hiya,

i'm after some opinions.........

i have recently bought a vrs and took it for a free 10 point check. it was suggested that the subframe was damaged and out of alignment and needed replacing.

it was then suggested that the arb needed replacing as the locating rings are worn, corroded and broken.

He let me look at from underneath and showed me a a hole almost like it had been pierced.

i took the car back to the dealer who immediately stuck it up on ramps in the workshop.

He then let me freely speak with his mechanic afterwards.

His suggestion was that the subframe is ok even though it has a hole in it - albeit not manufactured.

He also suggested that the arb rings cannot be corroded as they are plastic and upon his inspection said that they were not broken but simply come loose and need pushing back together.

i would like to know whether you guys have any experience of this and if you have any opinions?

thanks

maza

The plastic sleves on the arb are weel know for cracking. What generally happens is that they crack, rub away the paint, let water in and then the bar rusts which then means it needs replacing. Had mine replaced at a Skoda dealer for about £150 parts and labour.

Is the hole in the subframe a rust hole or is it one that has been drilled? And how big is sadi hole?

hiya niceyellow - thx for reply. the mechanic pointed to where they were broke but it didnt look rusty.

the hole is about size of 2pence piece and the easiest way to describe is as if someone has got a screwdriver and pushed it all the way through..... quite odd..... and a screwdriver wouldn't be able to do that in my opinion. the 10point check guy said it was casuing the subframe to be a couple of mm out on one side compared to other as it was slightly distorted..... ic ouldnt really see that though. the actual hole has superficial surface rust around it.

thx

maza

Sounds like the subframe may have taken a whack at somepoint and the hole is the point of impact. I wouldn't have thought a hole of that size would be an issue in itself, but if the subframe is distorted as a result of an impact it would definately cause alingment issues.

thanks niceyellow

any other opinions/suggestions much appreciated

It's pretty much all covered, except that if the ARB bushes have come apart, and you've not yet got coating loss on the ARB where the bushes should be you've been lucky, and should get some Superpro or Powerflex bushes on there before you do finish up having to buy a new bar as well.