Over the past few days I have replaced the std octy subframe rear bushes for the 2 piece TT / LCR bushes.

Been meaning to do this job for a while as these bushes are the only ones i have not replaced or upgraded.

Part numbers used:

Rear of subframe bolts x 2

N90752802

Front of Subframe Bolts x 2

N90734902

Upper mounting bush x 2

8N0199282C

Lower mounting bush x 2

8N0199282D

Interesting job to do whilst subframe is on the car. But not impossible.

First I removed the 4 subframe bolts , then removed the steering rack 4 bolts, and then the dogbone bolts to gearbox so to be able to lower subframe with trolley jack.

no much gap but got about 10cm in the end

Then the hard bit , as the std bush is one piece. Took me 1.5 hours to get the near side out after messing with various options and working out best approach. Then less than 20 min on drivers side(doh)

best appoach was to use chisel(or sharp screwdriver the width of the bottom rubber section and hammer the chisel around that section to remove it.

Then use a drill small enough to miss the metal section but go through the rubber part( do not go through the top metal section)

This then allows lateral movement to get screwdriver and twist out mounting from above subframe.

Mounting removed

new 2 piece to go back in(easy job)

In the end i had to undo the steering column to rack bolt inside car to drop rack a little and align up bolts to the rack(stop you messing about trying to locate them or strip thread as i nearly did).

Sorry, did not test car at this stage but would assume that the chassis would of improved as the TT bushes are a lot stronger and have more metal inside them.

Then next was to strengthen the rear of subframe.

This was to use the subframe / cross member bars from the Audi TT Roadster as that car has stiffer mods added to compensate for the poor body structure with lack of roof. The bars on the TT are welded to the subframe and extended to the chassis so i reviewed option of fitting.

looked up lots of sites for this and various options so i decided to go with this approach.

drill and bolt it up.

Example of pic I found:

Parts used:

TT Roadster cross member support bars x 2

8N7199401

TT Roadster cross member lock washers(not needed if geting DIY store ones) x 6

8N0199399

TT Roadster cross member bolts 25mm (not needed if geting DIY store ones) x 2

N01950213

40mm bolts from DIY place x 4

6 x DIY nuts

260mm length of 15mm x 15mm steel bar froom B&Q(used to support the TT bars)

Audi TT parts drawing for info.

pic of the main parts

First I cut the 15mm squared bar down to 260mm then marked up 200mm giving 30mm either side

The 200mm is the length between to 2 threaded holes already on rear subframe.

I then drilled holes through the bar and fitted that to the subframe using 40mm bolts.

Then I cut one of the TT bars down a little to fit to subframe (as subframe mount is wider one side than the other)

Then tested the bars to fixing to the 260mm bar and back subframe area(near mounts)

When happy drilled holes in teh bar and rear subframe

Pic of bars attached to front

and the rear.

Results.

Well the TT subframe bushes have eliminated vibration completly so great result there, and I think thay must of made a great improvement to the tightness of subframe. The TT bars are a bonus of strengthening the subframe and keeping it regid so hard to tell which makes best mod as fitted together.

I was a little sceptical as already had modded the chassis on mine well with TT front end and hubs, lower arms, quick rack R32 FARB and poly bushes all round with KW collies, but this is a very noticable improvement. The lack of vibration alone is superb, plus the sure footedness of the handling is so trustworthy now it feels like a 4x4. It is so planted and level on the twisties and roundabouts i am well happy.

The cost of the TT bushes is high, but IMO well worth it even if you do this and not the TT subframe bars you will notice the difference I am sure.

How come just when you think you're getting close to doing everything there's always more mods that can be done?

Nice write up

Very Interesting and well written guide, those rear bushes looked a nightmare to remove.

:thumbup:

the legend of bowders return top work buddy

p.s answer your pm's lol !!

nice write up as ever Bowders.. as rob said, another thing on the list.

Good work mate.

was just gonna say......legend is back!

nice job mark!

they were a pain to get out off the car, let alone on the car!!!

How come just when you think you're getting close to doing everything there's always more mods that can be done?

Nice write up

Tell me about it Rob.......

Rear brake springs is next on list (using the VW sharan springs) to force the brake cable back to home position better and stop brake dragging...

was just gonna say......legend is back!

nice job mark!

they were a pain to get out off the car, let alone on the car!!!

Cheers Luca, been working in Mexico for over 2 weeks so not had chance to get on site and work on car. Lots of nice VW MK 2 golfs out there mate. No rust but the heat, dust kills the paintwork...

i know of a couple of turbos kicking around that have your name on, to really test that handling, plus its the only thing left to do!

on a serious note......brands snatch..!

mexico, nice! on the San diego side?

any pics?

can't buy cars out of mexico though:

luca his ears much have been inching lol we talk about the brisky legends and look who rolls up

can we make this a sticky

lol its a sign from the gods Clive!:>

Hey Bowders, nice work.

Was it yourself who once wrote that you had a slight knock coming from your front end? If so, did the sub frame bushes help/cure said knock?

If it wasnt yourself.... please ignore. :think:

Hey Bowders, nice work.

Was it yourself who once wrote that you had a slight knock coming from your front end? If so, did the sub frame bushes help/cure said knock?

If it wasnt yourself.... please ignore. :think:

HI Buddy it was indeed me that had that thread and yes it has completly cured any vibrations and knocking i had. Happy days.

luca his ears much have been inching lol we talk about the brisky legends and look who rolls up

can we make this a sticky

Yep buddy I had a six sense you were.

lol its a sign from the gods Clive!:>

Must of been a big sign mate

I was visiting some mayan pyramids in Mexico they were God like so you have warned.....

We need to catch up when your back dude ;-)

Have some news for you ;-)

HI Buddy it was indeed me that had that thread and yes it has completly cured any vibrations and knocking i had. Happy days.

Oh nice one, will have to give this a go so!!

What's the price for the bushes, 034 Motorsport do some which workout at about £36 from the States.

http://www.034motorsport.com/chassis-components-volkswagen-subframe-bushing-set-aluminum-mk4-volkswagen-8l-audi-p-21362.html

We need to catch up when your back dude ;-)

Have some news for you ;-)

Hmm do tell

note I am using firefox and having a issue opening messages at the mo.

What's the price for the bushes, 034 Motorsport do some which workout at about £36 from the States.

http://www.034motors...di-p-21362.html

They are not the same bushes, those in 034 motorsports are solid bushes and may shake you car a lot. I would not fit those in a road car.

I have genuine TT/LCR 2 piece bushes and not cheap around £22 before Vat each so not much change from £100

but have to say worth the cost..

he is having the change mark, 1st op done already;>

on a serious note, i use firefox, and i can never edit..or use the post button, have to go through the more reply options in order to post!

and apparently the quote button doesn't work either!

he is having the change mark, 1st op done already;>

Wot!!! Clive is now Livvie?

on a serious note, i use firefox, and i can never edit..or use the post button, have to go through the more reply options in order to post!

I use Firefox and don't have any of these issues. Hmm, wonder what's going on there...

lol lol

mark when you get back give me a call ;-)

luca 50% now lol

he is having the change mark, 1st op done already;>

on a serious note, i use firefox, and i can never edit..or use the post button, have to go through the more reply options in order to post!

ha ha , thought so Clive had that done ages ago. No I think he has bought a Hillman Imp..