I'm coming up on a full year of having my 01 CL-S and as embarrassing as this is to ask, I have to bite the bullet and put it out there. And by the way, I've searched for my answers with no luck.

Is the stock ride supposed to stiff & bumpy or is my suspension bad? I've never done any lowering or custom setups, in fact my car is stock save for some inexpensive amber road lamp bulbs from Auto Zone (much better than the PIAA's I'd originally used).

I had assumed for the longest that it had to do with the car being sporty and made for aggressive driving. I'm starting to think that I could be wrong. If there's anyone in the Baltimore area that would be willing to test drive my whip and give me their assessment, let me know (mikeinbmore@gmail.com). I'd like to find out what all I need to get done for the car now that winter is almost over.

 

Well the stock ride is far from stiff and bumpy, it's a pretty plush ride. I just picked one up about a month ago(36000 miles), and it is super nice, not Cadillac plush, but it's definitely not a sport tuned suspension.

 

you might have blown shocks or something. your best bet if it really doesnt feel right is to just take it to a shop and let them give it the once over.

 

Thanks for the reply. Yeah, I'm going to get it in to the shop as soon as possible. If it is my shocks, about how much should I be looking at to replace them?

 

I'd disaggee with that...

The S in CLS stands for sport, so it's not going to ride like your mother's Camry

The CLP should have a more comfortable ride, while the CLS has a sports tuned suspension... The CLS isn't going to have a "sportscar" like setup, but it's not going to be plush and smooth either. Sure, it's a little floaty at times (it is a boat at 3500lbs), but it's a light firmer than the average passenger vehicle out on the road.

Oh, BTW, my Mom does have a Camry SE, which has a sportier suspension setup then the regular Camry...

EDIT: Garkon drives a CLP (which explains his comments): https://acurazine.com/forums/showthread.php?p=2636936

 

I used to have a CLp and the first thing I noticed when I got my Type S is that the CLS's ride was more stiff and sure-footed (less ride comfort).

Harsh, no. Sporty, yes. If you're looking for a more comfortable ride get a CLp or some 16s, but you wouldn't want to do that. :shakehead

 

Okay, that explains a lot (concerning Garkon's response). When I'm alone, I barely notice it. But when I have a guest in the cockpit, I become somewhat self conscious when the ride gets a little rough. The other night, my dude Big Al aksed why my ride was so stiff and I replied that it was likely due to the sport tuned suspension. That's what prompted me to bring it to the board to be sure. I'm going to have it looked at anyway just to make sure everything is order. If not, I'll get right on it.

btw: I just order two replacement stock tires. I only got what I needed to get me over the hump until I can decide on some new tires to roll with. I've been reading what some board members are using as replacements. But I'm still studying. Plus I may upgrade the plain (by plain I mean ugly) stocks with some aftermarket rims, so I didn't want to invest in some expensive rubber that I won't be using for long.

 

1.) If you're upgrading your rims and going a bigger size, expect to have an ever harsher ride.

2.) I am in Baltimore now, down at the Inner Harbor, and I got a modded CL-S suspension. But these B-More roads will put a beating on your car. (Lombard, Calvert, those roads are mad bumpy) So it is possible you got some messed up parts on your car.

3.) If you have something busted with your shocks, you will notice it in your steering at speeds over 50mph. The car will feel floaty and not as secure when making movements at higher speeds on 295 and 495.

4.) Tires will make a difference in the comfort of the ride.

5.) Yes, the CL-S susupension is tight, but it is not that bad to where someone should say something about how rough the ride is.

6.) Take your ride to Sears, they will do a free suspension evaluation. Just don't let them do any work on it, they are always looking for something to press on you.

 

If I do upgrade my wheels, I'll likely stay at 17"s. The bigger, aggressive profile of larger wheels is appealing but I don't want to sacrifice for the look.

Yeah these roads are nothing nice. And this time of year just coming off of a couple of storms, the roads are extra treacherous. I don't really feel an insecure ride or too floaty at high speeds though. As a matter of fact, those are some of my favorite moments when I can be a little more aggressive and gun past Sunday drivers or making the emergency lane change.

Good look on the Sears advice. I'm off tomorrow so I'll see if they can fit me in.

 

Yeah, i have a cl-p, which is more plush, should have added that. But the cl-s suspension should not be harsh, it would absorb the bumps smoothly just be more taught(but it should not be harsh, guess a huge pothole could be harsh). I'd say if it's to the point that it bothers you, get it looked at.

 

I've noticed my CLS ride has gotten bumpier since it started getting really cold. I am guessing it's because the suspension is cold and a little stiffer and also the roads around here are bumpy as hell but get a lot worse in the winter time.

 

Also, it sounds like your tires are worn pretty badly. So this can really lead to the car feeling extra bumpy.

Alot of the cheaper tires that you get are going to be a rougher ride than the more expensive ones.

Also, if your boy Big Al drives a car like a Chevy Caprice with some 70 profile tires. He is not going to be use to jumping into a car that is low on rubber like the stock CL is. It can just be your boys opinion, only you know how your car is suppose to ride.