Hydraulic Suspension

[RickardsDS3]

Anyone got any experience of hydraulic suspension (Juice or Air). It's a lot of money, so before I decide on whether to do it or not, I want to know what you guys feel about it?

This is the company I would most likely getting it done by http://www.rayvernhydraulics.com/ They have done many cars but I don't see a DS3 in any of there pics (Same with every modding company though, never a DS3)

Expected to be around £1,600... but it's awesome.

[ZACK]

Both have their pros & cons and it's something I've deliberated the past 3 years for the DS3 but I think I'll wait until I upgrade to my next car. The main thing that puts me off is the ongoing maintenance problems.

Air has a much slower raise / drop time due to obviously the bags needing to inflate / deflate from the compressed air in the storage tank. Quick management systems can be fitted with multiple compressors and valves to make it faster but the price will go up. The good thing with air is that should you ever get a leak, burst line or damaged valve (which you will) then there's no mess as it's just air escaping. This could also be seen as a downfall as if you do have a leak it can take forever to find it in order to diagnose and fix ( trust me I've been there for hours going through a setup with a mate looking for the leak ). When adjusting the height it's silent but when the tank needs to refill the compressors can make hell of a racket.

Hydros are a much quicker way to drop / raise the height and you're able to play around a bit and 'bounce' the car sometimes. The setup makes a Whiney noise as hydraulics do which some people see as a downfall but others like it. With Hydros if you get a leak / burst pipe you'll have Hydraulic fluid shooting all over your car ( Interior or exterior - depending where it is ), you'll be able to find the leak quicker but potentially could ruin the interior of your car.

For a kit fitted at £1,600 you're looking at a really cheap simple kit with basic components, wouldn't touch it with a barge pole - you'll have plenty of problems afterwards. That also will just just you basic 2 way with either the front or back going up or down at one time. If your going to be going for it you need to be spending money on a better kit with updated components. I wouldn't spend anything less than about £2500 - £3000.

Ray has fitted lots of kits to lots of cars but I know a few guys that he's stung with poor after-care and not agreeing to carry out warranty work when his kits have gone wrong.

The only places I'll be using would be either Plush Automotive - http://www.plush-automotive.co.uk/ or my mate Jamie's company UnitSixteen Automotive - https://en-gb.facebook.com/UnitSixteenAutomotive

Jamie did my mate Azzas Hydro 4-way setup on his LOLVO C30...

http://youtu.be/4oXXchgPqQQ

http://youtu.be/8RAVO-pVCCo

http://youtu.be/y89YJzF46mA

If you're wondering how he's controlling it from behind the camera it's because he's got a wireless remote control that can control it all - which is awesome.

[RickardsDS3]

Wow, thanks Zack! That actually really helped, I'm going to try and get a quote from Plush-Automotive and see what they say.


So what would you recommend? Air or Juice?


Thanks

[ZACK]

Personally I'd go for Juice over Air as the kits these days are typically more reliable and the up / down is quicker and easier.

I'd definitely give Jamie a shout too though as he's fitted Juice to a ton of varying cars now and I've never heard a bad word about his kits. He doesn't advertise apart from Facebook so all of his work is from referrals and word of mouth - which speaks for itself.

Pun definitely intended xD

Also when getting prices remember to tell them that the rear has a separate spring / strut setup and isn't spring-over-strut - This may decrease the cost for you if you want Air.

[RickardsDS3]

Okay thanks! Only thing is with Jamie is that he is about 3 hours away from me :/

and i'll let them know about the rear spring/strut setup.

[ZACK]

1 last word of advice. Stay well away from HavAir. Don't even Google them / look at their website if you value your car or money.

[RickardsDS3]

Haha why's that?

[ZACK]

Haha why's that?

Cheap parts, Crap workmanship, Shit quality, poor attitude to customers etc etc.

Look on their Facebook if you want a laugh, the pictures they put up make you wonder if they're taking the piss purposely or if by delusional thoughts are proud of their work...

[RickardsDS3]

They seem to upload the same pictures over and over, haha. I will take your advice and steer clear from them, I will likely use Plush or Rayvern.

Thanks for the help though Zack, will repost in the thread how it goes.

[ZACK]

Cool, but like I said if they offer you options to upgrade components I strongly recommend that you spend the extra money on them as in the long run you'll be saved lots and wont be breaking down all the time !

[lfcrule1972]

Looking forward to seeing the results now

[Chris_Blue]

You gonna have one of them motors that breakdances Rickard?
Lights underneath n all that

[lfcrule1972]

I think this is the look Adam is after....

[Chris_Blue]

That's what I think he means LOL