Suspension mods 2015 Libert 3.6R

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Brakes, Wheels and Tyres

Suspension mods 2015 Libert 3.6R

Postby Bob3.6R » Tue Feb 02, 2016 7:50 pm

I've had the 3.6R for six months or so and love it, except for the wallow and understeer around bends. I put this down to the AWD tendency to understeer (previous car was a Passat R36) and the 50 series tyres.

I just fitted a 22mm rollbar to the rear based on advice from a suspension specialist who claimed this is the single best modification that can be made to reduce understeer and body roll.

I can confirm that the stiffer rear bar has transformed the handling, almost completely flattening it out around fast highway speed bends. Surprisingly the rear bar has also firmed up the steering which I found a little too light and lacked feel. Not sure why exactly, but I'm told the stiffer rear changes the amount of flex in the body and the thing is just more tied down. Even braking seems firmer for the same reason I suppose.

Of some concern was the factory bushings were already showing signs of degradation (yes, after 6 months). These were replaced by polyutherene bushes which will keep there shape for much longer. I'd bet just changing the bushes for polyurethane on a car a few years old will improve the handling.

For under $400 this is undoubtedly the easiest, quickest and cheapest way to improve the current series of Liberty and I can recommend it.

Next stop is to get rid of the crap Dunlop OE tyres, by far the worst tyres I've had on any car. They ride like being on wooden rims, lack grip, squeal under load and aren't great in the wet. I'll probably go to Conti 5's or Michellin PS3 when these things wear out.
Bob3.6R
 
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Joined: Tue Feb 02, 2016 7:24 pm
Car: 2015 Liberty3.6R

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