Passat body roll

[neo]

Hey guys,

Sorry for the noob question, Just wondering what peoples thoughts are on the most cost effective way to reduce body roll on the Passat? Not sure if it's something that even can be fixed/tuned easily... My first thought was sway bars but don't know if that's for body roll or something else.

I'm riding a B7 btw, but guessing previous models would have the same issue?

Any feedback much appreciated

[clip]

easy fix - forget roll bars (do them last if you have to, but be careful with them), just drop in a set of H&R springs or similar that will drop it about 30mm, and a set of 19" wheels if you're running the 17" OEM's. If you're running the 18", personally I wouldn't bother with the 19" - but they will give you a bit more, but big cost. The springs will stiffen it all up for you and flatten out that cornering nicely. AND, it's a cheap, easy mod too!

[neo]

Thanks for the info clip, do u know how much that would be approx? Also would that mean the car becomes harsher over bumps?

[clip]

Thanks for the info clip, do u know how much that would be approx? Also would that mean the car becomes harsher over bumps?

You should be able to pick H&R's in the US for around $350 max plus transport. But I got mine for the Tig from "GTi Dave" (forum member here in Aus) and only paid around $400. Fitting should cost you about $200-$300, plus you will need a proper wheel alignment.

They will give you a bit harder ride, but if you stick with nothing bigger than 18" wheels it will be minimum. Of course, if you're going to be loading it up with 5 adults and a bootfull of luggage, you'll loose some sus travel. But nothing worse than a beemer sedan

[BrettD]

I did my B5.5 2002, with Eibach springs and KYB shocks. I have 18" rims and it has made a big difference, a drop of about 35mm and handling is improved.
I'm no mechanic and I did the job myself, just need some spring compression clamps and a impact wrench(rattle gun). Take you a couple hrs..

[neo]

I've got the standard TDI so pretty sure i have 17's.

Would that be an issues with the lowering?

Cheers,
Issac

[kaanage]

My first thought was sway bars but don't know if that's for body roll or something else.

That is why the proper name for them is "anti-roll bar".

"Sway bar" is a horrible americanism that has regrettably entered our language over the past decade.

Stiffer anti-roll bars won't have much affect on ride comfort/harshness while lowering requires stiffer springs and ideally should be matched with stiffer dampers (the proper term for "shock absorbers" - a spring absorbs shock) all of which will improve handling but reduce ride comfort and increase harshness.

Doing the massive wheel "upgrade" will increase rotational inertia as well as add harshness all for very little benefit except on a skidpan (plus the pose factor).