Reducing Body Roll?

The Mad Rapper

The Mad Rapper

The Mad Rapper

Suspended
Joined
18 Oct 2002
Posts
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We bought a 09 Passat Estate in February, and generally we're pretty happy with it. The only issue I would like to resolve is body roll. It's actually pretty bad, especially if there is any sudden change in direction (small roundabouts etc.), and it doesn't make for a comfortable passenger experience either.

I know nothing about what options may exist, but I do know that I do not want to compromise the ride comfort for my little ones, nor take it too far from stock.

Can anyone help?
 
I don't think there is an awful lot you can do at this stage. The Passat is a poor handling car - bodyroll comes as standard. It is not set up nor intended for any sort of 'sporting' driving. To improve the situation you are going to need to modify the suspension but this is not something I would advise you doing on a car thats just 1 years old, as you may find it causes all sorts of warranty hassle.

Best bet is to simply accept the cars flaws and try and drive around it, and in the future make sure you go on a decent test drive before making the purchase.
 
Thanks for the reply Fox. It was more to control body roll for normal family driving that I'm interested in, rather than pressing on when I am on my own. I am under no illusions that I am driving anything other than a sensible family estate ;)

We did a decent test drive beforehand, and we'd both driven our specific model as hire cars numerous times each as well. It's fine for the majority of the driving we do, but it's noticeable in specific circumstances and always leaves me wishing that I could do something about it.

Do you think switching to a different brand of tyre would be worthwhile? It currently has Bridgestone Potenzas, but they'll need to be replaced shortly due to wear.
 
The Honda is a bit like that, take a roundabout too quickly and you feel like you might fall out the window.

However, as fox says, I test drove my car before buying it and am happy to accept that compromise for the comfort benefit it brings. I suggest you do the same or change the car
 
I would be very suprised if tyre brand would account for bodyroll.

You might find getting the dealer to fit the Sports Suspension from a 'Sportier' model of Passat might be worth looking at? I cannot imagine its cheap, though.
 
Slam it.

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Something like Eibach progressive lowering springs would help, and generally they don't compromise comfort too much.

The other thing to consider is adjustable ARBs, but you can end up opening a big can of worms when starting to go too far into tuning suspension, as you tend to start moving problems around rather than fixing them.
 
[TW]Fox;17076979 said:
I would be very suprised if tyre brand would account for bodyroll.

You might find getting the dealer to fit the Sports Suspension from a 'Sportier' model of Passat might be worth looking at? I cannot imagine its cheap, though.
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I wasn't suggesting that the tyres alone were responsible, I just wondered if changing them might help to reduce the affect.

The only 'Sportier' model than ours is the R36 I think. I'll call the dealer tomorrow. I suspect, in the end, the answer might be to just accept the body roll as you say.
 
[TW]Fox;17077044 said:
Don't they do an R-Line as well now?
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Yes, but The VW R-Line the next model up from entry level and doesn't feature sports suspension. We have the Highline Plus.

I think the Volvo R-Line is their sportier offering, is that what you're thinking of?
 
I must admit it's not something I've paid any attention to, but the only R-Line I've seen parked up had a bodykit and an the R-Line badge was similar to the 'R' badge from an R36 (And no, I'm pretty sure it wasn't badly badged). Odd if its a base model!
 
The Mad Rapper said:
ARB = Anti Roll Bar? Is that likely to produce the results I need?
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Possibly; Suspension dynamics are mostly over my head, but you can reduce roll without stiffening the springs with an ARB. Your car will already have a front one at least, the point of an adjustable one would be so you can get the balance you need between rigidity and comfort.

The trouble with doing something like that is that you'll probably create issues elsewhere.

Your safest bet is some progressive springs, as I suggested. You don't have to go crazy, Eibachs for many cars only offer a 10-15mm drop.
 
Is this car not almost brand new and still under warranty anyway? I suspect slamming it on coilies, adjustable ARBs and bay strut braces are a very good way to ruin it, accepting it and altering your driving style is the simplest, easiest and cheapest
 
iaind said:
Is this car not almost brand new and still under warranty anyway? I suspect slamming it on coilies, adjustable ARBs and bay strut braces are a very good way to ruin it, accepting it and altering your driving style is the simplest, easiest and cheapest
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Yes, it was 1 year old in May, still under warranty. Given my reluctance to alter the car from stock in any meaningful way, it would seem you're right. I've been thinking about the suggestion Fox made re: OEM sports suspension, and even that is making me uncomfortable.

Oh well, I'll put that one to bed I think. Thanks to you all.
 
If you start modding it you'll end up like Firestar, who has ploughed thousands of pounds into a VW Passat estate for reasons nobody else will ever understand and has ended up with a car no better really than when he started :p

Enjoy it how it is.
 
I'd be tempted be a set of Eibach Pro springs, they'll make a it of difference, but without spending lots on it you'll probably just have to live with it.
 
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