At the annual service (54,000 miles on the odo) got an advisory (second year running) that front console bushes may need doing in the near future and also, this year, got an advisory that ARB bushes will need doing - I can confirm that I have been getting intermittment clunking at the front when going over speed humps etc.

This is the second time that the ARB bushes need doing (First done @ <30,000 miles).

As I do a relatively low mileage (7,000) which I anticipate will go lower this year (4,500) due to my retirement, I was planning to get all this done later in the year when its more financially convenient (The advisory indicated £430 for labour for both jobs).

Three main questions.

1. Is it better to get this job done sooner rather than later - has the console bush degradation caused the ARB bushes to go again ?

2. I understand that there is a modified replacement for the console bushes which is available from SKODA UK ? Is the modified part any good ? If so, is it the official designated Skoda replacement part or will I have to request the dealer to use it ?

3. Whilst all the front suspension is in bits, are there any other parts subject to wear which it is worth replacing on a pro-active basis ?

Any info would be appreciated.

Nick

Edited 14 February, 201214 yr by Clunkclick

At the annual service (54,000 miles on the odo) got an advisory (second year running) that front console bushes may need doing in the near future and also, this year, got an advisory that ARB bushes will need doing - I can confirm that I have been getting intermittment clunking at the front when going over speed humps etc.

This is the second time that the ARB bushes need doing (First done @ <30,000 miles).

As I do a relatively low mileage (7,000) which I anticipate will go lower this year (4,500) due to my retirement, I was planning to get all this done later in the year when its more financially convenient (The advisory indicated £430 for labour for both jobs).

Three main questions.

1. Is it better to get this job done sooner rather than later - has the console bush degradation caused the ARB bushes to go again ?

2. I understand that there is a modified replacement for the console bushes which is available from SKODA UK ? Is the modified part any good ? If so, is it the official designated Skoda replacement part or will I have to request the dealer to use it ?

3. Whilst all the front suspension is in bits, are there any other parts subject to wear which it is worth replacing on a pro-active basis ?

Any info would be appreciated.

Nick

1) I wouldn't have thought that the ARB bushes would be affected by the console bushes. It's more a "feel" issue with respect to the steering and possibly tyre wear. More importantly, if the console bushes continue to degrade, would be an MOT failure.

2) Two types of OEM(ish) replacement console bushes.

- A replacement Skoda bush, which is still a void bush (holey) but with rather more support than the originals.

- A solid rubber bush intended for the SEAT Ibiza Cupra.

The above parts should cost no more than £15-£30.

3) Any suspension joints or steering joints or even the driveshaft CV joints could be inspected to check for wear before or during the work.

£430 is a lot for that work IMO. I paid £225 for a service including replacing my console bushes a little over a year ago. It might be worth looking for a good independent mechanic/garage.

J.

if the roll bar is clunking, it's likely you will need a new ARB if it's one of the early ones with plastic collars? the roll bar is just under £50 and the bushes are £3 each. I'd do both jobs at the same time if I was you as the easiest way to do it is to remove the subframe and do it all on a bench. Took me and a friend an hour and 10 minutes to change the roll bar on Sunday (was going to change the consoles and bushes but had a nice surprise that they were fine upon inspection, so i have them still in the box!).

Fingers crossed that your consoles don't strip the threads on removal as consoles from the dealer are £100 each without bushes (very common occurance, due to the steel bolt with a fine thread going into an alloy piece).

Local main dealer charged me £60 labour for a lube service - what's that 3/4 hours work ? So labour rates probably £80 an hour. So console bushes + ARB @ £430 labour = 5.3 hours on the dealer's informal estimate.Totals going to be £430 (Labour)+£80(Parts)+90(VAT) = £600. Ouch.

But then again, it wiil be good for another 24,000 miles, which at prospective usuage is going to be about six years so £100 a year.

I suppose I could leave until just inside 3 months before the next MOT then get an an out of London independent to do it. then at least I' dbe able to shave a couple of hindred off of that and I'd get the benefit of his warranty.

Nick.