Hi guys, I'm trying to gather some info on the arb's fitted to the Yeti as standard and also work out which other (thicker) vag model arb's are compatible. My guesses are going to be along the lines of the octavia VRS and should therefore also mean any number of aftermarket kits from eibach etc should fit too?

I'm guessing this may be a fairly short thread but can anyone confirm my thoughts are correct on this?

Why?

The car handles perfectly well as it is designed.

The yeti has very little roll if driven normally. I would expect it to break away if driven hard but its firm suspension suggests good roadholding during normal use.

If you do want to rally then buy a car that is more suited to that type of driving. A lower centre of gravity is a start.

Edited 2 October, 201015 yr by Terfyn

wow - I'm guessing you can't help with the query then?

Thanks for the input guys.

Obviously not, but the question still remains, why do you want to alter what is obviously a very well handling car?

Obviously not, but the question still remains, why do you want to alter what is obviously a very well handling car?

Because in my humble view it rolls too much on track.

Because in my humble view it rolls too much on track.

What, you mean race track?

Does the 4x4 have different suspesion then, as even driven enthusiastically roll is the one thing I would say it doesn't do?

What are you comparing it to?

The Yeti is not a track car, its designed for off road use with lots of suspension travel. Of course its going to roll a lot on track, just the same as any other large 4x4 does.

That said, it is based on the Octavia2/Golf MK5 platform so some parts must be common.

What, you mean race track?

Does the 4x4 have different suspesion then, as even driven enthusiastically roll is the one thing I would say it doesn't do?

What are you comparing it to?

Yes but even I also find there is more lean on long sweeping bends than I would ultimately like.

I'm unsure of the suspension differences - I'm really trying to improve my knowledge on the whole Yeti suspension topic tbh.

That said, it is based on the Octavia2/Golf MK5 platform so some parts must be common.

That's exactly what I'm trying to work out. I'm sure a long time back I read that the front suspension setup was basically octy based and the rear passat or superb (??) but just using lighter weight materials?

I do realise what class of vehicle it is and I'm not expecting it to be doing the nordschleife in sub eight minutes but at the same time I am keen to make the most of the excellent chassis and grip the car is clearly capable of providing.

Hi FocusZtec;

I was thinking of this 'mod' as well; having had after market arbs on my Fabia and Octavia (too).

Have you had a look underneath a Yeti at the rear arb yet? There is one, somewhat large, 'fly in the ointment' in the shape of the rear differential for the 4x4! The rear ARB takes a somewhat devious route around this.

Therefore if there is going to be something compatible from the Golf platform it will have to be from the 4x4 - I have a nasty feeling this is 'rare as hen's teeth'.

Oh well; back to the drawing board.

PS> My intended tweak to sharpen the handling is 18" wheels with 225/45 tyres; for summer use at any rate. Watch the offset though as it is less than Octavia wheels.

Why do people always want to mess around with perfection?

Because there is always someone who thinks they know better!!

Hi FocusZtec;

I was thinking of this 'mod' as well; having had after market arbs on my Fabia and Octavia (too).

Have you had a look underneath a Yeti at the rear arb yet? There is one, somewhat large, 'fly in the ointment' in the shape of the rear differential for the 4x4! The rear ARB takes a somewhat devious route around this.

Therefore if there is going to be something compatible from the Golf platform it will have to be from the 4x4 - I have a nasty feeling this is 'rare as hen's teeth'.

Oh well; back to the drawing board.

PS> My intended tweak to sharpen the handling is 18" wheels with 225/45 tyres; for summer use at any rate. Watch the offset though as it is less than Octavia wheels.

Im thinking Golf R at the moment! But yes you are spot on; the shape around the diff means it's going to have to be a four wheel drive variant for sure but even then it looks pert specific to the Yeti.

Why do people always want to mess around with perfection?

Thanks also for these further valuable contributions. ;-)

Because there is always someone who thinks they know better!!

Edited 4 October, 201015 yr by FocusZtec

Im thinking Golf R at the moment! But yes you are spot on; the shape around the diff means it's going to have to be a four wheel drive variant for sure but even then it looks pert specific to the Yeti.

Do let us know how you get on; I might just be tempted to follow (not got my Yeti quite yet).

Do let us know how you get on; I might just be tempted to follow (not got my Yeti quite yet).

I sure will, thanks.

Me too pse - a possible change of ARB is essentially no different in principle to adding winter tyres, higher powered headlamp bulbs or additional lamp brackets is it?

