Suspension bush deterioration

[ggireland]

I just had my MOT done on my 07 Roomster but had two advisories, "Offside and nearside front lower suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement". I was quite surprised that there would have been any advisories at all on a 3 year old car with 31000 miles but maybe I am overestimating the standard of Skoda build quality. I've got 3 questions which hopefully someone can answer:

1: Has anyone else had similar advisories?

2: Should I be concerned about this deterioration and act on it immediately?

3: How big a job will replacements be in terms of money?

[Decron]

I just had my MOT done on my 07 Roomster but had two advisories, "Offside and nearside front lower suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement". I was quite surprised that there would have been any advisories at all on a 3 year old car with 31000 miles but maybe I am overestimating the standard of Skoda build quality. I've got 3 questions which hopefully someone can answer:

1: Has anyone else had similar advisories?

2: Should I be concerned about this deterioration and act on it immediately?

3: How big a job will replacements be in terms of money?

1. Nope - However, they are the same as the Fabia Mk1/2 etc and they are one of the "weaker" areas of the car and it's not surprising they may be considered a bit ropey

2. As it's an advisory I would plan to get it done, but not urgently. You will know if and when they do actually go but failure is a given even with the advisory.

3. Two hundred pounds tops I reckon. Get some quotes on console bushes.

[bluecar1]

1. Nope - However, they are the same as the Fabia Mk1/2 etc and they are one of the "weaker" areas of the car and it's not surprising they may be considered a bit ropey

2. As it's an advisory I would plan to get it done, but not urgently. You will know if and when they do actually go but failure is a given even with the advisory.

3. Two hundred pounds tops I reckon. Get some quotes on console bushes.

the wifes fabia vrs had a set of "console bushes" the big lower rubber bushes fail at about 4 years, now at 7 years they are again showing signs of failing

my 07 roomster with 120,000 miles seems ok but when underneath it the other week i noticed they are showing signs of weakening (not as stiff as before)

peter

[Burbler]

Hi Guys,

Mine's a 2007 roomster 2 1.9TDi, with just over 46000 on the clock. When I had the 40,000 mile service done at a specialist VAG independent garage, the mechanic mentioned that the console bushes were showing early signs of splitting, and told me that might account for a developing intermittent bumping/rumbling from the front end of the car. He said that it was nothing serious at that stage, but to keep it in mind and have it checked again at next service. Actually, I got a main dealer (Robert Eardley at Newcastle-under-Lyme - have to say that these guys give top-notch service and are really friendly and helpful) to have a look at the bushes and they confirmed that the developing splits in the console bushes justified replacement under warranty. They said it's quite a common problem. They did the job in about an hour and a half. So, could be worth getting yours along to a main dealer if it's still within warranty because you may get the bushes done. In my case, the dealer said that they replace the Skoda original bushes with Seat 'cupra' bushes which they reckon are much better and should last much longer. Naturally that's going to depend on what mileage I cover and how many potholes, craters and trenches I hit in the lousily maintained local roads, but the bushes will go again eventually because I'm told they take a lot of bashing especially with the weight of the 1.9 diesel engine. (Does that mean that Roomsters with the smaller, lighter engines are less prone to the problem?)

Since the job was done the ride has gone back to the original firmness.

Full marks to Robert Eardley for keeping me a happy Roomster owner!

[pondweed]

our 21k 1.4 diesel feels slightly 'loose' and I'm going to press for it being looked at when its first MOT'd 30 days before warranty expiry.

[Decron]

Trick is to fit uprated Powerflex bushes.

[pondweed]

I presume that dealer wouldn't do that as part of warranty work...if I paid the extra? (someone mentioned a higher spec skoda oem bush?)

[JDW]

I presume that dealer wouldn't do that as part of warranty work...if I paid the extra? (someone mentioned a higher spec skoda oem bush?)

Depends on the dealer. They are supposed to use Skoda parts, but they also have a get out clause if they cannot get the Skoda part in time, as long as its a VAG part they should be open to money in the hand.. LOL.

JD.

[Decron]

If they are the same bushes as the Mk1 fabia which they might be..... you can replace them with Cupra bushes which are solid. These will last longer and give a more responsive feel but they will also transmit more vibrations etc...

I also know people who have filled them in with Flexane which turned out to be a really good mod.

They would only fit OEM under warranty however you can but ask. The powerflex are not that expensive.

[fordfan]

The replacement bush currently available is of a different design, to me it looks more upto the job than the original.

[JDW]

I just had my MOT done on my 07 Roomster but had two advisories, "Offside and nearside front lower suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement". I was quite surprised that there would have been any advisories at all on a 3 year old car with 31000 miles but maybe I am overestimating the standard of Skoda build quality. I've got 3 questions which hopefully someone can answer:

1: Has anyone else had similar advisories?

2: Should I be concerned about this deterioration and act on it immediately?

3: How big a job will replacements be in terms of money?

The problem is the roads. If you drive on motorways and very seldom see potholes then your suspension will go on for years. I have changed shocks on VW vehicles. I know that the shocks and bushes on our new Scout will be changed in three years if not before. You have adapt to the cars road wear and tear. A new set of shocks and bushes will give you a new ride and make the vehicle a lot safer.

JD

Edited 22 July, 2010 by JDW

[schnauzerwagen]

I hope this proves useful. The original console bushes on my R3 were splitting at 37K miles and replaced yesterday by 6LL407183 bushes for Ibiza Cupra "R" as per Burbler's post and others. These are a "solid" version of the standard bushes (so with metal shell and without voids) and after driving c.50 miles since fitment I can really recommend them. I noticed slightly more road noise transmission but the improvement in steering quality is very worthwhile. It's also almost eliminated the front wheel shudder which the car has always had on drive takeup from rest in either direction. The Cupra R bushes are just slightly more £ than the standard spec bushes. Checking around the web there are many tuning sites offering these.

[NET2008]

Hi Decron,

Noticed you were in Cwmbran, I am looking to replace the lower arms and bushes on my mk1 octavia VRS. In your post you mentioned you had poly bushes fitted. Who did you use to press the bushes. Hope you dont mind me asking but im in the area and am looking for someone to do the job.

Thanks

NET

Edited 23 August, 2010 by NET2008

[allytech]

Trick is to fit uprated Powerflex bushes.

Really? the powerflex is just a push in helper on the standard bush, the best remedy is using the ibiza cupra bushes which are a fit for life item and dont really affect interior noise/vibration at all, prices are £160 fitted inc alignment for anyone interested