Front ARB bushes are worn on my '02 vRS hatch. As I'm getting a nocking/squeaking over speed bumps, and the bushes do look a little loose.

From a few searches, I've discovered that the standard bar I have is 19mm.

Now what's this about a plastic collar between the bush and ARB? How can I tell if mine has these, without having a look?

Last time I looked, the paint on the ARB by the bush was cracked and looked as if the ARB was rusting.

I obviously want to avoid buying a new front bar, as it looks a pain to replace, so was wondering if I can get away with just replacing the bushes with Skoda ones or a poly upgrade.

Powerflex don't make bushes for the 19mm bar I see, and Superpro don't list anything for a Skoda. Or am I wrong?

I know that if the bar has rusted too much the diameter will have reduced, meaning that even if I put new bushes in it will continue to make a noise. But if poly bushes are a bit tigher, or if shims are available, could I get away with it?

Just out of interest, how much is a new front bar from Skoda?

Cheers in advance lads

Super pro VAG - Front - Anti Roll Bar to Chassis Bushes by PRI Racing Ltd. buy online

Select 19mm jobs a good 'un

If the plastic is gone it's a new bar really and I think there about £70 to buy.

It's quite easy to whip the the bush clamps off to have a proper look at the state of your bar. Maybe worth doing this first.

HTH

If you need any more info on checking the bar just ask

Cheers buddy. At £11.63 I'll probably just buy them and try them anyway.

If the bar's really worn I could try the 15mm bushes!! (I doubt they'll fit, but it's a thought!)

But yeah, next time I have a chance to get the wheels off, I'll pop out the bushes and inspect the bar properly. Then maybe pop in the poly bushes if i feel the bar isnt too badly worn.

Suppse £70 isnt too bad, it's just the work involved that's a pain. (I'm pretty anal about working on my car, so simple jobs take me hours, as i like to caress every nut and bolt individually!)

Cheers for the help.

You may be able to squeeze the 15's in I suppose but you need good ol brute to get the clamps back on over them.

And if I got it right the sub frame needs dropping to get the bar in.

Bushes can be done with a jack and axle stands, just remember to undo the droplinks first (not doing this made the job half hour longer for me whoops)

Doing he bar as well is a pain as it needs tracking after as your right the sub frame has to dropped so not really a DIY job

Doing he bar as well is a pain as it needs tracking after as your right the sub frame has to dropped so not really a DIY job

Ahh nuts! Lets hope some new poly bushes do the job then...

Mine needed a new bar as well when the bushes went

Sorry to revive an old thread here!

Is it definitely impossible to replace the front roll bar without dropping the subframe?

The Haynes manual seems to hint that it might not be necessary. I mean if i really wriggle it about will it still not come out?

subframe must be dropped to replace ARB, i removed plastic sleeves and used audi tt bushes for £9, and been fine since, saves you buying rool bar.

Sorry to revive an old thread here!

Is it definitely impossible to replace the front roll bar without dropping the subframe?

The Haynes manual seems to hint that it might not be necessary. I mean if i really wriggle it about will it still not come out?

I've tried as I was convinced I could get it out despite everyone saying otherwise. Wiggle all you like, but you end up dropping the subframe:(