Yes, because it materially alters the way the car actually responds.

All the other items are additions, nit alterations

Yes, because it materially alters the way the car actually responds.

Which is the whole purpose of the excercise. Ive done ARB upgrades to my last five cars and all have provided me with a superior handling setup compared to standard. Imo of course.

Oh and winter tyres dont "alter the way the car actually responds?" :wonder:

Edited 5 October, 201015 yr by FocusZtec

Not if you buy the proper ones, no. Why should they?

What I find difficult to understand is why buy a vehicle that is designed to be capable of moderate off-road performance, therefore having a suspension system designed for that, and then modify it to perform like a sports car? If you wanted that sort of handling why not buy a sports saloon or estate?

Its as bad as those people who bought Vitaras and then fitted 8" wide sports tyres and lowered the suspension. Totally illogical!!

Not if you buy the proper ones, no. Why should they?

What I find difficult to understand is why buy a vehicle that is designed to be capable of moderate off-road performance, therefore having a suspension system designed for that, and then modify it to perform like a sports car? If you wanted that sort of handling why not buy a sports saloon or estate?

Its as bad as those people who bought Vitaras and then fitted 8" wide sports tyres and lowered the suspension. Totally illogical!!

Thats quite an interesting view as one of my pet hates is seeing the Vitaras with the wideboy arches and wheels!

But where I just dont follow is where you say that uprating the ARB's (a performance upgrade that you cant actually even see externally!) is just as bad!! :think:

The ARB's dont affect the cars off road performance so again I dont follow your arguement. Off road performance of the sort I do in the vehicle is more down to the effectiveness of the Haldex 4 functionality and axle articulation - not something that the Yeti excels at but given its target market, I think its more than adequate. Also, when you mention the lowering springs on the Vitara - ive never suggested Id be swapping the springs or dampers as I personally feel that the ride comfort and in particular, the damping ability of the standard setup is superb. :yes:

An aftermarket adjustable ARB upgrade will improve the (already good) body control buy reducing the lean in faster bends and allow the car to be setup how the owner/driver wants.

Winter tyres will offer different tractive abilities and even change the dynamics of the vehicle slightly ie softer turn in compared to more sports orientated rubber.

Have you ever upgraded a cars ARB's and if so, what negatives did you think there were afterwards?

The only experience of ARB's I have is on Disco's and 90/110's where they are invariably removed because the limit the axle articulation. My concern is that putting stiffer ARB's on the Yeti is therefore going to "stiffen" the suspension up, thereby making it easier in the rough to lift a wheel. Now I know that the Haldex etc will cope with this, but as a seasoned off-road driver I want as many tyres as possible in contact with the ground as much as possible. I suspect that my off-roading use is a lot more severe than yours!

I didn't suggest or mention lowering the Yeti. My only mention of that was about the "pushers" Vit's!!

Have you ever driven on real winter tyres? They really don't make any noticeable difference to normal tyres until the weather is really bad, then they are better!

The only experience of ARB's I have is on Disco's and 90/110's where they are invariably removed because the limit the axle articulation. My concern is that putting stiffer ARB's on the Yeti is therefore going to "stiffen" the suspension up, thereby making it easier in the rough to lift a wheel. Now I know that the Haldex etc will cope with this, but as a seasoned off-road driver I want as many tyres as possible in contact with the ground as much as possible. I suspect that my off-roading use is a lot more severe than yours!

I didn't suggest or mention lowering the Yeti. My only mention of that was about the "pushers" Vit's!!

Have you ever driven on real winter tyres? They really don't make any noticeable difference to normal tyres until the weather is really bad, then they are better!

You mentioned it was comparable to the VItara being lowered with wide wheels.

My Yeti spends 99% of its time on road so Im even more confident that Im doing the right thing for my vehicle and myself.

I have driven on 'real' winter tyres, yes and I used to spend any spare weekend time taking Lightweights, 90's and an early Discovery off road so I understand the off road implications.

Anyway, back on topic; I will certainly keep those interested, up to date with any progress or findings.

Hi Lee

I'd be interested if you can find out any info on the golf R arb.

.. and to the other guys on this thread, you really need to put your pitchforks away lol

cheers

Rob

Rob,

no pitchforks here. I thought we were having a sensible DISCUSSION

No if I really thought it was a totally stupid idea.............................................

Hi Lee

I'd be interested if you can find out any info on the golf R arb.

cheers

Rob

I will be sure to pass it in. :-)

Edited 5 October, 201015 yr by FocusZtec