How do I deal with a crazy stiff suspension?

Question

I own a compact Toyota that has an amazingly stiff suspension, i can feel every crease in the road, its almost like i'm driving around on solid rubber tires. Its been like this since new, but i've noticed one strange thing, when the car is hoisted up for any reason (brakes, alignment, oil changes, etc) the suspension is less stiff for a few days
Any idea whats going on or what to do about it?

Answer 1

Geepers, Why didn't you list the year and specific model of the Toyota? As you know, new Toyota cars all have McPherson struts which double as shock absorbers.



If your specific model has a sport suspension as listed on the sticker on the window when it was new, all you can do now is *change the struts, coil springs and anti-roll bars from a model without the sport suspension. For instance: If you have a SE Camry, change out *all the parts above from an LE Camry.



You must change out all three of the above parts, not just one or two. The reason you shouldn't change struts only is because the car will bounce around too much because of the *high spring rates.



*Coil spring rates are measured by how many pounds it takes to compress the springs one inch. Cars with special sport of handling packages have higher rate or stiffer coil springs. Whenever stiffer springs are installed, the struts and or shock absorbers are required to have a higher valving rate to control the more rapid harmonics (up and down movement) of the stiffer springs. The anti-roll (sway) bars are larger diameter to reduce car body roll when going around corners.



Check tire pressure as listed inside the drivers door. Compare with actual tire pressure. If the actual air pressure is higher than factory recommended it raises the total suspension spring rate and makes the car seem to ride more harsh or stiffer.



I'd like to converse with you further to hear what specific car you have and what steps to take to help you most.



Not to confuse you further, Toyota's have variable rate coil springs. This means they gain spring rate the more they compress. The spring is wound closer together on one end for a softer ride and further apart on the other end for a stiffer more harsh driving experience.

Answer 2

the reason the suspenson feels different is the suspension bushes have changed positoin a wee bit when vehicle weight comes off suspension the bushes relax and are not tensed to same level until you drive car a little and suspension settles back to original position.

to remedy this condition you may have to replace suspension bushes,possibly springs ,using a softer rated spring.low profile tyres will give a stiffer ride as will high tyre pressures.an incorrect wheel alignment will contribute to a harsh ride but usually results in excessive tyre wear and poor handling,rear wheel alignment will cause this as well as front.

hope this helps you some

Answer 3

When your car is jacked up all the suspension hangs down and kind of stretches out - your car probaly looks 'high up' after untill it settles back down to were it usually sits aftera few days /miles . If your car is fairely new/ in good shape / hasnt done starship millage it may just be how it is designed to be . If not your shocks might be worn out or something similar . Take it to a garage and a ask someone to have a quick look .

Answer 4

my only thought would be to change the shocks to a less sporty one, ask your local toyota dealer if they know anything about it. changing the spring rate will also help but do the shocks first.

beware of the fact that softer suspension does not handle as well on good road surfaces.

Answer 5

Tour a winery instead involving just buying another bottle.

Answer 6

Take a lap around the grocery store before you start shopping.

Answer 7

collectively as she continues to be interior the well being facility you and your brother could take a seat and circulate over your ideas then talk to a physician approximately what he thinks would be perfect on your mom consistent with what you're able to do. you recognize which you aren’t geared up to take her in, leaving purely your brother as relatives to take her in. yet, is he keen to? If he has a relatives and childrens taking in a substance abusing mom could be a foul undertaking to do. in case you brother does supply to willingly take her in then your duty would be to supply financial help in case you are able to, and a willingness to supply your brother a harm especially situations the place you briefly take over her care. If her well being is as undesirable as that's and he or she is 60 or older then finding into Assisted residing would be good for her. There she has her very own area, she is in a position to proceed to be some independence yet there are medical doctors and nurses there to maintain her in verify, and shop her sober. they are additionally there to maintain any drugs she would could be on in verify and shop her from abusing. If she isn’t a candidate, then she desires to be placed right into a rehab application previous the Detox she is receiving from well being facility and he or she desires to stay there to handle her habit and stay sparkling! Then she desires to look into the step down of sober residing communities. Your duty on your mom is to be certain she is secure and to motivate her medical doctors to get her someplace the place she would be secure. yet you shouldn’t put off your existence any further by fact of her addictions.

Answer 8

Skip waiting locations. When you have an consultation, check in and then go out for a walk until your receptionist phones you.

Answer 9

Skip waiting suites. When you have an session, check in and then setting off for a walk until this receptionist phones you.

Answer 10

When obtaining your kids from school, get rid of the car and greet them that has a hug instead of waiting inside the car curbside.

Answer 11

Swap your desk chair for the stability ball—then gently bounce on there.

Answer 12

needs new shcoks