

[Alastair]

My 1700 diesel was bought by me having been standing unused for Ten years.....it's now re piped etc etc etc MOT tested and in daily use....... However I do find the suspension strangely firm compared to others I have owned..... Having checked the spheres in the usual way as in car running and press the car down ...... It goes down no problem both front and back. But when you drive the car you could convince yourself the spheres were nearly flat...... Mind you I was surprised they weren't after standing so long...... And rear arm bearings were replaced too...... Any thoughts as to why it's so firm?

[RobC]

I'm astounded that after standing for ten years the spheres aren't flat. They normally have a life of only five years or so. I also suspect the front arms and struts will not be as supple as they once were and you may need to replace some bushes

[Alastair]

So Rob ..... Are you suggesting a sphere change anyway? And which bushes are you hinting at?

[RobC]

They might be able to be regassed (though this depends on the brand of sphere apparently, and is often not that much cheaper than brand new ones).

The bushes on the front are wishbone bushes, and also a duff balljoint can affect ride in my experience. The struts may be sticking internally, which can sometimes be cured by lubing, but ultimately require reconditioned ones to be fitted.

[MULLEY]

Have you changed the lhm?

[mds141]

Air ingress into the hydraulic system can also be a cause of a firm ride. A change of LHM wouldn't hurt and check the tightness of the LHM lines into and out of the HP pump. While you're at it, check the condition of the filters in the LHM tank.

[Alastair]

Thanks for the interest.... It's given me a few ideas

[sdelasal]

Is the suspension soft when you push down on the corners of the car with the engine running/suspension up?

[Alastair]

Yes it is , sdelasal..... That's what puzzles me!

[mat_fenwick]

Ride height is another to consider, although quick and free to check!

[Tim Leech]

I would recommend a new set of spheres and fresh lhm.

[Alastair]

Looks like I am going down that route Tim..... Will repost back.