Helper springs

[Craigbinning86]

Hello everyone, I had notice that towing back from a campsite that our Skoda superb 2022 estate was very low on the back.
On further research I found that can get helper springs from MAD suspension..
So my question is has anyone fitted these at home in a driveway? How easy would it be & is there anything special I would need
Thanks all

 

[otherclive]

Hello everyone, I had notice that towing back from a campsite that our Skoda superb 2022 estate was very low on the back.
On further research I found that can get helper springs from MAD suspension..
So my question is has anyone fitted these at home in a driveway? How easy would it be & is there anything special I would need
Thanks all

I had a 2014 Superb AWD estate and even after having everything checked her rear would sometimes bottom out coming off the drive or over speed truncated humps in our road when coupled to the caravan. Yet it wasn’t overloaded or excessive noseweight. I had MAD supplementary springs and it resolved the problem. They are fitted with a preload which increases unladen ride height by about 12mm. During their subsequent usage I never had any concerns over the car’s suspension, ride or handling. In fact that little bit of preload seemed to improve its solo performance. Mine were fitted by a rural Skoda dealer who had fitted them to other Superb estates. I bought MAD as I couldn’t find a way to safely buy official Skoda uprated springs used in Eastern Europe including Russia. I had used MAD supplementary springs on a 1997 SAAB 9000 CSE 2.3 turbo. Big improvement too.

Picture below shows unloaded car with MAD fitted.

 

[RogerL]

I can't give you specific advice for your Superb - but I fitted MAD auxilliary springs on the rear of my 2000 Vauxhall Astra Saloon to cure the same sagging as you've experienced - they did the job very well and didn't detract from the solo ride quality - on the Astra the rear springs and dampers aren't concentric which made it a straightforward job DIY.

You should notify your insurer of their fitment but make sure you give them chapter and verse on the reasons why you've fitted them, otherwise they'll treat you as a boy-racer and load your premium heavily.

 

[Craigbinning86]

I can't give you specific advice for your Superb - but I fitted MAD auxilliary springs on the rear of my 2000 Vauxhall Astra Saloon to cure the same sagging as you've experienced - they did the job very well and didn't detract from the solo ride quality - on the Astra the rear springs and dampers aren't concentric which made it a straightforward job DIY.

You should notify your insurer of their fitment but make sure you give them chapter and verse on the reasons why you've fitted them, otherwise they'll treat you as a boy-racer and load your premium heavily.

Thank you. So im definitely going to buy them then just need to see if I can fit them or a garage.
And thank you for reminding me about telling the insurance company

 

[Hutch]

I fitted a set to my 3 litre Vectra diesel, and to my 2008 Santa Fe. On my drive way, No special tools, just had to disconnect the shock absorbers, I am a retired Helicopter engineer and have a comprehensive tool kits.
Results were very good stopped the grounding out getting onto ferrys.

 

[Craigbinning86]

I fitted a set to my 3 litre Vectra diesel, and to my 2008 Santa Fe. On my drive way, No special tools, just had to disconnect the shock absorbers, I am a retired Helicopter engineer and have a comprehensive tool kits.
Results were very good stopped the grounding out getting onto ferrys.

Thank you reply. I’m definitely going to buy them. Just need to research into whether I have everything I need or it’s best to ask a garage. In theory it should be pretty straight forward

 

[Hutch]

Found this video, I don't know if it is or any help.
MADS spring
I can't find one for a Superb

 

[Craigbinning86]

Found this video, I don't know if it is or any help.
MADS spring
I can't find one for a Superb

Thank you. Yea can’t seem to find any superb videos

 

[Woodentop]

