Project: Kalampag

[MikeOcampo]

Hi, I have a 2003 N16 Exalta M/T acquired from my uncle with 140,000 kms. Engine, Aircon, Interior are excellent but am having a hard time restoring it's sedan "ride comfort."

No problem with large bumps and gallops. But irritatingly noisy on rough surface. As one of my rear passengers once commented "ramdam ko ang kalsada."

Shock absorbers had been replaced already (OEM).
I had it checked sa casa 3 times already but they don't find anything wrong with the suspension. I have doubts on their findings though coz the rear easily bottoms with 3 rear passengers (130 pounds each).

My suspects are:
1.) Cheap tires (KELLY)
2.) Bushings

Please help. From the threads I could see I have a lot more to learn from you guys.

[speed unlimited]

Pa check mo para sa second opinion sa Servitek ibat ibang gawaan iba ang suspect.
Pwede rin sa design ng thread ng goma .

[ghosthunter]

Have you checked if the original springs have softened from use/abuse?

Also the tires would have a big difference in ride quality.

[dieselNUBI]

high tire pressure maybe? pag mataas kasi masyadong matigas at ramdam mo talaga ang kalsada

[voltscastillo]

nagpalit ka agad ng shocks?

check the tyres, baka manipis na. tyres get noisier and harder the more they're worn down.

[MikeOcampo]

Hi Volts,

Yep, the shocks were busted/leaking already when I acquired the car kaya inuna ko na.

Hi GhostHunter,

Yep, I could say the coil springs had been abused.
My rear tires are worn-out; but am planning to replace them anyway. The front tires are relatively new (Kelly Charger 185/65R14); would changing tire brand help?

Anyone had the chance to compare 195/65R14 versus 185/65R14 in terms of comfort?

[ghosthunter]

Hi GhostHunter,

Yep, I could say the coil springs had been abused.
My rear tires are worn-out; but am planning to replace them anyway. The front tires are relatively new (Kelly Charger 185/65R14); would changing tire brand help?

Different tires can have different rolling performance.

You can try Dunlop SP Sports line of tires. Not as much road noise nor road vibration transmitted to the chassis.

Anyone had the chance to compare 195/65R14 versus 185/65R14 in terms of comfort?

For the same tire brand/model, not much difference. The 195/65R14 would just ride a touch taller than the 185/65R14.