GTS Front END Suspension Bottoming out

[Robbon]

Hi all

I've seen some posts on here of members upgrading suspension but don't have the budget to do full upgrade at the moment

Im not sure if its only my car but has anyone else noticed the car Hits the BUMP Stops on Deep Crevices or bumps on the road.

I've driven the same bit of road every day in other cars and don't notice anywhere near the same effect.

Its actually Quite Harsh and concerning

Levorg GTS and has only done 7500 km's

 

[AKKO]

Yes as you've indicated and will read in reviews it's a common concern.

Perhaps you can look at spring only options or wait until someone with a Spec B upgrades and try those for marginal improvement...

 

[Parian]

Its actually Quite Harsh and concerning

It certainly was!
A definite design fault by Subaru dam them!!!!!!!!

Not sure if you've told Subaru what you think yet... i have
Be sure to register your details via Subaru and they will email you out surveys about how your experience with the Levorg has been. In my opinion brutal honesty is the key in hopes that future Levorg owners may get a better ride than we got

 

[Nickopen]

I think there are 3 issues with the Subaru suspension:
1 the front spring rate is too low. This results in excessive travel and it can bottom out.
2 the front is over damped to compensate for the soft springs. This results in harsh bangs when you hit a bump at speed.
3 the rear is under damped. This results in a floating feeling when going over undulations at speed.

 

[Robbon]

Hi All
Thanks for the replies

From what i understand there is no difference Between a GTS and BSpec in suspension ? Only the Base Model GT differs.

Not overly concerned about the floatiness of the rear as its the family wagon

Just more concerned about the BIG THUMP you get when you hit some noticeable but small indents or undulations on the road that most other cars would glide over and If this is unsafe and bad for the vehicle in the long run

Also wanting to see if anyone else had done any other modifications to the suspension (have Seen MCA suspension plug a full upgrade but is over $2K) I read somewhere that someone else changed theirs to WRX suspension and got a better ride? and is this also recommended?

thanks

 

[Nickopen]

Also wanting to see if anyone else had done any other modifications to the suspension

I have put on Tein Flex-Z coilovers, which were less than $2k installed. There is a thread about it. Some people have put on RSR-Ti lowering springs, but I don't know what that has done to change the ride.

I'm also looking at disassembling my Bilstein shocks to see how easy it would be to adjust the damping on them. There are some things that look like adjustment screws for compression and rebound damping on the front and simple damping on the rear, but it will be a while until I get to it.

 

[Stumpvold]

I have put on Tein Flex-Z coilovers, which were less than $2k installed. There is a thread about it. Some people have put on RSR-Ti lowering springs, but I don't know what that has done to change the ride.

I'm also looking at disassembling my Bilstein shocks to see how easy it would be to adjust the damping on them. There are some things that look like adjustment screws for compression and rebound damping on the front and simple damping on the rear, but it will be a while until I get to it.

Well, I don't know about the RSR springs, but I've got H&R 20mm "sport" springs. Makes the car a bit stiffer, but I can't say anything about the front bottoming out, since I'm quite slow on the road I've noticed that I have to slow down more than necessary over speedbumps though, or else it get a bit harsh, about the same as a 3series with 60mm lowering springs (this was before putting the lowering springs on the Levorg, I just kept driving slowly after putting them on).

So when the time comes, I think I will get some bilstein B8's, if someone hasn't made a coilover kit with proper homologation for Norwegian use

If you don't have any money to spend, i suggest just driving slower/more carefull, works like a charm

Btw, I've got the basic GT model.

 

[Bolshe]

Have had exactly the same issues with the front suspension (GTS Spec B) bottoming itself out on it's bump stops from day dot. In many instances occurring over the most seemingly minor bumps and road surface undulations. Absolutely unacceptable for a brand new car.

Reported issue to Subaru Australia (Customer Relations Department) when first purchased vehicle in (July 2016) and twice thereafter months apart with "Subaru" always and instantaneously denying any reported negative feedback what so ever with the models suspension on each and every occasion as to my enquires relating to any reported suspension issues..... Found this somewhat strange when I've read so many test drive articles and of other owners across the internet with similar experiences that also state they've reported it to Subaru not forgetting to mention it was my third call. So much for Subaru's logging of feedback or complaints...

