Hotchkis for the AWD
#1
Hotchkis for the AWD
I'm completely fed up with my cars lack of handling and its "boat like" stability on the road when taking turns or even merging off of off-ramps. After reading nothing but great things about Hotchkis sway bars, I will be ordering a set today. Its a tough adjustment coming from my g-coupe that handled so well to an awd sedan so I have a few questions for you all with these sway bars on your sedan.
One of the setups I have read that people are running are for the stiffest setting in the front and in the rear for the sway bars. By doing so, do you guys hear a lot of rattling inside of the car due to the stiffness? I dont want to hear any rattling or clunking after I get these put on so is this something that will inevitably happen? Also what other pointers and set ups are others running with their sway bars?
One of the setups I have read that people are running are for the stiffest setting in the front and in the rear for the sway bars. By doing so, do you guys hear a lot of rattling inside of the car due to the stiffness? I dont want to hear any rattling or clunking after I get these put on so is this something that will inevitably happen? Also what other pointers and set ups are others running with their sway bars?
#2
I'm running the stiffer setting up from and the middle setting in the rear and I'm happy with it. Disclaimer: I don't track it or anything this is just everyday driving.
I've not noticed any rattling or clunking. Really the only time the ride comfort is noticeably different is if the wheels on the same axle go over a bump, pothole, etc at 2 different times (I hope that makes sense).
The only other time I know they're on is when cornering, and then it's just a night and day difference and will put a smile on your face (and wonder why Infiniti didn't do this in the first place).
I've not noticed any rattling or clunking. Really the only time the ride comfort is noticeably different is if the wheels on the same axle go over a bump, pothole, etc at 2 different times (I hope that makes sense).
The only other time I know they're on is when cornering, and then it's just a night and day difference and will put a smile on your face (and wonder why Infiniti didn't do this in the first place).
#4
Registered Member
Yes, lawyers. Most AWD vehicles are intentionally set up wtih more understeer to enhance stability when it is slick. There have been a few here with AWD and Hotchkis who have posted about the car's tendancy to swap ends when it gets slick.
I may do it anyway.
Greg
I may do it anyway.
Greg
#5
I agree with your comments about the awd g handling like a boat. I added the Hotchkiss sways and they help somewhat but it still isn't great. I think infiniti changed the suspension for 2010 because i had a 2009 awd g37 that handled great but my 2010 isn't nearly as precise or road hugging.
I am looking forward to may and putting my supersports back on though
I am looking forward to may and putting my supersports back on though
#6
I agree with your comments about the awd g handling like a boat. I added the Hotchkiss sways and they help somewhat but it still isn't great. I think infiniti changed the suspension for 2010 because i had a 2009 awd g37 that handled great but my 2010 isn't nearly as precise or road hugging.
#7
Registered User
iTrader: (11)
I have a 2011 G Coupe and have my Hotchkis sways set to stiffest F/R. It definitely tightens up the steering. I recently took my G to it's first autox event and it still understeered like crazy since the front is so damn heavy. Still a blast to drive though Note that I do get rattles every now and then, mostly from my sunglass holder and sometimes the dash/window noise that a few of us have experienced.
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#8
I've been too lazy to actually look into this, but i feel the same way. My 2007 Sedan felt tighter than my 2011 Sedan.
#10
so having the rear on the stiffest setting would make my rear end more susceptible to kick out? even with an AWD? Im sorry for all the questions, Im just trying to understand the sway bar setting dynamics for the sedan, issue is I want the most out of the sways without compromising the ride and winter awd settings.
#11
Stiffest in the front and middle in the rear as per Hotchkis' recommendations. I find that keeps things firm enough and I can induce oversteer when I require. I'm not sure I would really get any additional handling benefit from going to the stiffest on the rear.
I am not a suspension expert but in contrast to earlier comments, I don't think that AWD has anything to do with a stiffer rear setting putting you rear-end first it is just when you couple the two wheels together more tightly whether AWD or RWD you are more likely to run into a situation where one of the wheels looses contact with the road causing you to flip around.
With regards to my comment before about my 2010 handling worse than my 2009, I have read other comments here about people complaining about "floaty" or "spooky" handling characteristics in their 2010+ cars. I haven't seen any such issues for 2009 and earlier versions. As an aside, I have the G37xS and the stock Dunlop A/S tires were also horrible. I have been riding on my Blizzak WS-70 (a non-sporting tire to be sure) so I am looking forward to getting my Pilot Super Sports back on. I had them on for a short time last summer but I was also running BC Racing coils at the time. I have since taken those off and am back to stock suspension (well, I still have the hotchkis sways and the GT Spec FSTB) so I am anxious to see how the better rubber works with the stock suspension.
I am not a suspension expert but in contrast to earlier comments, I don't think that AWD has anything to do with a stiffer rear setting putting you rear-end first it is just when you couple the two wheels together more tightly whether AWD or RWD you are more likely to run into a situation where one of the wheels looses contact with the road causing you to flip around.
With regards to my comment before about my 2010 handling worse than my 2009, I have read other comments here about people complaining about "floaty" or "spooky" handling characteristics in their 2010+ cars. I haven't seen any such issues for 2009 and earlier versions. As an aside, I have the G37xS and the stock Dunlop A/S tires were also horrible. I have been riding on my Blizzak WS-70 (a non-sporting tire to be sure) so I am looking forward to getting my Pilot Super Sports back on. I had them on for a short time last summer but I was also running BC Racing coils at the time. I have since taken those off and am back to stock suspension (well, I still have the hotchkis sways and the GT Spec FSTB) so I am anxious to see how the better rubber works with the stock suspension.
#13
Administrator
iTrader: (9)
Either way, I'm sure the Hotchkis sway bars will make things right again.
What I'm personally curious about is how better the aftermarket sway bars are (like Hotchkis and Cusco), as compared to the OEM sport suspension. Don't suppose you've got any links to share from your research?