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C-Max '06 Factory Sport Suspension Downgrade To Default?


mrelwood
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THE QUESTIONS:

I need to "downgrade" the factory sport suspension on my '06 C-Max. Will I be done with replacing the springs and the shocks, or are there any rods, arms and other parts that must be replaced also as the ride gets higher?

I read that different brands of springs of the same height also have big differences in comfort. Which normal height springs should I look for when aiming for the softest riding C-Max in the world? Perhaps used originals?

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THE REASON:

I need to do this because my permanently busted back is handling the "sport" pretty badly, especially on the speed bumps our town is riddled with. I'm currently running the 205/55R16 tires with only 2.0 bars (30psi) front and 1.8 bars (26psi) rear, and while smaller bumps are now mostly manageable, I'm forced to go quite a bit further. A higher ride will also help getting out of the car. (Yes, my back is really that bad.)

I am aware that tires and especially the rim diameter makes a world of difference, but I really need to extend the suspension travel. If I could choose, I would take the delightfully floaty and feather light suspension from a Honda FR-V... But the driver position in that car was horrific.

Most aftermarket spring manufacturers exist only for lowering and stiffening the suspension, so I'm having a hard time finding comparisons or even discussion in softening the ride. I want to go as far as possible with the softening, since the car is otherwise so great.

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Yay, no other parts need replacing. I think I'll go with Monroe Reflex for the shocks, but how about springs? New Monroes, new whatever-they-gots, new other-brands, or used originals?

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SHORT STORY LONG:

Slight update already. Asked the matter from the local distributor, and they told that the data they have tells that the car came equipped with standard suspension from the factory. Later on they admitted that the sport suspension could have been installed at the factory after entering the data, or by the local distributor. They suggested I bring the car in for a quick check so they could see wether the suspension is sport or regular. I did since they would do the check free of charge.

I am baffled by how messed up the Ford data systems are. The suspension looked original, and after quite a while of two persons on a computer the end result is that the original shocks are indeed hardened, and the springs are either lowered or just very worn out. They have the product code for the correct springs but they still can't tell wether they are lowered, hardened or regular. It would be okay to replace the shocks with regulars, but replacing the springs with new regulars would be "on my responsibility" (?!), even if the end result would be the same.

The important part is that other parts do not need to be replaced when making the suspension regular. The job would cost a baffling 1700€ (£1324) at the distributor, so I will take it pretty far away for the job. But now I know what to ask for with better confidence.

I've pretty much made up my mind on Monroe Reflex shocks, since I understood they would be the best bump killers for a reasonable cost. Please let the forum know if I'm wrong! But I'm still pondering on the springs.

I hope someone can find the time to share his/her thoughts on the matter!

Sent from my iPhone using Ford OC

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I think when fords offer the sports suspension it's just the springs, a few guys on another site have only the springs well as far as I know and the ride isn't that bad even with 17s on.

Why would it cost for much to return to normal suspension ?

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Thanks for the replies guys! The only thing they were certain on, is that the shocks are harder than on a certain regular C-Max of identical year, engine and transmission. The ride level is clearly about 1.5" lower, so the springs sure ain't regular either. No matter, I will replace both, just have to choose which springs.

And who asks these obese prices you ask? The official Ford distributor and service in Finland, Veho.

Sent from my iPhone using Ford OC

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What sort of mileage has the car done?

Is it possible it's high mileage or someone has been running the car with a large load over a long period?

Possible explanation of the lower ride height.

Changing the shockers will definitely help your back problem. Are the Munroes' adjustable for 'hardness'?

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What sort of mileage has the car done?

Is it possible it's high mileage or someone has been running the car with a large load over a long period?

Possible explanation of the lower ride height.

Changing the shockers will definitely help your back problem. Are the Munroes' adjustable for 'hardness'?

The car has only 107 000 km (66 000 miles) on it, and the other C-Maxes I tested had around 100k miles on them. The others drove a lot softer, and sat atleast an inch higher. I'm positive my car has a lowered suspension from the factory.

The Monroe Reflexes are not adjustable. And I have started thinking that while they absorb the initial shocks very well, they don't allow the amount of travel that I believe I would like under slow driving. I think my options are still completely open. I'm happy to hear suggestions for both coil springs and dampers that would allow the most pillowy drive when driving slow on speed bumps.

Cornering abilities, precision and carriage potential are all secondary features. And in this case I believe they are even to be avoided.

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Thanks for the replies guys! The only thing they were certain on, is that the shocks are harder than on a certain regular C-Max of identical year, engine and transmission. The ride level is clearly about 1.5" lower, so the springs sure ain't regular either. No matter, I will replace both, just have to choose which springs.

And who asks these obese prices you ask? The official Ford distributor and service in Finland, Veho.

Sent from my iPhone using Ford OC

thought ireland was dear for dealer prices got timingbelt/water pump/rear discs/pads/2rear drop links total price €732 was also told front shock was leaking .

so dealer phone me today with price 2 shocks top mounts and tracking €405

this will be last time i use main dealer prices are through the roof ,as for your problem looking for springs Eibach or h@r are real quality

regards

paul

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"as for your problem looking for springs Eibach or h@r are real quality

regards

paul"

Thank you for the suggestion, but this is what Eibach has to say about the Pro-Kit they suggest for the C-Max:

"- High Performance Handling and Aggressive Good Looks

- Lower Center of Gravity — Lowers Vehicle 1.0" - 1.5"

- Corner Faster"

All of those are the exact opposite of where I'm going. And H&R doesn't have springs for a '06 C-Max. If it did, they would lower the car by 1.3-1.4".

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thought ireland was dear for dealer prices got timingbelt/water pump/rear discs/pads/2rear drop links total price €732 was also told front shock was leaking .

so dealer phone me today with price 2 shocks top mounts and tracking €405

this will be last time i use main dealer prices are through the roof ,as for your problem looking for springs eibach or h@r are real quality

regards

paul

Wow that's expensive. Couldn't you get them from a car auto parts them have the, fitted by a non ford mechanic ? From shocks are only £100 of eBay top mounts can't be that much and tracking maybe £30 45 euros?

It's a wonder how they get away with such price

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Wow that's expensive. Couldn't you get them from a car auto parts them have the, fitted by a non ford mechanic ?

I will have a familiar mechanic do the work, and I surely won't buy the products from Ford. I just have to decide which springs and dampers to put in.

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Wow that's expensive. Couldn't you get them from a car auto parts them have the, fitted by a non ford mechanic ? From shocks are only £100 of eBay top mounts can't be that much and tracking maybe £30 45 euros?

It's a wonder how they get away with such price

jacked front off car up today to see if shocks where leaking drivers side slight leak' price shocks on mick's garage €72 each can live with that price have test 15 oct so might just what and see if it passes

paul

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jacked front off car up today to see if shocks where leaking drivers side slight leak' price shocks on mick's garage €72 each can live with that price have test 15 oct so might just what and see if it passes

paul

Have you checked eBay? Might be cheaper

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dont have to pay postage with mick's uk sellers charge fortune on eBay

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