Shocks on my Peugeot 3008 2013 are faaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaar too hard

ChrisK....._3

Shock absorbers on my Peugeot 3008 2013 are faaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaar too hard
Peugeot have learned their lesson since and the new 2017 model is super soft and bouncy according to reviews
I want to change the shocks to softer ones
Ive tried a few garages but they will only fit original equipment
So it looks like I will have to do the research myself
Anyone know where I can check specification (hardness) of shock absorbers so I can find the same fitting with softer spec

angrycrow

Remember if you do change the shocks from oem spec it becomes a declarable modification for insurance purposes. Is it really worth the hassle.

Herzlos

I'd try and have a shot of a 2017 and see if there's really that much difference. But in all honesty you're better living with it until you change car.


Unless you think yours are defective, in which case replacing them with stock may help.

motorguy

ChrisK..... wrote: »

Shock absorbers on my Peugeot 3008 2013 are faaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaar too hard
Peugeot have learned their lesson since and the new 2017 model is super soft and bouncy according to reviews
I want to change the shocks to softer ones
Ive tried a few garages but they will only fit original equipment
So it looks like I will have to do the research myself
Anyone know where I can check specification (hardness) of shock absorbers so I can find the same fitting with softer spec

Are the current shocks faulty? Its not uncommon for shocks to go "hard" when they've lost their gas.

We took a Lacetti in as a trade in a while ago and it was bone jarringly hard. Took a full set of shocks to sort it out but was well worth it.

Conversely if its just a bit firmer than you'd like i dont think you should be attempting to find a softer set

chrisw

It's the springs which primarily determine whether a ride is soft or firm, although the shock absorbers contribute to the ride quality.

Just changing the shocks to softer ones will not necessarily make the ride softer, but more bouncy and possibly more difficult to control. Not to mention if anyone suffers from travel/sea sickness.

Even the tyres affect the ride quality depending on whether they are stiff walled eg low profile, run flat, etc.

The ride quality is therefore an interaction of all these factors.

leosayer

My mate has a 3008 and it never feels too hard to me. I've never seen a review which mentions a hard ride so what are you comparing it to?

Do you mean the shock absorbers (ie. dampers) specifically or do you mean the ride is just too hard (which is a feature of the suspension, wheels etc.)?

Springs, dampers (shock absorbers) and other suspension components are matched to other to ensure the manufacturer gets the right balance between ride, handling, refinement, body control, safety etc. This has to be achieved with different combinations of tyres, wheel sizes, road surface quality, load with different passengers and luggage etc.

It's a fine balancing act and even minor changes can have very undesirable effects hence the need to tell insurance.

The 3008 has a much higher centre of gravity compared to an equivalent car with a lower centre of gravity eg. 308. This is generally overcome by stiffer suspension which gives worse ride quality.

Be careful what you wish for, do you really want a car that is super soft and bouncy? That could be unpleasant.

As has been mentioned before, get the suspension checked to make sure there isn't a fault.

Gwendo40

I think you'd struggle to find any after market shocks or springs that are softer than the oem ones... that market usually only caters for people wanting a firmer ride.

Although, now I think about it I suspect you're not the first person to complain that modern cars have too firm a ride, perhaps you've spotted a gap in the market and someone could make a fortune selling after market suspension that turns your car into a soft, wallowy marshmallow!

facade

An "easy" tweak is to have a look at the driver's doorpost and see if the car could be fitted with smaller wheels and taller tyres. (If there is a pressure for them then they are an optional fitment, and your insurance won't go through the roof) The taller sidewalls help give a much better ride. You may find someone selling a set as they want to go for the huge wheel/skinny tyre look.

System

motorguy wrote: »

Are the current shocks faulty? Its not uncommon for shocks to go "hard" when they've lost their gas.

This. Experienced it myself in the past. They either go completely useless so when you take them out you can compress and extend them with a couple of fingers and no effort to rock solid where you can't shift them at all.

Shocks are supposed to be replaced every 70-80,000 miles although hardly anyone, myself included, ever does. Changed mine this week at 133k and the difference was like night and day.

custardy

leosayer wrote: »

My mate has a 3008 and it never feels too hard to me. I've never seen a review which mentions a hard ride so what are you comparing it to?

Do you mean the shock absorbers (ie. dampers) specifically or do you mean the ride is just too hard (which is a feature of the suspension, wheels etc.)?

Springs, dampers (shock absorbers) and other suspension components are matched to other to ensure the manufacturer gets the right balance between ride, handling, refinement, body control, safety etc. This has to be achieved with different combinations of tyres, wheel sizes, road surface quality, load with different passengers and luggage etc.

It's a fine balancing act and even minor changes can have very undesirable effects hence the need to tell insurance.

The 3008 has a much higher centre of gravity compared to an equivalent car with a lower centre of gravity eg. 308. This is generally overcome by stiffer suspension which gives worse ride quality.

Be careful what you wish for, do you really want a car that is super soft and bouncy? That could be unpleasant.

As has been mentioned before, get the suspension checked to make sure there isn't a fault.

Have to agree. My mates 3008 doesnt feel a hard ride either.
We have a Picasso which is a pretty soft ride,but I wouldnt say the 3008 is massivly harsh in comparison.