Aftermarket suspension - Blitz ZZR

[duncan]

Well the standard Leaf handling is normal for a hatchback, ie pretty soft and rolly.

We prefer something a little more sporty so we bought these for the car:



These are Blitz ZZR springs and shocks made specifically for the Leaf. They were just under $1000 delivered. In addition to being firmer springs, they are height adjustable, and the shocks are 32 way adjustable for firmness.

The front springs are 5.0kg/mm. I am not sure about the factory spring rate but 5.0 is reasonably soft for aftermarket springs, hard ones can be 10 or even 12kg/mm. This was a key reason for going for this kit.



The rear is a separate spring and shock and is 4.5kg/mm. Again this is reasonably soft for an aftermarket kit. It's also interesting how similar the rates are front and rear, it suggests the weight of the car is well balanced.



Hopefully I won't need the instructions....



The install was very straightforward (except for needing to borrow a small child to undo to front top bolts). In fact, compared to the same job I did on the 30yo Navara a couple of weeks ago it was a dream....500,000klm of grease and oil makes for a crappy job.

Fronts in:



Rears shocks in (didn't get a pic with the springs). BTW the rear suspension design was stolen from a horse and cart....it is horrible.

[duncan]

The factory ride height is 400mm from the middle of the wheel to the guard, both front and rear.

We used the delivered spring heights front and rear, which gave us a 30mm drop in height to 370mm front and rear.

We've initially set the shocks to 10/32 hardness both front and rear. Normally these kits allow for much harder shocks than you really need, so about 1/3 of the adjustment is usually right.

How does it drive now? Like an absolute dream. An excellent compromise between handling and daily use

The body roll is much reduced and traction out of corners is improved. The ride is firmer but not annoyingly so, it is fine over speed bumps, gutters etc etc. Also the lower ride height is no issue with scraping.

No warning lights or issues with the VDC, TCS or ABS as expected.

Has it affected range? Absolutely no idea, no real reason it should. In any case our use does not give us any concerns so if it does reduce a percent or 2 it is no real issue.

[Phoebe]

Does it affect your warranty?

[duncan]

Good question....manufacturers often try and deny claims after modifications, and it has been upheld by fair trading over and over again that changing a part only affects warranty claims impacted by that part.

eg, I couldn't claim for a suspension issue (fair enough), something like a "clunk" might be a grey area because it may be related to the suspension change, but a motor issue for example could not be rejected on this basis.

[Jim Hare]

Awesome!

[Phoebe]

That makes sense Duncan, but I wouldn't want the argument and by my experience this week I think there would be one. They wouldn't give me my 1,000 km free service 'cos they said it had to be done within 6 weeks and I was almost 6 months. They made me pay for a 6 months service and I couldn't argue 'cos there was no charge left in my batteries and I couldn't leave until they had charged them up again I have complained to Dean that there is nothing in the paperwork which says a time limit on the free service, only that it has to be done before 2,000 kms, but I don't know it will do me any good

[duncan]

I'm disappointed but not surprised about that experience, Nissan service puts making money way ahead of customer satisfaction.

If you want to take it forward, the link is here: www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/About_us/Online_services/Lodge_a_complaint.html?DCSext.ref=Homepagecomplaintclick

Plenty of companies make ambit claims/ try and refuse valid claims at first because it is cheaper than doing the right thing.....which is exactly why I don't normally let them get away with it.

In responding to your claim (to refund the 6 month service price), they will have to provide documented proof that you must have it within 6 weeks. If they do all you have lost is 5 min filling in a form, if not you get your money back.

[Phoebe]

Thanks for that Info. Duncan I will remember all that but for now I will just change dealership service Depts. Dean tells me the Nissan mob in Hamilton in Newcastle are now licenced to work on the LEAF, so I'll give the Artarmon mob the flick and go the 36 kms to Hamilton instead of the 151 kms to Artarmon.

[duncan]

Now that is some very good news for Maitland's Leaf owners

[duncan]

Here is before and after, it looks a little better as well as handling a lot better

[David]

Sorry Duncan, I can't see a difference, but I'll take your word for it about the handling. What caught my eye though is the trailer behind. I this a visual trick of the photo, or have you got a towbar on your Leaf. I have been trying to get roof racks, but there seems nothing out there 'licensed' for the leaf. I thought somewhere before we had discussed whether you can put a towbar or not

[Phoebe]

I'm sure I was told you musn't tow, but then I was told you musn't use an Amphibian RV2 as well, so can't believe all you are told

[duncan]

haha sorry David, just parking close, not connected.

I did see in the manual that towing was not supported, but I am not sure I am convinced because:
* The rear chassis rails look nice and strong, especially for a light/box trailer.
* It makes excellent torque from 0 which is perfect for smooth towing
* I have never seen the battery temp gauge anywhere near warm, let alone hot, even when doing lots of hooning/high power loads

[Brian]

I, too, would have liked a trailer / tow bar option.

But I suspect Nissan have erred on the side of caution for two reasons -

1. They would have no control over what was towed ( worst case scenario, a large 4 wheeled caravan )

2. An adverse effect on range, which is already a delicate subject in some quarters.

Once out of warranty, I have every intention of investigating a tow bar further.