Urge anyone else that has or encounters similar experiences to report it directly to Subaru Australia 1800226643 and request a case reference number when doing so. (Juliane Burton) is head of Customer Relations there. An email directly to a customer relations advisor may be a better option for proof and record keepings sake if you can manage to have them to give you one. : )

 

[Robbon]

Well, I don't know about the RSR springs, but I've got H&R 20mm "sport" springs. Makes the car a bit stiffer, but I can't say anything about the front bottoming out, since I'm quite slow on the road I've noticed that I have to slow down more than necessary over speedbumps though, or else it get a bit harsh, about the same as a 3series with 60mm lowering springs (this was before putting the lowering springs on the Levorg, I just kept driving slowly after putting them on).

So when the time comes, I think I will get some bilstein B8's, if someone hasn't made a coilover kit with proper homologation for Norwegian use

If you don't have any money to spend, i suggest just driving slower/more carefull, works like a charm

Btw, I've got the basic GT model.

Hey Stumpvold the issue with the GTS & BSPEC has nothing to do with speed (wife was driving at 40KM through a roadwork zone and hit a part where the tarmac had shifted leaving a dip in the road) and caused the Front suspension to hit the bump stops)

On other occasions its happens on small undulations in the tarmac where all other cars i've driven over it just absorb the bump

there is a serious in inherent valving problem with the Bilsteins on Sudden compression and they dont seem to have any progressive damping or too soft in the front spring (im not a suspension expert)

Our levorg is the wifes and Family car and im concerned about the future implications of the suspension bottoming out so many times its quite harsh and dis-concerning

Will be contacting Subaru Customer service as per "Bolshe" comments above as my dealer cant fault the suspension (and "NOT" heard of any issues)

 

[Bolshe]

Would be great Robbon if you could and anybody else for that matter that contacts Subaru regarding this issue share your experiences here once you've done so. It would be proof the issue is being communicated to the company regardless of what they may be relaying to us. I for one would be very interested to know what Subaru's "customer relations" ha ha departments response is to you Robbon when you ask the question. Lol. I'd be very surprised if it's anything other than No, as has been the case on each and every occasion that I've called.

Apart from Julie Anne Burton (Subaru Australia's head of customer relations) none of the other staff I'd spoken to regarding the Levorgs suspension issues had ever even driven one so don't have too much knowledge in relation to the vehicles dynamics but won't allow you to speak with anyone in technical. Unsurprisingly you'll find Ms Burtons vehicle is totally free from issues such as ours if your fortunate enough to speak with her. If you do I'm sure she'll just tell you to take it to a dealer... I wish you better luck than I had trying to get across that it's not just one car, and that it's inherent problem with the model itself and a dealer wouldn't be able to resolve the problem if there's not a modification already in place.

Phone calls followed by emails are essential for proof of communication in this regard as obviously no record keeping of conversations regarding feed back seem to be kept, hence never any reported issues Subaru's end with the suspension.
Julie Anne Burtons email address is Julie-anne.burton@subaru.com.au

I'd even suggested to Ms Burton in my conversation with her she and her fellow colleagues Google the words levorg suspension bottoms out and see what's out there on the net in relation to the problem not only from owners of the vehicles but test drive reviewers and also suspension specialists.

This is a serious issue that Subaru needs to address as it could potentially contribute to an accident. I've actually forwarded an email directly to Mr Colin Christie, colin.christie@subaru.com.au head of Subaru Australia outlining this issue 21/6/17, but so far without any response.

 

[AKKO]

At this stage I can't justify buying coilovers to address this issue, there are however STI springs available (ST20380VV050) for the Bilsteins that also provide a 9mm drop that I may consider experimenting with. ;-)

 

[Stumpvold]

"

Glad I don't have the GTS then!

