Since buying this used Verada I've noticed the front suspension is very soft and bounces around a lot. It also pulls left more than normal. Wheel alignment places tell me the caster is the problem which as usual can't be adjusted.

I've contacted Pedders here in Perth regarding fixing these 2 issues.

Their first recommended fix is replacing the front struts with Pedders 8000 series for $600 fitted. (can't the shocks be replaced by cartridges anymore instead of replacing the strut).

The second issue requires fitting offset bushes in the front lower control arms. This is $465 including a wheel alignment.

Do these prices seems fair enough as they seem quite high to me? Does anyone know of anywhere else in Perth (nothern suburbs prefered) that will do a good job for less cost?

Thanks.

For starters, avoid Pedders as far as you can, read the forums and pretty much all for one person who works for Pedders will say the same thing. They are cheap rubbish and you are better off getting std monroe replacements

The ideal set up for an AWD is Dobinsons and Koni, a member called Grelise who now lives in WA will vouch for this, they are an economical sports set up. If however you are wanting to keep suspension standard height even just the Dobinsons on their own would be a good investment however that being said if budget is your main concern just Std Monroe are good also. Avoid KYB if you can as they are very overgassed

Thanks for the advice. I'll see if I can find some place that does Monroes.

Madmagna. Reading the forums most users preferred the kyb's over the monroe gt gas. besides that's what pedders shocks for the magna are anyway. I know that the earlier monroe gt gas from around 10 years ago were terrific, as i used to run them in my old commo wagon years ago, but i read reports of the more recent ones having reliability issues, specifically leakage caused by premature failure of internal seals. i went with kyb and for the budget they suit my purposes just fine. but mine's lowered and i don't mind a firmer suspension set up. so maybe wouldn't suit someone looking for standard ride height and compliance?

I have KYB on Kings (in a FWD) and they're on the harsh side. All I know is you FEEL the sudden changes in road level or pot holes. While I dont mind, the trade off is pretty good handling, I am thinking of trying something different in my AWD.

*Disclaimer - My suspension experience, specifically shock absorbers, is limited to standard shocks and KYB only.

After having had std, monroe, kyb, boge and then Koni in the same car I will state this is the order I would use them

KYB (if desperate)
Monroe
Boge
Koni

Kyb are over gasses where Monroe are not, especially in the rear dampers you dont want heaps of rebound. Grelise also had KYB in his awd, from memory he advised had done 40k and when they were replaced with Boge the shafts on the KYB's were very heat damaged

Is there a direct Magna equivalent for the Verada GTVi KW AWD?

The reason I ask is that apart from Pedders no one I've spoken seems to have a listing for my Verada model so claim they can't supply replacements.

Even the Monroe website which has a listing for the 04,05 Verada, states "KW (excluding GTVi)". What's different about the GTVi?

Magna/Verada FWD/AWD share the exact same suspension setup. Only rear swaybar is specific on model.
AWD swaybar is different to FWD rear. And not all FWD got rear sway bars.

Replacement what and who have you spoken to, if you are talking dampers we do everything, Monroe, KYB, Koni, Gabriel and Boge

Magna/Verada FWD/AWD share the exact same suspension setup.

Thanks, that's interesting and also what I'd have expected. It's a pity that some companies that make replacement parts don't seem to know this.



Replacement what and who have you spoken to, if you are talking dampers we do everything, Monroe, KYB, Koni, Gabriel and Boge

I've only spoken to a couple of local places that the Monroe website listed. One was Ape Springs and Suspensions and the other Carline. As most of these places get their info from the same books I don't think ringing more places will help.

I am taking about dampers but was only looking locally in Perth as I need them installed too. If it was easy I'd do it myself but I think it'd be too hard and I don't want to risk stuffing it up. However if I can't get any joy locally I'd be open to buying elsewhere and having them shipped over.

GTVi is like the VR-X verada, so probably stiffer suspension to be more sporty.