probably the most common thread about the octavia!!

gonna replace them as they really are noisy, I'm not that clued up and I've read about different sizes and sleeves etc, upgraded parts etc etc and it gets confusing.

if they have a sleeve is it best to remove, if so what size bush do I get and where from or is it best to leave the sleeve, again same question what size bush and where from.

Or do I need a new arb and bushes??

I dont mind paying a bit extra and getting uprated bushes but a point in the right direction would be appreciated, I'm not looking to go mega daft modding the car tbh, it's tempting but after chasing numbers for years with scoobs I do need to settle down and drive the fecker more than having it look/go/sound the best in the town!!

Thanks in advance...

I have SuperPro 19mm bushes on the standard bar. They feel pretty good but need lots of lube to avoid creaking.

There are several routes to go.

The original vRS bar has plastic sleeves that have stoppers, stopping the bushes going to far out on the bar. When I changed the bushes on my car, the left plastic sleeve had a crack in it. Putting a new bush on top of an already cracked sleeve is not a good solution, imo. I decided to remove both sleeves and put original 19mm bushes on (since I didn't have smaller ones available then) (part no. 1J0 411 314 P).

I have not had any problems with the bushes in the last 3 months I've had them fitted. I have since bought smaller 17mm bushes (part.no 1J0 411 314 S), if I do run into problem with the not-quite-so-tight 19mm bushes, but I haven't fitted them yet. I suspect that if you do not do too much inspired/track driving, the 19mm arb bushes will work fine even without the sleeves.

If the sleeves are cracked, the official solution is to replace the entire bar with the new design, which has metal sleeves, and install new bushes. This will cost you, though, since it is a time consuming job.

If the sleeves are intact, you can just install new 19mm bushes and be fine with it. When the sleeves crack later (which they will), you will have to re-evaluate your options.

There is also the dilemma of original bushes vs. poly-urethane bushes. Personally, I would avoid the poly-urethane bushes, since many report that they wear out rather quickly and need regular lubing not to squeak. If you want to keep the service to the car to a minimum, go with original VAG parts.

Edited 29 July, 200916 yr by kirk