Audi TT stiff suspension

[JoeB724]

Hello all, this is my first post, and I hope to share and pick up some information about Audi TT’s. I recently purchased a 2001, Audi TT, Roadster. The car is in great shape with a very low 46,500 miles on it. I am looking for some advice about the suspension. To me, the ride is quite harsh and rough. There seems to be a lot of shaking and such on just moderately bumpy roads. The local Audi dealer has looked over the suspension, looking for bad/aged bushings and such, and they say that the ride is normal for this car. I certainly do not expect the smooth ride of my 2020 A4, but it just does not seem right to me. I am looking at some aftermarket suspension components, (struts and shocks), and I am wondering if anyone has any advice as to how to smooth out the ride

[CoupeQtoo]

Old thread, I know, but since this seemed obvious to me, I had to respond lol (no offense intended)... I have a 2002 TT roadster. They definitely ride more roughly than many other cars. Compared to my A6, it feels bouncy and noisy. Being a roadster with no roof structure to speak of, the TT has lots of cowl shake (the windshield and chassis experience lots of flex over even moderately rough surfaces) like many other soft top vehicles of this vintage. If you've never driven an older convertible, this will seem completely strange to you. But like the dealer said, it is quite normal. The other issue to me is that the Mk1 TT is built on a Jetta/bug etc. chassis but with stiffer springs and struts. And less suspension travel due to lower ride height. The idea that the TT is an Audi, therefore luxury is kinda just that in the case of the Mk1 TT, an idea. Later generations are much improved in the chassis area. If your car has around 50K miles, changing the suspension components will likely stiffen the ride further, so either leave well enough alone, or choose carefully, since many suspension upgrades for this car are made for better handling. You might just want to stick with your well broken in components.

[.RJ]

I put KW coilovers on my Mk1 TT - did wonders for the ride quality but its never going to be plush.

[Spinnetti]

Lets see, short wheelbase, very limited wheel travel... Yep, checks out lol. My daughter just bought a 2000 this week. I had never been in one before. Its a bit stiff, but not bad IMO.

[JoeB724]

Oven the winter, I changed the front and back struts/shocks to Bilstein standard OEM units. The ride was marginally better. What I have found since driving with the top down is that a lot of the rattles and noises are associated with the convertible top in the up position.

Or maybe the increased noise of driving with the top down has distracted me from the rattles!!! Anyway, it is fun car to drive.

[CoupeQtoo]

Yes, very fun. if a little go-kart like!