bouncy ride - p5 '02
 

I have a P5 2002 that I use for daily driving and the ride is bouncy over small bumps. It gets fatiguing by the end of the day. I know there is a compromise of performance versus comfort. What would you recommend I do to dampen the bumpy feeling?

Thanks,

Dave

hmm, I haven't noticed a bumpy ride even with "performance" springs. It is possible there is a suspension problem either with sturt valve gassing or a broken end link or what not. How well does the car handle hard in a turn? How many miles?? wheels stock?

If you don't find a problem anywhere, and the car is low mileage, you might try swapping to some Eibach springs. They will lower the car about 1.5", but they're a progressive rate coil, meaning the initial compression is a bit softer than normal, then stiffens up as you really dive into a turn. I think these actually ride a bit better than the stockers did.

The car has been like this since new and I have made no modifications. It's a trait of a car not a problem per se. I only have 15k miles on it.

did you test drive the car beofre buying it?

Yes, I test drove it and mine is just like the test model. I noticed the bouncy ride when I test drove it. I thought I would get more accustomed to it but I have not.

Mazda has always had more of a sharper "edge" to the handling of their cars. This is the price we pay I guess. Enjoy carving up a twisty canyon road more often, then you'll feel better maybe. :)

short wheel base
 

I noticed the bouncy ride from day one and have concluded that a short wheel base cars and american roads = a bobble heads dream ride:D

It's the design from the factory, mine has the same bounce. And dropping the car will only make it worse. When you add the 1.5 drop coils, your only shortening the distance between you and the road. And the amount of shock abosrbtion between you and the road. Progressive Rate coil or not, your bounce is going to get worse.

maybe try
 

hey, new here first post

i also live in CO my wife commutes an hour to denver 5dys/wk in here '01 LX 2.0
i installed tokico HP and teins (2" drop +/-) the rolling bumps are much smoother
but seams and cracks are much more noticeable....she hated it....
point is this all evened out by running an ultra-light after market wheel

If your ride is bouncy, it might be that the struts are worn and you may need to replace them.

He is saying the ride is rough cause it's too stiff....have to deal with it though...thats the price of having one of the best handling FWD cars on the market