Member Since: 15 Mar 2011
Location: Not here
Posts: 206
Harmonic Dampers... how much should they 'swing'?!
Hello all.
I've been reading the forum with interest re the swinging blocks under the back bumper.
Mine are quite stiff and certainly dont swing like bo cks as some of you suggest they should... more like bo cks after swimming in the sea maybe!!!
Well, they are not restricted but one side feels a bit gritty and old, and overall they both need a fair bit pushing to get any movement at all.
Can I WD40 them?! to loosen them up?
Does anyone think this might be the source of my extremely firm 'non-D3 style' ride (regardless of inspections and tyre checks showing no faults re bushes etc)??
Thanks in advance for any views/suggestions.
5th Apr 2011 4:45 pm
hughes_jh
Member Since: 09 Jan 2011
Location: Warwickshire
Posts: 294
My dampers definitely do swing like bol ks
really easy and free movement. Look on the members map on here and see if theres any one nearby to you
5th Apr 2011 4:55 pm
VanTheNewMan
Member Since: 15 Mar 2011
Location: Not here
Posts: 206
Members map??.... I'll have a look for it. The fact yours are swinging freely makes me think mine are old and dischevelled! Mine are rather stiff.
5th Apr 2011 5:01 pm
J@mes
Member Since: 10 Nov 2008
Location: Bomber County
Posts: 4547
Mine swing freely.
2014 D4 XS
2005 D3 SE - Gone
5th Apr 2011 5:01 pm
VanTheNewMan
Member Since: 15 Mar 2011
Location: Not here
Posts: 206
I see a member down the road, but I can't see how I contact them.... tonight when everyone's asleep I'll put on my balaclava on, look for some D3s, have a feel underneath and test how thier's are swinging to compare.
As said.... fact I have v stiff suspension and my dampers are stiff may be the connection I've been searching for.... anyone have suggestions re making them swing better? lubricant of some kind?
5th Apr 2011 5:05 pm
maplecottage
Member Since: 01 Feb 2011
Location: Norfolk
Posts: 3171
Hmmm ---- not sure where this conversation is going
Mine swing freely, haven't had stiff suspension for a while
5th Apr 2011 5:13 pm
sacimiddx
Member Since: 09 Mar 2007
Location: hants
Posts: 2143
really hard to see them swinging when they are in action
Illegitimi Non Carborundum
5th Apr 2011 5:41 pm
mik
Member Since: 08 Feb 2010
Location: Skoatland
Posts: 912
When you uncover some members you may need to push them to one side so you can reach their b 0ll0x?
On a more serious note - I don't think sticky b0ll0x would lead to a bad ride.... That didn't sound serious at all did it?
5th Apr 2011 6:35 pm
VanTheNewMan
Member Since: 15 Mar 2011
Location: Not here
Posts: 206
Thanks Mik.
I've bored other members re my harsh bumpy air suspension... just clutching at straws!
5th Apr 2011 7:26 pm
reggwensie
Member Since: 16 Mar 2011
Location: Peterhead
Posts: 32
Slightly off topic....anyone tried removing them to save weight? Any consequences? Fraser
5th Apr 2011 7:28 pm
dwest
Member Since: 05 Apr 2011
Location: ashford, middlesex
Posts: 23
be surprised if theyd cause a stiff/firm ride,
5th Apr 2011 7:29 pm
dwest
Member Since: 05 Apr 2011
Location: ashford, middlesex
Posts: 23
save weight on a d3?
5th Apr 2011 7:30 pm
VanTheNewMan
Member Since: 15 Mar 2011
Location: Not here
Posts: 206
Yes... thinking that now...
bushes etc etc have been checked.
all the settings work.
all 4 corners even and no dropping overnight etc
no strange noises
normal scorpion tyres perfect tread and pressure
some people talk about 'suspension software failure' maybe or 'faulty compressor' but then why does it all work but just ride harsh.
It's not exactly gravelly harsh, but every bump I feel harder than any car I've driven since my old XR3i in the 80s! I wince at the sight of every manhole cover or poor bit of tarmac it's so bumpy and I'm sure it's getting worse (not in my head).
Well I've had 2 independents look at it but theres one recall that hasn't been done so the local LR dealer said to bring it in when they do that for free and they'll give it a free 41 point inspection, hopefully get one of those fault readers on it as well, plus take for a road test. Then I'll know.
5th Apr 2011 7:34 pm
crwoody
Member Since: 09 Mar 2009
Location: Littleborough
Posts: 2109
My previous D3, a 57 plate SE, had a pretty firm ride by comparison with my current HSE which feels a lot softer, even "wallowy" (is that a real word?) The main difference being the mileage, the SE I got with about 20K on it, my current one has 96K.
I wonder if the shockers have been replaced on yours at some point?Clive
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cks as some of you suggest they should... more like bo 
