Trying to improve Ride smoothness

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Dec 19, 2002 | 01:04 PM

Anantni

Guest

Posts: n/a

Trying to improve Ride smoothness

Hello ;

I am a new member to this forum and drive a Legacy L '01.

This question pertains to my '01 Legacy L with 205/60/15
tires (Stock). I drive a lot in the Chicago area (The roads here aren't the best) and anytime the car goes over a bump, Pothole, it reacts violently. Even small surface indentations on the road get carried through to the driver. I have driven other cars on these roads (Camry, Impala, Taurus) and do not get the same stiff ride.

I am worried that this might damage causing rattling of interiors / windows etc.

Or am i just over reacting to the slightly stiffer suspension system on the Legacy.

I do appreciate the handling of the AWD during rain / snow. Is there any way to improve the smoothness without impacting the handling.

Would the quality improve by upgrading to new wheels / tires. For ex . Can I use 205/60/16. Other than the Speedo error ? Are there any other implications (Rubbing etc).

Any suggestions welcome.

Dec 19, 2002 | 02:01 PM

nuburu2

Registered User

Joined: Nov 2002

Posts: 100

From: Roseville, CA

Car Info: 98 GT Wagon

If anything you may want to consider going to a Higher series or "section" tire. If, for instance you went to a "70" series tire it would stand proportionally taller, cushioning the ride with that much more "give" built into the tire sidewall. A larger rim, ie: 16" would require you go to a lower profile "55" series tire causing your ride to firm up further with less sidewall height to cushion the ride. If I may suggest you contact a tire/rim specialist to discuss your options. They would be most knowledgable about which tire might offer the best ride without sacrificing your all-weather capabilities. These folks carry a very wide variety of manufacturers and have very decent prices:
http://www.tirerack.com/index.jsp

Glenn O

Dec 24, 2002 | 11:13 AM

Heather

Guest

Posts: n/a

tires

Hello,
My husband had the same issues as you and he just replaced his stock tires on his 2002 Legacy GT wagon with Michelin Pilot Sport XGT H4s, he says the ride quality is much smoother and less jarring> I agree with him since I too have the same tires. They are stock 205/55/16 size and were $111 each at tires.com (American Tires). The are Ultra High Performance All Season tires and do very well under all conditions, even snow, plus they make the car handle much smoother and softer over the bumps. Can't ask for more then that!
Heather

2002 Legacy GT wagons - one Silver and one Titanium- both MT