Bottoming out!

[svsdino]

Hi All
Does anyone else suffer bottoming the exhaust like me? This is my first S but it seems that she only has to see a bump on a country lane and wallop!
I need to sort the exhaust out (surprise surprise) but i'm reluctant to do it until i've sorted the grinding. I only hope it doesn't require all 4 shocks or springs replacing, in fact can you replace the springs alone?
Ah well see what anyone else thinks

[catretriever]

They are prone to bottoming out due to the low slung exhaust. It's worth checking the U clamps at the front end. If the bolts are pointing south then you can gain a couple of cm's clearance just by turning them around.

[crossle]

Not at all uncommon.

Don't be suprised to see flattened downpipes and for the downpipe/exhaust joint to need regular attention.

[dougc]

Hate to break it to you but the only way I could find to really solve the problem was new suspension. It was a bit saggy anyway and needed doing but since the new stuffs gone on, I've bottomed out once in about 4 months. Previously it was once almost every time I drove it.

[svsdino]

Thanks everyone, i suppose i knew it'd require new suspension to sort it. After spending £300 ish on suspension did it make a worthwhile difference or just stop the bottoming?

[Heathyboy]

Hi,

Sounds to me like your springs need replacing and probably the front. Does the bonnet scrape the ground when you open it? Might be a sign that it is sitting too low.

I have an S3 and mine only bottoms out when either hitting a sudden dip or going over raised sections - normal B-roads are fine. Although I went out in my dad's Z3 the other day and felt myself cringing every time he caned it down a country lane - so Tiv's are definitely lower.

I'd start by getting the front springs checked.

[dougc]

svsdino said:

Thanks everyone, i suppose i knew it'd require new suspension to sort it. After spending £300 ish on suspension did it make a worthwhile difference or just stop the bottoming?

I had a full set of tyres, GAZ adjustables and Steve Heath droplinks fitted all at the same time. It was then properly set up. Its now like a different car.

Edited by dougc on Monday 15th September 12:27