Frame Flexing/
Thread Starter
10th Gear
Joined: Nov 2025
Posts: 12
Likes: 2
Frame Flexing/
Hello,
I just bought my car, and I like it (2005). I see one issue, though.
Especially when the roof is open, and I go over a bump, I can feel that the whole car is flexing - is it a common thing, and if so, do you have any thoughts to make it more stiff?
Second thing, I can feel that the wheels bounce over the bumps quite strongly. The front struts were replaced at 53k, and now it has 61k. I know that the classic wheels are quite heavy and that might be the cause, but regardless, any thoughts?
Thank you
I just bought my car, and I like it (2005). I see one issue, though.
Especially when the roof is open, and I go over a bump, I can feel that the whole car is flexing - is it a common thing, and if so, do you have any thoughts to make it more stiff?
Second thing, I can feel that the wheels bounce over the bumps quite strongly. The front struts were replaced at 53k, and now it has 61k. I know that the classic wheels are quite heavy and that might be the cause, but regardless, any thoughts?
Thank you
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 902
Likes: 198
From: NJ
My 2005 has the same slight flex when the top is down. I just live with it but if you're willing to spend $$, guess there could be bracing etc.. that might help. Never felt the need myself.
The crashy suspension is part of the existing geomtery. As long as your setup is largely OEM, which is where mine is, you kind of have to live with it. If you go non OEM, the options open up a lot but it will be a $$ commitment. Some SC owners have simply installed higher profile tires, non RFT, to create a more compliant ride.
The crashy suspension is part of the existing geomtery. As long as your setup is largely OEM, which is where mine is, you kind of have to live with it. If you go non OEM, the options open up a lot but it will be a $$ commitment. Some SC owners have simply installed higher profile tires, non RFT, to create a more compliant ride.
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Dec 2025
Posts: 18
Likes: 12
Hello,
I just bought my car, and I like it (2005). I see one issue, though.
Especially when the roof is open, and I go over a bump, I can feel that the whole car is flexing - is it a common thing, and if so, do you have any thoughts to make it more stiff?
Second thing, I can feel that the wheels bounce over the bumps quite strongly. The front struts were replaced at 53k, and now it has 61k. I know that the classic wheels are quite heavy and that might be the cause, but regardless, any thoughts?
Thank you
I just bought my car, and I like it (2005). I see one issue, though.
Especially when the roof is open, and I go over a bump, I can feel that the whole car is flexing - is it a common thing, and if so, do you have any thoughts to make it more stiff?
Second thing, I can feel that the wheels bounce over the bumps quite strongly. The front struts were replaced at 53k, and now it has 61k. I know that the classic wheels are quite heavy and that might be the cause, but regardless, any thoughts?
Thank you
A hardtop roof is a large part of the structure of most cars. With no hardtop, the chassis will be more flexible. Some are better/worse than others. Even Miatas have significant aftershake. A full highly triangulated cage could stiffen things up, but I don't think one would suit the overall vibe.
Anyone want to buy our Solara?
Last edited by Fixr; Dec 7, 2025 at 05:18 PM.
CL Community Team
Joined: Dec 2024
Posts: 2,144
Likes: 664
From: PNW
Hello,
I just bought my car, and I like it (2005). I see one issue, though.
Especially when the roof is open, and I go over a bump, I can feel that the whole car is flexing - is it a common thing, and if so, do you have any thoughts to make it more stiff?
Second thing, I can feel that the wheels bounce over the bumps quite strongly. The front struts were replaced at 53k, and now it has 61k. I know that the classic wheels are quite heavy and that might be the cause, but regardless, any thoughts?
Thank you
I just bought my car, and I like it (2005). I see one issue, though.
Especially when the roof is open, and I go over a bump, I can feel that the whole car is flexing - is it a common thing, and if so, do you have any thoughts to make it more stiff?
Second thing, I can feel that the wheels bounce over the bumps quite strongly. The front struts were replaced at 53k, and now it has 61k. I know that the classic wheels are quite heavy and that might be the cause, but regardless, any thoughts?
Thank you
Maybe I’m not experienced enough to know what “flexing” is. I don’t feel anything in particular when going over a bump or anything out of the ordinary that would cause alarm.
I don’t feel any over-bounce when driving over bumps as well.
What is your tire psi — is it maybe higher than recommended psi?
Yes, our SC feels heavy, but to us it’s such a smooth ride.
