Skoda Rapid Spaceback hat Schlagseite | Posts 16+

Autoservice wrote:

To be honest, I don't understand why you're even thinking about something like that...

Because I'm interested in how such a list (in the practical example of our car) could come about.

Quote:

Because I'm interested in how such a list (in the practical example of our car) can come about

.

To do that, we would first need to reliably know whether it has a list (i.e., is actually tilted), and take into account the possibly different wheel loads .

Scales used by logistics companies, scrap dealers, etc., typically have a resolution of 20 kg, with better ones having a resolution of 10 kg. The devices used by organizations like BAG for weighing axle loads on trucks likely fall within this range as well. I doubt whether that level of precision is sufficient for the question being asked here.

I was just trying to measure the spring lengths, but unfortunately it's not working because the locking angle of my measuring tape can't properly engage with the upper plate, as its diameter is smaller than the outer dimensions of the spring.

Instead, I measured the height of the sills above the ground: this yields the same difference as between the wheel hub and the edge of the fender well. Therefore, it's not just that the left fender is lower than the right one.

If you or your partner sit on the fender, how many centimeters will the car lower? Knowing the weight involved gives you a sense of the fictional load. It's certainly not just 10 kg.
hg
Herbert.

Instead of getting on the fender, my partner, who weighs around 65 kg, simply sat down on the passenger seat.
Previously, I measured a 7mm leftward inclination on the front axle. However, when the car was loaded, the front axle was perfectly level. In that case, the left front wheel settled into the suspension by 2mm, while the right front wheel settled in by 9mm.

And what new information do you have now? The 65kg load affected all four suspension legs. Of course, based on the distances between the center of gravity of the better half and the suspension legs, you can calculate which parts were loaded.
hg
Herbert.

Herbert wrote:

You can, of course, calculate the center of gravity relative to the spring perches based on the distances, which will indicate how much weight was applied.

The center of the seat is located approximately 35cm from the center of the vehicle. Consequently, my partner generated a "tipping moment" of about 23 m*kg.

Assuming that our Rapid is largely built with symmetrical spring heights and individual spring rates (randomly).
Let's assume a built-in tilting moment of 10 kg * 35 cm = 3.5 m*kg to the left for the steering column and pedals from the driver's perspective. Even then, there would still be approximately 20 m*kg remaining that the center of gravity of the engine + DSG (dual-clutch transmission) would need to be located to the left of the vehicle's central plane.

What does a 1.4-liter gasoline engine with a DSG transmission weigh? Around 200 kg?
Then the common center of gravity would be located approximately 10 cm to the left .
I'm going to check out some other models of Rapids at the dealer to see if they are also misaligned like this one...

If you complain that the suspension legs on your car are visibly misaligned, you might have a chance. However, the likely response will be to wait at least 20,000 km.
It's unlikely that an academic discussion will achieve the desired result.
Sure, here's the translation:

"Best regards," or "Sincerely," (depending on the context).
Herbert.

Herbert wrote:

If you complain that the suspension legs on your car are visibly different in height,

you might have a chance. The likely answer is to wait at least 20,000 km.

Quote:

Are there any empirical values regarding how much springs settle? "In my Ibiza, I replaced the standard rear springs with OEM sport springs about 30,000 km ago (because the original Cuprate parts were simply too stiff for me). Since then, the car has been noticeably higher in the rear. The workshop told me back then that they would settle somewhat, but to my eye, the wedge angle hasn't changed since... and I think I would notice if the springs had settled by 5mm or more."

That's unlikely to achieve the desired result through an academic discussion.} I appreciate that too.

Hello Ulf,

At least in the Passat 3C, there are 10 different weight ranges for 3 different suspension systems (sport, standard, off-road). This means a total of 30 different springs for each axle.

If you're as bored as I seem to be, then check if the feathers are identical (in terms of color markings) and fit within the specified weight range.

If you are not satisfied with the current situation, you could try using a different spring rate: a stiffer spring (VL) for a higher weight range, or a softer spring (VR) for a lower weight range.

I suspect that any discussion with the dealer about differences in the millimeter range will lead to nothing (unless there was incorrect installation).

Greetings.
Sure.

Here is the translation of the text from German to English:

"Guste" means "gust" in English. It can also be used as a verb, meaning "to gust."

guste100 wrote:

Please check if the feathers are identical (color markings) from left to right and if they fit within the specified weight range.

The markings on the front are identical, and it seems that's where the imbalance is coming from (after the three-leg attempt).

Update and conclusion:
We visited the Skoda dealership and showed a service technician the misalignment. He gave us a printout, including the specified spring height values (from axle to wheel arch) at unladen weight: 381 +/- 10mm for the off-road suspension.
There's our Rapid, with both sides loosely inside.

Then I also inquired via email with Skoda Germany to confirm whether the maximum camber angle is indeed a full 2cm (left 371mm, right 391mm or vice versa). The response was: Yes - as long as both sides are within the tolerance range, the car is OK .