Deteriorated Ride quality
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Sep 2021
Posts: 22
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From: NJ
Deteriorated Ride quality
I have had my 2015 GS 350 F Sport for 7 years now, bought it for around 30k, and it now has close to 112k. Of late, I have felt that the ride quality is pretty bad for any car, even my 20-year-old BMW rides better after I changed the LCA bushings. I was thinking of doing the same (LCA bushing) to see if that would make a difference. I have seen people put in a GSF bushing, as they are a bit harder rubber than stock.
Any other suggestions for a quick diagnosis to check on the shocks? I have even tried to lower the air pressure; the average between cold and hot is around 32-33 psi. Thanks
Any other suggestions for a quick diagnosis to check on the shocks? I have even tried to lower the air pressure; the average between cold and hot is around 32-33 psi. Thanks
Pit Crew
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 132
Likes: 20
From: ON
Define what you mean by deteriorated. What has degraded about the ride quality? Is it too 'floaty' or too stiff?
I did a large suspension refresh last year on my GS, and I found the 2 biggest improvements were replaced the aging shocks with fresh KYB AVS shocks, even though they weren't completely blown, and replacing the LCA bushings to GSF bushings.
They both made major improvements, the shocks were much more firm and controlled in their dampening. The GSF bushings were one of the best things I've done too, improved steering feel and high speed stability, with a tiny increase in NVH (almost not even noticeable).
For checking the shocks, aside from visually inspecting for leaked oil on the shock body, one thing that made me certain mine were on the way one was travelling at highway speeds I noticed that when the road was wavy, the body of the car wouldn't settle after the bumps. It would ride up-down-up-down (almost like a waveform) until it finally settled. As soon as I replaced the shocks I noticed it would no longer do that.
Much less body roll as well with fresh shocks.
I did a large suspension refresh last year on my GS, and I found the 2 biggest improvements were replaced the aging shocks with fresh KYB AVS shocks, even though they weren't completely blown, and replacing the LCA bushings to GSF bushings.
They both made major improvements, the shocks were much more firm and controlled in their dampening. The GSF bushings were one of the best things I've done too, improved steering feel and high speed stability, with a tiny increase in NVH (almost not even noticeable).
For checking the shocks, aside from visually inspecting for leaked oil on the shock body, one thing that made me certain mine were on the way one was travelling at highway speeds I noticed that when the road was wavy, the body of the car wouldn't settle after the bumps. It would ride up-down-up-down (almost like a waveform) until it finally settled. As soon as I replaced the shocks I noticed it would no longer do that.
Much less body roll as well with fresh shocks.
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Sep 2021
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
From: NJ
appreciate the response, i was leaning towards the LCA bushing, your response just further reinforced it. When I say deteriorated, I mean it feels as if there is no shock absorption. Any time the car goes over a small pot hole, which we have plenty of here in the NJ area, i can feel it. The car has no flex, it's stiff as a rock. I am struggling to explain, but it feels similar to the cabinet door slamming when the soft-close hinges stops working.
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Sep 2021
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
From: NJ
Did you replace the shocks for both front and back? How do I know if I need the shocks with or without adaptive suspension? I saw a video for rear shock replacement, the guy said to replace the sway bar link too when at it.
Pit Crew
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 132
Likes: 20
From: ON
Shocks can get stiff if they've been blown for a long time, they can end up feeling like pogo sticks on bumps.
I believe F Sport and Luxury models had AVS shocks, non-F sport/base ones got non-AVS. You can get both from rockauto for a much lower price than the dealer (just be aware there are different part numbers for AWD/RWD models).
But yes, I replaced all 4 corners (and also took the chance to add lowering springs), as well as replacing the sway bar links around all 4 corners while I was there.
I believe F Sport and Luxury models had AVS shocks, non-F sport/base ones got non-AVS. You can get both from rockauto for a much lower price than the dealer (just be aware there are different part numbers for AWD/RWD models).
But yes, I replaced all 4 corners (and also took the chance to add lowering springs), as well as replacing the sway bar links around all 4 corners while I was there.
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