We simply aren’t feeling any flexing or strong bouncing over bumps during our rides or we aren’t experienced enough to know the difference.
Again, our ride is so smooth, comfortable, enjoyable — maybe it’s the new tires that were put on before we bought it that makes the difference.
Who knows — sorry, I couldn’t be of more help.
2nd gear
Joined: Nov 2025
Posts: 2
Likes: 1
Hello,
I just bought my car, and I like it (2005). I see one issue, though.
Especially when the roof is open, and I go over a bump, I can feel that the whole car is flexing - is it a common thing, and if so, do you have any thoughts to make it more stiff?
Second thing, I can feel that the wheels bounce over the bumps quite strongly. The front struts were replaced at 53k, and now it has 61k. I know that the classic wheels are quite heavy and that might be the cause, but regardless, any thoughts?
Thank you
I just bought my car, and I like it (2005). I see one issue, though.
Especially when the roof is open, and I go over a bump, I can feel that the whole car is flexing - is it a common thing, and if so, do you have any thoughts to make it more stiff?
Second thing, I can feel that the wheels bounce over the bumps quite strongly. The front struts were replaced at 53k, and now it has 61k. I know that the classic wheels are quite heavy and that might be the cause, but regardless, any thoughts?
Thank you
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 800
Likes: 357
From: VA
One of the more significant changes to the car when they upgraded after the 2006 model line was in adding stiffening to reduce the cowl flex.
My previous car was a Honda S2000, which was known for being one of the most torsionally stiff convertibles there is.
When I first drove my '07, I didn't find the flex even noticable, must less objectionable. It was one of the things that sealed the deal on the purchase.
Good luck with your car. I know there are a myriad of chassis braces available which might help your car.
Cheers
My previous car was a Honda S2000, which was known for being one of the most torsionally stiff convertibles there is.
When I first drove my '07, I didn't find the flex even noticable, must less objectionable. It was one of the things that sealed the deal on the purchase.
Good luck with your car. I know there are a myriad of chassis braces available which might help your car.
Cheers
9th Gear
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 9
Likes: 6
From: Virginia
I have seen guys mentioning this to stiffen up the ride a bit
https://cuscousainc.com/part?partNo=...year=2001-2010
I have experienced the same thing in my 2005, i still have the RFT, and the original shocks and struts. @doobs has mentioned he had upgraded his suspension to the MeisterR's ZetaSport coilovers, which would improve your ride a bit.
https://cuscousainc.com/part?partNo=...year=2001-2010
I have experienced the same thing in my 2005, i still have the RFT, and the original shocks and struts. @doobs has mentioned he had upgraded his suspension to the MeisterR's ZetaSport coilovers, which would improve your ride a bit.
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Instructor
Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 800
Likes: 357
From: VA
I have seen guys mentioning this to stiffen up the ride a bit
https://cuscousainc.com/part?partNo=...year=2001-2010
I have experienced the same thing in my 2005, i still have the RFT, and the original shocks and struts. @doobs has mentioned he had upgraded his suspension to the MeisterR's ZetaSport coilovers, which would improve your ride a bit.
https://cuscousainc.com/part?partNo=...year=2001-2010
I have experienced the same thing in my 2005, i still have the RFT, and the original shocks and struts. @doobs has mentioned he had upgraded his suspension to the MeisterR's ZetaSport coilovers, which would improve your ride a bit.
Significantly more compliant without the harsh judder when the wheel hits a road irregularity.
Also reduces the front lift/rear squat under brisk acceleration. I can now use the full capability of the wonderful motor in the car.
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Pit Crew
Joined: Apr 2022
Posts: 101
Likes: 29
From: FL
I have seen guys mentioning this to stiffen up the ride a bit
https://cuscousainc.com/part?partNo=...year=2001-2010
I have experienced the same thing in my 2005, i still have the RFT, and the original shocks and struts. @doobs has mentioned he had upgraded his suspension to the MeisterR's ZetaSport coilovers, which would improve your ride a bit.
https://cuscousainc.com/part?partNo=...year=2001-2010
I have experienced the same thing in my 2005, i still have the RFT, and the original shocks and struts. @doobs has mentioned he had upgraded his suspension to the MeisterR's ZetaSport coilovers, which would improve your ride a bit.
Thread Starter
10th Gear
Joined: Nov 2025
Posts: 12
Likes: 2
Thread Starter
10th Gear
Joined: Nov 2025
Posts: 12
Likes: 2
Thank you. It looks like a winner.
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