Increasing Front Damping on Xantias

thorter · Unread post by **thorter** » 03 May 2011, 21:13

There is an easy method to restrict the jet in the spheres on front strut suspensions such as Xantias so as to increase the damping. I described this to a post the other day, but I have found the modified springs I used, so here is a photo. The size of the spring needs to hold in place when the sphere is fitted.

Unread post by **Peter.N.** » 03 May 2011, 21:20

I would think that increasing the damping would make it feel like a modern car with painted on tyres.

Peter

andmcit · Unread post by **andmcit** » 03 May 2011, 21:26

Surely the 'leg' of the spring will totally block the sphere jet preventing
any/or meaningful amounts of fluid to access the gas beyond in the pocket
of nitrogen in the sphere so it'd be a bit like driving with a flat sphere.
What purpose does the spring end have as it can't brace against the ram's
piston either? TBH, it looks a bit dangerous to fit on a car if you don't mind
me saying so although I'm prepared to listen to an explanation of what's
happening here!?

Andrew

Deanxm · Unread post by **Deanxm** » 03 May 2011, 21:31

Its just blocking the damper bypass hole by the looks of things.

D

thorter · Unread post by **thorter** » 03 May 2011, 22:02

The scheme only works on front struts where the sphere lies approximately horizontal. The pocket on the strut top then provides the brace for the spring.

The leg of the spring does not block the jet, only shadows it slightly. The wire size must be considerably less than the jet size, and chosen according to how much restriction you want. As an example, if the wire is half the jet diameter, the residual area will still be 75% of the original area. Incidentally, early height correctors used this method to calibrate the delay provided by the diaphrams.

This is only a suggestion for those that want to dabble. It does indeed only affect the slow bypass. Most people will prefer the original damping.

Fred

Spaces · Unread post by **Spaces** » 03 Jun 2011, 11:08

Crazy idea to have anything floating around in the suspension cylinder which could damage the bore. If you want to restrict damping either a careful bit of welding (not advised) or different sphere.

Unread post by **Peter.N.** » 03 Jun 2011, 12:06

Why restrict the damping at all, if you want something that crashes and bangs over the bumps - buy a modern car.

Peter

steelcityuk · Unread post by **steelcityuk** » 03 Jun 2011, 12:41

Yeah buy an A Class....

Steve.