ernesteng Posted July 17, 2013 Share Posted July 17, 2013 I'm looking for suggestions and recommendations as to how to improve the ride quality. The roads around my area are generally poor and my S-Max thuds about when going through potholes (some of them quite deep) and bumps, even at low speeds of ~15 mph. Otherwise, the occasional journey on motorways and most A roads is generally good, although I'd say there's always room for road grip to improve. Wheels and tires are the factory standard 17" alloys. Vehicle has clocked about ~20k miles. Is it worth changing the OE shock absorbers, and if so what should I change them to? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jeebowhite Posted July 17, 2013 Share Posted July 17, 2013 Suspension springs are probably the best thing to change, maybe to a more absorbent variety. Couldn't really advise on which shock absorbers to go for, but between the two you should be able to get a better ride. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
137699 Posted July 19, 2013 Share Posted July 19, 2013 Err, don't drive over potholes. IF you think your Smax has issues, you should try my smart roadster. The alloys are so soft that if you hit a pothole badly the wheels buckle. I have got very good at spotting & avoiding potholes after 3 costly wheel repairs. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jeebowhite Posted July 19, 2013 Share Posted July 19, 2013 Whilst I can see where 137699 is coming from, I think its a valid comment, but at the same time, not quite as easy done as is said. I also try to avoid potholes, but I know from personal experience, that trying to dance around a pothole can be very dangerous. This could result in swerving into oncoming traffic, slipping into another stream of traffic on the same road (motorway) and on some roads, you would be playing pingpong with the white lines just to avoid any number of potholes that may appear ahead of you. Whilst the comment is valid (it certainly is best to avoid potholes) it should certainly be advised that you should do so carefully and without putting yourself, or any other road user at risk, its better to hit a pothole than a Mercedes SLK afterall! or for that matter, a pedestrian or cyclist. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevegtuk Posted July 19, 2013 Share Posted July 19, 2013 Suspension springs are probably the best thing to change, maybe to a more absorbent variety. Couldn't really advise on which shock absorbers to go for, but between the two you should be able to get a better ride. +1 may also be worth smaller rims with higher profile tyres to soften the ride Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SeanW Posted July 20, 2013 Share Posted July 20, 2013 S-Max hovercraft? Would certainly be an interesting build thread :-P Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FOCA Posted July 21, 2013 Share Posted July 21, 2013 +1 may also be worth smaller rims with higher profile tyres to soften the ride Exactly what i was going to say - a set of 16" rims with 205-55-16 tyres has a much better ride than the equivelant 17" or 18" wheel/ tyre. The sidewalls are deeper on the 16" meaning you are less likely to damage the rims (or break a spring) - better for kerbs and speed bumps as well Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rosbifs Posted August 15, 2013 Share Posted August 15, 2013 Got same issue and looking to change rear shocks. They are squeaking now! Any recommendations - thinking of Bilstein 19-170206... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Ford UK Shop
Sponsored Ad
Name: eBay
Ford Model: FordUK Shop
Ford Year: 2024
Latest Deals
Ford UK Shop for genuine Ford parts & accessoriesDisclaimer: As the club is an eBay Partner, The club may be compensated if you make a purchase via the club
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.