Hi all,

I just bought a lower strut brace from a S3 for my octavia RS.

I still have a few questions.

As we already know, the washers don't seem to fit. Do i need washers?

Next i found out that the Cap nuts i got look differently than the ones on THIS photo. The diameter of the top of the cap nut i got is only 21 mm. the ones on the photo are someting like 40mm. Can i use the ones i have or do i need to order the bigger ones?

the ones i ordered are N908 106 01.

any comments would be appreciated.

thanx

Hi all' date='

I just bought a lower strut brace from a S3 for my octavia RS.

I still have a few questions.

As we already know, the washers don't seem to fit. Do i need washers?

Next i found out that the Cap nuts i got look differently than the ones on THIS photo. The diameter of the top of the cap nut i got is only 21 mm. the ones on the photo are someting like 40mm. Can i use the ones i have or do i need to order the bigger ones?

the ones i ordered are N908 106 01.

any comments would be appreciated.

thanx

Are you taking about the flatish lower strut brace?

If so the rivnuts supplied with the kit fit directly into 2 pre-drilled holes in the subframe. Offer the brace up to the under side of the subframe and locate the holes (same centres as strut brace). The 2 rivnuts should be a tolerance fit into these 2 holes. The diameter of the holes in the brace should also tell you if you require washers. I would fit them anyway just to be one the safe side. Hope that helps, good luck.

PS Cannot see your pics. :confused:

Can't remember the part number of the Rivnuts and yes they are supposed to be a tolerance fit but mine weren't so i had to have the rivnuts welded into position.

so i'd stick your arm under the car and try and locate these holes to see how much of a tolerance there is.

and the washers that i ordered were the wrong size also but the bolts have an enlarged head so i fitted without washers,seemed ok and hasn't fallen off yet.

Correct part numbers are

8N0 199 403B Brace

N 104 679 01 Bolt x 2

N 904 773 01 Washer x 2 (but see above)

N 909 147 01 Insert Nut x 2

as posted by Nick in this thread

http://www.briskoda.net/forums/t5168-strut-braces.html

I originally ordered 2x cap nuts n90810601 from this cupranet thread...

http://www.seatcupra.net/forums/showthread.php?t=16514&page=7&pp=20&highlight=strut+brace

Rog's post 137.

There was no way I could figure out how to get them to fit so gave up and ordered

N 909 147 01 Insert Nut x 2 as above.

HTH

Pete

I dumped the washers, you don't need them and they don't fit anyway.

Cap nuts were a little loose, so i used a bit of tape to fill the gap :naughty: then tightened them right up. Incidentally, the cap nuts in that gallery (Nick's IIRC) are slightly different to the ones i got from Audi too. It doesn't matter, mine has been well & truly tested and is still nicely in place.

HTH

Well got the right parts and last night i TRIED to install the brace.

All was well till one of the insert nuts snapped.

I think i over tighten them..........

But now what? Is it save to drill the insert nut out and put a new one in? The part with the tread inside will stay behind, as i can't get it out. Is it save to leave it in? Is it posible that the part which stays behind gets stuck between moving parts?

Futher more, What strength should i torque the bolts at so they won't snap?

thanx

and they told me it was only a few minute job.....

Sorry to hear about your trouble, i hope it works out. Has any one got photos of their brace instalation?

How much Differance does the lower brace make?

Cheers

Mike

The rivnuts weren't a tight fit in mine but holding them by hand for the first few turns of the spanner was enough to make them tighten up enough to lock themselves. I didn't measure the torque - just gave them a reasonable tweak - I'd guess maybe around 60 lb ft. Like everybody said, the washers don't fit but don't worry about it - throw them away.

Mike - about 3 photos at the gallery on my website, as linked to in the original post.

Thanks!

Been on your site, outstanding!

Just need to know best place to buy the upper and lower braces?

BTW Did you notice any improvement, if so what?

Cheers

Mike