We had a 2004 Octavia 1.9 TDi 130 that went like stink. Adding our (nose light) Pageant Majestic S5 it made the back end sink.
I fitted the UK equivalent of MAD (at that time were about £89) with some from Grayston Engineering which cost me IIRC £66. They did lift the tail a bit but the ride improvement was really noticeable but with the caravan on as well - magic! One of the smoothest tows ever. Per fitting, once I conquered how to do the first wheel (which took nearly an hour) the second fit took about 20 minutes from start of jacking up to grounded and finished. You need a lift jack and sockets and some blocks or a (single) ramp. Remove the wheel, disconnect the shocker and let it hang, and jack the car up a bit to make sure the suspension spring is fully extended. Fit the bottom cup in the bottom of the spring, then wind the new additional spring through the main spring to seat the aux spring inside it. Put some blocks under (I used a ramp) to take the body and put the jack under the spring and pump it up until you can reattach the shocker. Remove the jack and put it on the body lift point to raise the body and remove the blocks/ramp. Refit the wheel, lower it and recheck the wheel nuts preferably with a torque lever - usually 80Nm for a metal wheel or 130Nm for alloy.

However in much more recent times we have had three Passat estates which use the same chassis as the Superb and that is a whole different ball game. The rear springs sit in the well of a (square) u-shaped suspension member, which means that you need a spring compressor to be able to keep the spring slightly compressed so that you could lift it out and fit the MAD part inside it. In the end I got my local tame garage to fit them for me

 

[Craigbinning86]

We had a 2004 Octavia 1.9 TDi 130 that went like stink. Adding our (nose light) Pageant Majestic S5 it made the back end sink.
I fitted the UK equivalent of MAD (at that time were about £89) with some from Grayston Engineering which cost me IIRC £66. They did lift the tail a bit but the ride improvement was really noticeable but with the caravan on as well - magic! One of the smoothest tows ever. Per fitting, once I conquered how to do the first wheel (which took nearly an hour) the second fit took about 20 minutes from start of jacking up to grounded and finished. You need a lift jack and sockets and some blocks or a (single) ramp. Remove the wheel, disconnect the shocker and let it hang, and jack the car up a bit to make sure the suspension spring is fully extended. Fit the bottom cup in the bottom of the spring, then wind the new additional spring through the main spring to seat the aux spring inside it. Put some blocks under (I used a ramp) to take the body and put the jack under the spring and pump it up until you can reattach the shocker. Remove the jack and put it on the body lift point to raise the body and remove the blocks/ramp. Refit the wheel, lower it and recheck the wheel nuts preferably with a torque lever - usually 80Nm for a metal wheel or 130Nm for alloy.

However in much more recent times we have had three Passat estates which use the same chassis as the Superb and that is a whole different ball game. The rear springs sit in the well of a (square) u-shaped suspension member, which means that you need a spring compressor to be able to keep the spring slightly compressed so that you could lift it out and fit the MAD part inside it. In the end I got my local tame garage to fit them for me

With what your saying about superb being same chassis aa Passat I think it’s probably best to get a garage to fit them as don’t really fancy using spring compressors
Thanks for your help

 

[Dustydog]

Found this video, I don't know if it is or any help.
MADS spring
I can't find one for a Superb

Mel needs help attaching a home made video. Do you know how it’s done Hutch?

 

[otherclive]

I can't give you specific advice for your Superb - but I fitted MAD auxilliary springs on the rear of my 2000 Vauxhall Astra Saloon to cure the same sagging as you've experienced - they did the job very well and didn't detract from the solo ride quality - on the Astra the rear springs and dampers aren't concentric which made it a straightforward job DIY.

You should notify your insurer of their fitment but make sure you give them chapter and verse on the reasons why you've fitted them, otherwise they'll treat you as a boy-racer and load your premium heavily.

I notified my insurer (LV) and they were okay with the fitment, no extra on premium.

 

[Hutch]

Mel needs help attaching a home made video. Do you know how it’s done Hutch?

