1 day old 2013 Highline TDI sedan rough susspension

[89jetta]

My 1 day old Jetta TDI Highline suspension is really rough. It seems to exaggerate every imperfection in the road. I've been driving Jetta diesels since 1989 and have never experienced a car that absorbs less of the road than this one. Could this in any way be a wheel alignment issue?

 

[WutGas?]

Could be, but it also could be that the shipping blocks were never removed from the suspension. Have a look.

 

[89jetta]

OK, I will. Thanks. I might just get a wheel alignment done anyway. The last 2 VW I've gotten new, also required alignment and the improvement after spending that $100 was unbelievable.

 

[ALLTORQUEDUP!]

would be interested in what, if anything that you find. I got a 2012 sedan tdi that I think has a harsh suspension issue and been to the dealer twice with "that's how German cars feel" funny that mine is only rough on the right front.

 

[dieseldorf]

My 1 day old Jetta TDI Highline suspension is really rough.

89, would you consider checking your tire pressure?

 

[gerry100]

Is it freezing up there yet?

Secondary roads heave unevenly when they start to freeze.

One time in Vermont I actually stopped my Toyota and checked because it felt like my tires had gone square.

 

[Dozenspeed]

For the first few thousand miles on mine, sharp bumps would seemingly hit hard and make a sharp metallic hit noise, like front suspension bushings were not protecting metal on metal correctly, but now that it very well broken in, I don't hear that noise anymore....

 

[89jetta]

10 days later I now have 1400km on the car. It is still rough. I have done the alignment. I also had the tire pressure checked at a tire shop. The nitrogen psi was 44 in each tire. The recommended psi is 33. So after adjusting the psi to 33 it felt better... but it still feels too rough. Does the suspension get any softer with time? This is my 4th VW diesel and have never felt a rougher ride. It just doesn't absorb the road like other VWs I've driven. I've even thought about replacing the shocks.

 

[pinkertonfloyd]

Yes, the suspension get softer over time. It's typical in a twist beam to be stiff for the first few K miles.

 

[opticalmike]

For the first few thousand miles on mine, sharp bumps would seemingly hit hard and make a sharp metallic hit noise, like front suspension bushings were not protecting metal on metal correctly, but now that it very well broken in, I don't hear that noise anymore....

Mine also had the metal on metal sound while hitting speedbumps and or steep driveway entrances. I haven't heard anything for a while though.

 

[IndigoBlueWagon]

I thought the ride on my '12 Golf was noticeably firmer than my '02 or '06 when new. And when I swapped in Koni FSDs at 800 miles it seemed to get firmer, not softer, enough so that I ditched the 17" wheels and went to 15s. Much better now, but still noticeably firmer than my '02 with the same dampers.

What diameter wheels come on the Highline? Do you intend to get snow tires? Try going to 16s and see if it rides better.

As an aside, I wonder if 15s will fit on the Jetta sedan. They do on the Golf, I know the Sportwagen front brakes are too big for them. If 15s fit I'd go with snows on 15s.

 

[89jetta]

I did put snows on. They are 16s. I think it is getting better now. Fingers crossed.

 

[R-1150-RS]

10 days later I now have 1400km on the car. It is still rough. I have done the alignment. I also had the tire pressure checked at a tire shop. The nitrogen psi was 44 in each tire. The recommended psi is 33. So after adjusting the psi to 33 it felt better... but it still feels too rough. Does the suspension get any softer with time? This is my 4th VW diesel and have never felt a rougher ride. It just doesn't absorb the road like other VWs I've driven. I've even thought about replacing the shocks.

Factory alignment should not need adjusting so soon. Alignment would have little effect on suspension harshness anyway.

Curious: - After they did the alignment, did they find it was off by much?

If so I would take that us with the dealer, as that should be a no-charge 'adjustment'.

Also, I find the factory tire air pressure was on the high side. Likely done to set the bead, and ensure air loss does not drop it below recommended pressure by time dealer sells the car.

Gary

 

[hawleyrw]

I thought of the tire pressure also. I had had my 2012 Jetta tdi for a few weeks when I decided to check the air pressure - to my surprise - 45psi! I put it back down to 33. When I finally had the change to ask the dealer - they were amiss and left the shipping pressure in the tires.

 

[hawleyrw]

I notice mine doesn't ride the smoothest, but not bad for the size/sporty ride of the car.

 

[mrmmacd77]

Throw a lot of weight in the trunk lmao. I found this little bit of info out one day I was coming back from the grocery store... Bought all kinds of food for a party loaded up and came home on what would normally be a "rough" road... I honestly didn't feel a bump at all... it just felt like it floated over anything. That's on these Hankooks running 33psi... I also feel the road exaggeration on the highway.. (washboard effect)