 

[Nicks GTS]

Hi Robbon.
New to the forum. I am right there with you all, the bottom out on the front end is bloody awful. I flagged it in my feedback to Subaru in their new car purchase feedback form.
I actually have more of a problem with the rear end over undulations. It rebounds too high over rolling road undulations and I have had the rear tyres loose contact (or atleast have fairly tenuous contact with the road) and the contents of my boot become airborne and crash down. There are a couple on the Westgate freeway I regularly encounter at 100km/h and it never fails to scare the crap out of any occupants of the car (especially one in the right hand lane just past the Western Ring Road flyover that I now change lanes for). Really pisses me off and is seriously dangerous. I of course have had no response from Subaru.
Ms Button will be getting an email from me as they have clearly mucked up the suspension set up in these situations. I mean it's great on perfect roads but how often do you get them.

 

[AKKO]

It's with no surprise that the suspension is reported as one of the changes in the facelift model...
http://autobuzz.my/2017/07/04/subaru-levorg-facelift-goes-sale-japan-1-6-2-0l-turbo-eyesight/

 

[LevorgBlackOut]

Totally correct mate. I had the same issue, however my concern was more the floating and rebound at the rear of the car. We won't mention any speed details but I hit a rise in the road the one day and the car bounced that much I ended up across to the other side of the road and nearly killed me. I decided to take my car to MCA suspension and what a difference. The comfort zone setting on the coils is 4 at the front and 7 at the rear. I am now running 3 at the front and 5 at the rear. Of course it a little more firm and not as smooth, but the slightly rougher ride is well worth the benefits in corners and day to day driving. Subaru simply forgot to set up the bilsen suspension correctly and to have the stock suspension adjusted costs as much as fully adjustable coil overs.

 

[Grovel]

Hi,

Obviously I'm contributing the late mail - Have hit the spot at the speed limit(ish) on the Western ring road as mentioned by NICKS GTS and had the identical experience. I shit my hole.
My kids brace when i drive over speed humps at 3km/h and have a great time bouncing off the rear seat.

 

[LevorgBlackOut]

It's just not worth the risk. Wagon, family car, call it what you will. It's a disaster waiting to happen. I was slightly fortunate as it happened to me at a lower speed but a much larger unduation in the road so I sort of expected it when it happened. But, honestly, I was still along for the ride when that happened. It was sheer luck and not smacking the brakes that saved me. For the record, the 2k I spent, it's no longer a problem and I am very happy and now somewhat comfortable in the car, pushing it is a whole lot better now too.

 

[Bolshe]

Also replaced my entire suspension system with the MCA branded one back in June. Entirely different car to drive and now have confidence in the vehicle. Had all the above listed issues with the factory Bilstein setup, the bottoming out on internal bump stops with the front and the wallowing around at the rear. Had same issue as Levorg Black Out with the rear end and caught the entire event on our front and rear dash cams. Scary shit, but proof of whats been widely reported. Did report the exact issues directly to Subaru Australia advising it could potentially lead to a major accident.
Anyone contemplating replacing suspension componentry be advised and aware it could potentilly open a new can of worms and further heartache. Look into your insurance companies fineprint here as some insurance companies could possibly deny claims upon an accident or insurance as a whole on your vehicle due to suspension modifications. Look into it and either ask the questions or disclose the modification to avoid potential problems.
Not really fair when we've all been forced to make the vehicle a much safer car to drive....

 

[Parian]

Further more, do advise your insurance policy provider both before and after you make changes to your vehicle. Unfortunately they do differ yet ultimately you want the one that provides the most cover.

MCA suspension set up is covered by my provider as they meet ADR specs to the best of my informed knowledge.

Look into your insurance companies fineprint here as some insurance companies could possibly deny claims upon an accident or insurance as a whole on your vehicle due to suspension modifications.

Imagine the claims one could make on Subaru if you kept the standard suspension and came a cropper

 

[Nicks GTS]

So heard some knocking from the rear passenger side suspension intermittently a few weeks ago. Since then have heard it more and more. Looked under the car the other day and can see fluid is coming from somewhere (presumably the shock). So off to Subaru next week!! Bloody over this car (between this, the handling, the hands free and the front of my car looking like it has been sand blasted after only 28,000kms, I am seriously one disappointment cat, like puss in boots with the bottom lip hanging out!!).