I will rely on MelsThread

 

[otherclive]

We had a 2004 Octavia 1.9 TDi 130 that went like stink. Adding our (nose light) Pageant Majestic S5 it made the back end sink.
I fitted the UK equivalent of MAD (at that time were about £89) with some from Grayston Engineering which cost me IIRC £66. They did lift the tail a bit but the ride improvement was really noticeable but with the caravan on as well - magic! One of the smoothest tows ever. Per fitting, once I conquered how to do the first wheel (which took nearly an hour) the second fit took about 20 minutes from start of jacking up to grounded and finished. You need a lift jack and sockets and some blocks or a (single) ramp. Remove the wheel, disconnect the shocker and let it hang, and jack the car up a bit to make sure the suspension spring is fully extended. Fit the bottom cup in the bottom of the spring, then wind the new additional spring through the main spring to seat the aux spring inside it. Put some blocks under (I used a ramp) to take the body and put the jack under the spring and pump it up until you can reattach the shocker. Remove the jack and put it on the body lift point to raise the body and remove the blocks/ramp. Refit the wheel, lower it and recheck the wheel nuts preferably with a torque lever - usually 80Nm for a metal wheel or 130Nm for alloy.

However in much more recent times we have had three Passat estates which use the same chassis as the Superb and that is a whole different ball game. The rear springs sit in the well of a (square) u-shaped suspension member, which means that you need a spring compressor to be able to keep the spring slightly compressed so that you could lift it out and fit the MAD part inside it. In the end I got my local tame garage to fit them for me

That’s why I used the Skoda dealership, but any decent independent can do the job.

In recent threads Prof John has raised his concerns wrt the effect of springs on a car’s systems such as ESC etc. Most of the cars mentioned so far in this thread are by present technology standards quite “ancient” and not equipped with multifarious auto safety systems. One forum member has a 2025 car that he is in discussions about a possible rejection as its lane control is very disturbing, and it’s not just his car, others of that model are similarly affected. Difficult to gauge how MAD might interact with the higher technology sytems in a later model car like yours. Wonder if the Skoda/Passat forum might have any on road experience. Woodentops Passat would provide good experience.

 

[Craigbinning86]

That’s why I used the Skoda dealership, but any decent independent can do the job.

In recent threads Prof John has raised his concerns wrt the effect of springs on a car’s systems such as ESC etc. Most of the cars mentioned so far in this thread are by present technology standards quite “ancient” and not equipped with multifarious auto safety systems. One forum member has a 2025 car that he is in discussions about a possible rejection as its lane control is very disturbing, and it’s not just his car, others of that model are similarly affected. Difficult to gauge how MAD might interact with the higher technology sytems in a later model car like yours. Wonder if the Skoda/Passat forum might have any on road experience. Woodentops Passat would provide good experience.

Oh never thought about it causing problems with anything as when I emailed mad they said it doesn’t effect day to day running. Need to have a look into this thank you

 

[RogerL]

That’s why I used the Skoda dealership, but any decent independent can do the job.

In recent threads Prof John has raised his concerns wrt the effect of springs on a car’s systems such as ESC etc. Most of the cars mentioned so far in this thread are by present technology standards quite “ancient” and not equipped with multifarious auto safety systems. One forum member has a 2025 car that he is in discussions about a possible rejection as its lane control is very disturbing, and it’s not just his car, others of that model are similarly affected. Difficult to gauge how MAD might interact with the higher technology sytems in a later model car like yours. Wonder if the Skoda/Passat forum might have any on road experience. Woodentops Passat would provide good experience.

I'd counter Prof's concerns by highlighting the increasing number of cars with air suspension where increasing the pressure as the weight is increased effectively increases the spring rate - and some like my Touareg also have dynamic damper rates which vary dependent on the load and rate of wheel movement - so I'd suggest that altering the spring rate doesn't have the effect on stability control that Prof anticipates.

What we don't know is how detailed MAD's development tests with a Superb were.

 

[ProfJohnL]

If a suspension seems to be sagging under load, the very first thing you should do is to check you are not overloading the suspension. Even when it is allowed by the manufacturer it does not change the maximum load rating of the axle.

The second thing is to have the condition of the suspension checked for wear and any worn items replaced with OEM class products.

