Leon Sport Suspension

[asthpsw]

I've been after a Leon Sport for a little while and I went & tried one yesterday. Has the Leon Sport (ie 140 bhp 2009) really got Sports suspension ?.....the reason I ask is that I also tried an Exeo Sport (143 CR) out a few days previous and the Exeo is far more stable on the road (which surprised me considering the extra weight/length)....so basically has the Leon Sport truely got "Sports" Suspension.

The other thing might of been the tyre pressures (I was already naffed off by the fact that one of the directional front tyres were on the wrong way round)....so I've little confidence that tyre pressures were correct.................so me not having a manual for the Leon Sport can anyone tell me what the tyre pressures should be for 225/45 x 17 please ?

Thanks,

Paul

 

[pfitz]

Just picked up a 2011 sport dsg and its definately firmer than a standard suspension though can't help with specific differences. Getting used to the car after having a Saab 93 which felt more stable due to the fact it was a much heavier car. The Seat is certainly more squirrelly...and quicker...

Tyre pressures given as 32 front and 29 back (3 people) and 36 front and 41 back (full load).

 

[asthpsw]

Thanks for that. Is yours Petrol or TDI ?
Paul

 

[pfitz]

No worries, 2.0 tdi 140bhp

 

[TheSultanofPing]

I'm sure its not quite the same as the FR suspension though. My Sport doesn't handle as confidently as my old mk 1 Cupra did so maybe the FR suspension makes the car feel more stable than the sport.

 

[asthpsw]

yes I think that Seat describe the FR suspension as ' reworked'.
Paul

 

[bigbadjay]

Either way its rough as burnt toast. But in my opinion the sport suspension handles really well. Proven by my daily commute, 5croundabouts one after the other!

 

[asthpsw]

that looks a nice example of a Sport in your Avatar. Is it petrol /TDI ? If latter CR or PD ?

 

[bigbadjay]

Who me? (looks behind)

Thanks. Its a tsi good car

 

[pfitz]

'Either way its rough as burnt toast' - I kinda like burnt toast but I'm already finding the Sport suspension a little much!

I see shocks upgrade come very recommended. Any experience of the Koni FSD on the stock springs?

Also wondering if a swap to more standard shocks would be an improvement but would likely lose the excellent handling. I'm going to take a look underneath tonight to work out exactly what I've got on the car and will let you know.

 

[bigbadjay]

Iv heard lowering springs it can improve ride quality. Cant work out how though.

Rough even on 17"s!!!

 

[sk4tec]

Iv heard lowering springs it can improve ride quality. Cant work out how though.

Rough even on 17"s!!!

Well the springs don't need to be as stiff as the Center Of Gravity is lower.

Which is apparently how they improved the ride comfort on the FL Leno FR, lowered it and put softer springs\roll bars.

I think the ride is plush on my FR compared to the Type R I also get to drive!

 

[pfitz]

Am hoping mine will loosen up a bit, I can't see the point of lowering it if the Koni springs improve things - my impression was they are designed for stock springs only.

Hoepfully someone can feedback on swapping over to the Koni only as this seems a good option if it help cushion the back road blows....

 

[Paulki]

'Either way its rough as burnt toast' - I kinda like burnt toast but I'm already finding the Sport suspension a little much!

I see shocks upgrade come very recommended. Any experience of the Koni FSD on the stock springs?

Also wondering if a swap to more standard shocks would be an improvement but would likely lose the excellent handling. I'm going to take a look underneath tonight to work out exactly what I've got on the car and will let you know.

Quite a few people have swapped springs onto the standard shocks; Eibach Pro or Sportline are the most popular and the results, as well as lowering the car are a decent improvement to the ride quality, but I can't remember any posts where the shocks have been swapped but the standard springs kept?

I've been running Koni FSD with Eibach Pro's on my 06 TFSI Sport for about 6 years and it transformed the car in terms of ride quality!
.

 

[pfitz]

All good information; I've seen a ton of posts on the various options and am sure have seen stock springs with the FSD. Didnt realise the lower spring was softer though!

In terms of ride quality - assume you mean no crashing into pot holes?

 

[pfitz]

Sorry I seem to have hijacked this thread but found this:

Well, it'sbeen about 3 1/2 months since I've changed my dampers to the Koni FSD's. I can say that they really have changed the car! What should have been put on the car in production. I noticed a smoother ride straght away, from starting the engine and driving 30 meters, I could feel it softer straght away!! I love it!!
I wont bother with changing the springs as I was avised from Koni that the dampers were designed around the standard springs. The lowered springs are a higher spring rate so that the damper internal valves work better on the standard Leon FR 170 springs.

I guess if you go for the FSD you might as well change the springs too for maximum effect / improvement in ride.

 

[Paulki]

All good information; I've seen a ton of posts on the various options and am sure have seen stock springs with the FSD. Didnt realise the lower spring was softer though!

In terms of ride quality - assume you mean no crashing into pot holes?

Yes; rather than feeling every little lump and dip in the road through your spine, they are absorbed. Both the Eibach springs and FSD shocks are progressive rate, so they are initially reletively soft but get stiffer the further they are compressed.

I have read that FSD's are supposedly for standard springs only but Koni make no mention of this on their website although other models have spring restrictions mentioned. The FSD/Eibach Pro combo has been a recommended setup since I had mine fitted nearly 6 years ago.
.

 

[bigbadjay]

Are fsds a different kind of damper?

And with the lowering springs do they straight swap for the stock springs?

 

[Paulki]

Are fsds a different kind of damper?

And with the lowering springs do they straight swap for the stock springs?

Koni's description:

"KONI introduces FSD, the first no-compromise shock absorber in the world. A revolutionary new technique which combines the benefits of firm and comfortable suspension in a single perfect shock absorber. Firm for sporty driving on even road surfaces. Comfortable for a smooth ride on uneven road surfaces.

Realizing the seemingly impossible!

Two characteristics that seemed diametrically- opposed, proved to be a source of inspiration for specialists from KONI. Following lengthy development and testing, the ultimate solution was reached: KONI FSD - Frequency Selective Damping.

A revolutionary new technique whereby the benefits of both types of ride characteristics are combined in one perfect shock absorber. Banishing the disadvantages of the past. FSD shock absorbers; a smart suspension system adjusting automatically to road conditions as well as driving style. And all of this in a fraction of a second. FSD guarantees greater stability, greater control and thus greater driving pleasure. To learn more about how FSD works, click here."

I seem to remember reading that they are a standard fit on some Lamborghini's and sporty Mercedes,

Yes the springs are a straight swap AFAIK.
.

 

[pfitz]

Sounds like a definite planned upgrade for me; not having worked on cars for a while (and the last was a beetle with limited suspension at best) do the springs come out to change dampers (if so changing both is best given price difference of components if its all in bits?

Any ideas on fitting price / time?