Aftermarket v VW suspension

[Pro moochers]

I’ll need new springs and shocks on our 2012 Cali this year.
Question is, do I replace with standard VW kit (currently happy with the ride) or, can anyone recommend a worthwhile upgrade?
Not looking to uplift or lower.
Cheers

 

[soulstyledevon]

Well, you’re opening a can of worms here.
I’ve tried one direction and wasn’t happy. I would possible try some Bilstein coil overs, if anything just to compare.
But overall, I think the standard shocks are a happy medium.

Just remember, whoever does the work. Make sure they set the van level…….

 

[Ch1pbutty]

I’ll need new springs and shocks on our 2012 Cali this year.
Question is, do I replace with standard VW kit (currently happy with the ride) or, can anyone recommend a worthwhile upgrade?
Not looking to uplift or lower.
Cheers

I would keep as standard, but just add ARB’s. Makes a big difference and takes the wallow out on roundabouts / country lanes.

 

[Pro moochers]

I would keep as standard, but just add ARB’s. Makes a big difference and takes the wallow out on roundabouts / country lanes.

Anti roll bushes?

 

[Pro moochers]

Well, you’re opening a can of worms here.
I’ve tried one direction and wasn’t happy. I would possible try some Bilstein coil overs, if anything just to compare.
But overall, I think the standard shocks are a happy medium.

Just remember, whoever does the work. Make sure they set the van level…….

Haha thanks!

 

[soulstyledevon]

I’ve just had a spring snap today…

 

[WelshGas]

I’ll need new springs and shocks on our 2012 Cali this year.
Question is, do I replace with standard VW kit (currently happy with the ride) or, can anyone recommend a worthwhile upgrade?
Not looking to uplift or lower.
Cheers

Why do you need new springs/shocks? Something happened?

 

[Pro moochers]

Why do you need new springs/shocks? Something happened?

Both advisories on my mot

 

[WelshGas]

Both advisories on my mot

What milage?

 

[Ch1pbutty]

Anti roll bushes?

Anti Roll Bars

H R Anti Roll Bars ARB Front Rear - VW T5 T6 - Vanstyle

www.vanstyle.co.uk

 

[Pro moochers]

What milage?

56k

 

[Pro moochers]

Anti Roll Bars

H R Anti Roll Bars ARB Front Rear - VW T5 T6 - Vanstyle

www.vanstyle.co.uk

Perfect, thanks

 

[RSMarco]

I'd recommend having a chat to CRS Performance. If you don't want to lower / lift your Cali I'm sure CRS can advise on a better solution than the standard shocks and springs.

And I also recommend the HR Anti Roll bars.

 

[HowieDog]

Oli at Bognor Motors is helpful with this type of thing. We went coilovers same as Vw van centre fit (Eibach) very pleased.

 

[WelshGas]

56k

Strange. I'm on 112,000 miles. Suspension fine No MOT advisories.

 

[soulstyledevon]

Strange. I'm on 112,000 miles. Suspension fine No MOT advisories.

Maybe there’s more bouncing in his van…

 

[freggel01_his_cali]

We have our 2012 now for 2 full months and use if for both camping and commute.
It had one broken spring before we bought it, that one was replaced.

Model: T5 Ocean 180 SE
Milage: 187k
Wheels: 255 45 18R

I find it a hard ride and would love to know how I can find out what springs and suspensions are in place.
I personally also think that 'the gap' between the wheel and chassis is rather big and would like to understand if the springs are fixed or can be lowered. Even considered to change tires to 255 55 R18 to close the gap + have a bit of a softer ride.

Any tips on how to understand what types/models are in place, beside 'go visit your local preffered shop'. Would like to find out my self first, if possible.

 

[Jay586]

The T6 forum has a lot of info on suspension as it's discussed a lot over there but a search here brings up a lot of results too. I'm no expert but I think they might be colour coded but happy to be corrected.

People take pics too, then post for advice.

I'm not happy with my new van in this respect & I'm taking it to be fettled.

 

[G3WRT]

I’ll need new springs and shocks on our 2012 Cali this year.
Question is, do I replace with standard VW kit (currently happy with the ride) or, can anyone recommend a worthwhile upgrade?
Not looking to uplift or lower.
Cheers

How many miles is this since 2012? seems a bit premature?

 

[soulstyledevon]

How many miles is this since 2012? seems a bit premature?

It’s 10 years ……???
Seems a fair enough failure to me.

 

[vmaxkiddy]

Both advisories on my mot

What was the advice ?

 

[CALI FATE]

i also recommend Steve CRS - my T6 2026 Beach 91k miles - i had a leaky front shock MOT fail so needed to change the fronts. I have never been impressed with the way the van crashes over potholes / bumps and the way it wallows a bit on twisty roads - and also felt the rear end was a big saggy from new. I contacted Steve who recommended replacement Koni Active shocks that have transformed the ride - he also sent me upgraded rear springs for free which has corrected the saggy rear end by 20mm. I am happy with the normal ride height

 

[Pro moochers]

How many miles is this since 2012? seems a bit premature?

On 55k at present

 

[Pro moochers]

What was the advice ?

One leaking shock and corrosion on rear springs

 

[Pro moochers]

i also recommend Steve CRS - my T6 2026 Beach 91k miles - i had a leaky front shock MOT fail so needed to change the fronts. I have never been impressed with the way the van crashes over potholes / bumps and the way it wallows a bit on twisty roads - and also felt the rear end was a big saggy from new. I contacted Steve who recommended replacement Koni Active shocks that have transformed the ride - he also sent me upgraded rear springs for free which has corrected the saggy rear end by 20mm. I am happy with the normal ride height

Brilliant thanks