You should not change spring rates on modern cars unless the car manufacturer specifically allows it on your exact model. The stability control programs may rely on sensors in the suspension to derive safety control signals to help stability. Changing a coil rating will affect the the movement of the car body, and that might cause the Stability control system to produce improper control signals that actually adversely affect safety of the vehicle.

 

[otherclive]

If a suspension seems to be sagging under load, the very first thing you should do is to check you are not overloading the suspension. Even when it is allowed by the manufacturer it does not change the maximum load rating of the axle.

The second thing is to have the condition of the suspension checked for wear and any worn items replaced with OEM class products.

You should not change spring rates on modern cars unless the car manufacturer specifically allows it on your exact model. The stability control programs may rely on sensors in the suspension to derive safety control signals to help stability. Changing a coil rating will affect the the movement of the car body, and that might cause the Stability control system to produce improper control signals that actually adversely affect safety of the vehicle.

Ah Prof you could have saved me some time. Viz #14. I know the OPs Superb is newer than mine was but even after carrying out your recommendations, plus ensuring that the tyres were inflated to the correct pressure for towing it still bottomed out the towbar coming off of the drive, and on our local speed humps. Of which the council highways assured me were within the legal recommendationed height. As I said in my post Woodentop with a later Passat has encountered no concerns, and “ yes” the Passat probably isn’t identical to the Superb in all respects of its suspension. Just searching websites there are several well respected manufacturers offering suspension upgrades for Superbs. Koni, Bilstein, ST, Eibach etc. and not all are boy race r lowering kits. Some are for heavier duty roles. But they are significantly more expensive than the MAD option.

 

[ProfJohnL]

Ah Prof you could have saved me some time. Viz #14. I know the OPs Superb is newer than mine was but even after carrying out your recommendations, plus ensuring that the tyres were inflated to the correct pressure for towing it still bottomed out the towbar coming off of the drive, and on our local speed humps. Of which the council highways assured me were within the legal recommendationed height. As I said in my post Woodentop with a later Passat has encountered no concerns, and “ yes” the Passat probably isn’t identical to the Superb in all respects of its suspension. Just searching websites there are several well respected manufacturers offering suspension upgrades for Superbs. Koni, Bilstein, ST, Eibach etc. and not all are boy race r lowering kits. Some are for heavier duty roles. But they are significantly more expensive than the MAD option.

There some companies who also offer
Tyre Bands.......
Compression Spring nose load gauges
chocolate teapots etc.

Just becasue something is available does not mean its legal fit for purpose or always OK to fit or use......

Edit in green

 

[RogerL]

If a suspension seems to be sagging under load, the very first thing you should do is to check you are not overloading the suspension. Even when it is allowed by the manufacturer it does not change the maximum load rating of the axle.

The second thing is to have the condition of the suspension checked for wear and any worn items replaced with OEM class products.

You should not change spring rates on modern cars unless the car manufacturer specifically allows it on your exact model. The stability control programs may rely on sensors in the suspension to derive safety control signals to help stability. Changing a coil rating will affect the the movement of the car body, and that might cause the Stability control system to produce improper control signals that actually adversely affect safety of the vehicle.

Should I switch off the air suspension and adaptive damping on my car in case it affects the stability control? The air suspension is continuously varying the spring rate to achieve a level ride.

 

[otherclive]

There some companies who also offer
Tyre Bands.......
Compression Spring nose load gauges
chocolate teapots etc.

Just becasue something is available does not mean its fit for purpose or always OK to fit or use......

Now that’s ridiculous, as using your hypothesis I shouldn’t fit Brembo discs and pads to my car to replace OEM ones, or Bilstein shocks/springs etc. It must be OEM forever then?

I’ve changed suspension using MAD auxiliary springs (Superb and Saab) , and Pedders replacement rear suspensions on a Mitsubishi Pajero, and Forester XT. No concerns with any of those fitments.

Car suspensions and steering age with time, they carry varied passenger loads 1-5, and tyres will have different flexure characteristics plus varying pressures. The electrotechnical aids that concern you are all designed to cope with those aspects.