My TF Magna has very rough suspension (ie. you notice every little bump on the road). It just has the normal factory suspension except the front struts have been recently replaced (made no difference). Compared to an older (1996) Camry, the roughness of the Magna is absolutely shocking. Is this normal for a Magna with 87000kms on it?

Mine seems rough too, or hard. Like you said... every little bump, I can feel. And big bumps, you definately know about. Anyone know what this is?

I also have a quiet thudding sound that is only sometimes noticeable but moreso when I back off or drive around an easy corner. The thudding sounds/feels like its coming from the front RHS, is noticeable from about 10-40km/h and the rate is related to the speed I'm travelling. It really sounds like a flat spot on the tyre, but both tyres are fine...

Any help?

Thanks guys, and sorry for the thread hijack.

Cheers,

Danno

The 3rd gens have a firm ride there's just no doubt about it. When they were released road tests commented on how much sharper the handling was compared to the second gens, but of course the second gens rode much more softly as well. I don't know about Veradas but third gen magnas just aren't soft riding cars and that's all there is to it.

Having said that, if it isn't your shocks, then the other major factors are tyres of course - pressure - try 34PSI or less, and brand (avoid Korean tyres if you want a quiet ride) and the windscreen. The windscreens can de-bond over time, which allows the front of the car to flex more and 'bang and crash' more over bumps. Fortunately the screens are about $260 replaced onsite via O'Briens and the like.

Have a search around here for windscreen replacement - there are some posts from people exclaiming how much quieter the car is after a new screen is fitted - certainly that was also my experience.

Also, personally, I'm running Pirelli P6 tyres and the ride is quite good at 29PSI but the handling is sluggish at that pressure, so on these tyres I found 36PSI to be a good compromise.

I found my verada too soft! But after lowering and adjustable konis all is happy.

I've tried lowering the tyre pressure to 34PSI (tyres are Pirelli P3000), but it doesn't do too much. The car wasn't this rough when it was newer ...

my car is hard on the road too

might have something to do with the 400lb/in springs i have with heavy valved shocks :P

do you have any suspension mods?

My TF Magna has very rough suspension (ie. you notice every little bump on the road). It just has the normal factory suspension except the front struts have been recently replaced (made no difference). Compared to an older (1996) Camry, the roughness of the Magna is absolutely shocking. Is this normal for a Magna with 87000kms on it?

A family member has a TJ with 50000kms and it too rides firm. It isnt uncomfortable by any stretch but it is firm. There is no impact harshness like it seems yours might have. Are the bushes ok? If it has had bushes done on the front suspension and they were done up tight without the cars weight on them then they can bind up and cause harshness.

I've tried lowering the tyre pressure to 34PSI (tyres are Pirelli P3000), but it doesn't do too much. The car wasn't this rough when it was newer ...

the P3000 is a steel belted tyre - double steel belts actually. Perhaps its therefore too stiff for the Magna?

I might rotate my tyres on the weekend. I have cheap Bridgestone ones on the back. The roughness is mainly coming from the front.

I might rotate my tyres on the weekend. I have cheap Bridgestone ones on the back. The roughness is mainly coming from the front.

Yeah could be worth a try as a test as such.

Out of interest, would the front struts need time to "wear in"?

Out of interest, would the front struts need time to "wear in"?

not exactly.... I had mine replaced just the day before MM05 and while they were fine straight out of the shop, after belting around the MM05 cruises for a few hundred Klms, they did get a little more supple. Very subtle difference though.

its a piston ring seal and completely lubed, it shoulnt change too much at all over the years. the oil breaks down sometimes though.

I'll tell you about the ride/feel in the cars my family has:

TF Sports (my car) 159k kms - can feel every bump for sure. But Sports models do have firmer suspension. Guess it's the trade-off for better handling.

TL Magna (mum's car) 15k kms - good ride, smoother than mine, really only feel the major bumps. More refined, but not sure if it handles as well.

KJ Verada (dad's car) 90k kms - feels much smoother than mine, and even mum's for that matter. Handles well too. Probably the best ride of all 3.

Just my input/experience.

BOZ