'94 850 turbo-Sloppy/Harsh Suspension Dependent on Outside Temp..

[IG-88A]

Hello.

So, late last summer, I installed some IPD springs along with Koni sport shocks and struts. At this same time, I replaced strut mounts and bearings, control arms, tie rod end links, rear shock mounts, bump stops, dust boots, the whole nine yards. Really the only cushiony bits that weren't replaced at that time were the engine mounts, the delta link bushings (these appeared fine) and the subframe bushings. I'd never had the konis on any other car before. But on my old GTI, I had a non-adjustable setup with sport springs of a different brand. I was very happy with the ride of the GTI. However, ever since installation on the 850, this setup has seemed very crashy, harsh, and pretty sloppy. Not tight at all. But not all the time. I started full soft all around, and eventually went up to a half turn in the rear and a half turn in the front. The rear feels just a bit bouncy, so I'll have to dial it in better once weather permits. Anyway, I was just thinking that the setup would take a while to grow on me. That was until temperatures in the teens and single digits hit, and the car felt tight and rode like a dream. And now that we've had some unseasonably warm weather the last couple of days, its back to feeling like a rolling deathtrap, ready to shake itself apart at even the slightest road seam, and send my dash exploding into a cloud of plastic shards. Obviously there is something here that is reacting favorably to cold temperatures and not so favorably to warmer weather. I understand that the oil within the shocks and struts will possibly get a little thicker during cold weather, but nothing that should make that drastic of a difference. Could there be some rubber component that during the winter is all nice and firm, and then once spring/summer weather hits, just turns to mush, providing no cushion whatsoever? I've always had cars make more rattles, creaks, and groans during the winter months. But this time around, the warm weather seems to bringing out all the demons in this one. I'm hoping that someone may have had a similar issue, and can give me some tips on where to begin trying to cure this issue. It makes it totally unenjoyable to drive, during temps when driving should be the most enjoyable. I'm not ready to blame it on the spring/shock/strut combo just yet. Since a lot of people have used this same setup with decent results. And due to the overall sloppy feeling that I described above, I'd like to think that its some substandard rubber used in the control arm bushings, front strut mounts, or some other anomaly altogether. Although I really don't think I should have to be replacing control arms or strut mounts that are not even a year old. By the way, most of the suspension components were Lemforder brand, if that makes any difference. I will add that when having an alignment performed, I mentioned my concerns. They poked and prodded, but couldn't find anything glaringly obvious. I'll also add that a friend of mine has a '95 M3 with the Koni adjustables on it, as well as some sport springs. Riding in his car, you can pick up all the nuances of the road, but not in a bad or uncomfortable way at all. Sorry for the long essay. But thanks for looking.

[oragex]

I would say it's either the springs or the shocks - or both. If all rubber are Lemforder they should be fine. They don't get harder in cold weather. But shocks do get stiffer depending on the quality/age. I read about new Koni that failed in a few months. Some owners even noticed rust in several places on less than an year old Koni. As for the springs, I don't know the quality of the ones from IPD but I would try even used original Volvo ones to see if there is any change. However if the issue is temperature related, I would rather bet on the shocks/struts issue that on a spring issue.

[rspi]

Have you complicated with the folks at Koni?

[IG-88A]

It may very well be the shocks and/or struts. And I haven't talked to anyone at Koni. I may just try adjusting these things in different ways over the weekend and see what I come up with.