Hi People,

I need a little help and advise,

Iv just currently changed my suspension and Drop links on my Octavia Vrs 02, and now im looking to change all the Bushes around the car,

I want to keep the car as standard as i can so im using Qlink or Lemforder,

What info im trying to find out is exactally the names of all the bushes i will need to replace on my motor, Ie, ARB bushes, Wishbone bushes, and trackrod ends,

Id really appreciate anyones help,

cheers

Drew

Not a simple answer buddy depending on the route you take.

Also not sure why you would change std bushes for std bushes again if they are not faulty?

for example the following do not normally wear quickly on std car

Rear beam bushes (pair)

front suspension top mounts(pair)

Rear suspension top mounts

So perhaps leave them out for now.

If you are keeping std OEM or Lemforder bushes which supply std parts then you may want to consider actually buying the front wishbones(control arms) complete. (else you will need rear front wishbone bushes and front wishbone bushes which are a pain to press in)

So that would be a pair or front wishbones

set of Front Anti Roll bar bushes

Drop links you have done already done

Dogbone mount rear bush(this is the bush that supports lower gearbox / engine to subframe)

If you are doing

that's about it...

Other bushes that do not wear that often and should really be picked up at MOT are:

subframe to chassis bushes(pair)

Lower wishbone ball joints(pair)

steering track rod ends(pair)

I can give P/N if needed buddy

Hi bowders, Cheers for you reply and help,

The reason i want to change the bushers are the fact that the car seems to have a bit of roll and play when driving after putting new springs on, the car now seems more stable after replacing both side springs and drop links, but there is still play and wobble and the occational knock.

Iv had a look around for some info and everything seems to point in the direction of worn bushes, Ie track rod ends,anti roll bar bushes, and dogbone,

So basically would changing the bushes tighten up the steering and wobble i have.

Cheers

Drew

Edited 25 April, 201313 yr by drew_smith

Could do, but I'd go for polyurethane bushes myself to firm things up

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From experience! When your car has play in the steering and does not seem as responsive as it should. Is that normally bushes failure?

Partially, maybe. Trackrod ends and bottom ball joints may also be culprits, and if there really is play in the steering trackrod ends are more likely (you should also inspect the INNER track rod joints!).

Pressing standard bushes back in is a whole helluva lot more difficult than pressing in polyeurythane bushes, and you will need a proper press for it, rather than a make do poly bush press tool made out of big washers, nuts and bolts. Much easier to replace bottom arms. In my opinion, there is NO downside to fitting decent poly bushes though, other than the cost of Superpro. It certainly takes out the slop, and doesn't make it a rough ride. Can't speak for the dogbone though, as I've not done that one.

Hi bowders, Cheers for you reply and help,

The reason i want to change the bushers are the fact that the car seems to have a bit of roll and play when driving after putting new springs on, the car now seems more stable after replacing both side springs and drop links, but there is still play and wobble and the occational knock.

Iv had a look around for some info and everything seems to point in the direction of worn bushes, Ie track rod ends,anti roll bar bushes, and dogbone,

So basically would changing the bushes tighten up the steering and wobble i have.

Cheers

Drew

Hmm, it depends on what is causing the loose feeling buddy. I would be tempted to say that the VRS is not that great in handling in std form and does suffer from role and not a positive control. But as you state since fitting new springs further conditions might of caused your issues. Are the springs fitted OEM ?? Maybe they are not correct and have worsened the conditions. Who fitted them

Also if they are correct then the extra tightness may have caused some bushes to fail.

As clunking and knocking can be Anti roll bar bushes or a number or worn suspension components, it is not easy to say which one to recommend replacing.

I would not also say just replace all to fix the issues as that seems overkill personally. And as mentioned if you do want to replace stuff, you would be better off upgrading. Poly bushes are generally deemed a best option on these cars.

You really need to get someone to look at car and be more specific about the conditions and circumstances you get the knocking and looseness i.e turning, braking , accelerating , etc and see if you can describe where the area of noise is more apparent.

Sorry can't be more specific but these type of issues can take some time to diagnose and cure.

These cars do suffer an number of condition tho

Hi bowders,

My friend has helpd me fit he new suspention for me as he used to be a mechanic so he know what he is doing, The new suspension has certainly made the ride better and made it more stiff, but as you say there is still role and just seems a bit unresponsive,

The main problem is that when cornering is just does not seem to be tight and seems to drift a bit, feels as though there is play.

Iv seen a polybush kit (full),

Id be grateful if you could let me know from this image which ones would be best to get.....

Edited 25 April, 201313 yr by drew_smith

Well, your car being a vRS does not require 44K, since the droplinks are attached differently.

44AT may be more work than you are prepared to do since it requires lowering the whole subframe.

The anti-roll bar bushes can vary. With many vRS's the ARB is a 19mm diameter bar with plastic collars under the bushes. These collars are usually more problematic than the bushes themselves, and are best broken off and having 17mm bushes fitted. (YES, 17mm bushes for 19mm bar. You'll find the standard bushes are 19mm on a 21mm collar). BUT, you'll have to remove one of the ARB bush clamps, and look closely at your bar to confirm.

However, even after all of this, your car will still drift a bit when you push it on cornering. The basic vRS setup is a bit crap for understeer, and really requires a rear anti roll bar to sort the issue out.

Try a rear anti roll bar first, the difference is very surprising. My Mrs noticed the difference straight away but is yet to notice that I've fitted coilovers lol

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Hi Demonufo,

How about getting this Kit http://www.priracing.com/product.php/2437/304/vag---front-rear-running-gear-bushes-kit--petrol--, and then also getting a rear anti roll bar kit,?

or as mentioned by Bowders get new wishbones, or would it be better getting this kit cleaning up my wish bones and fitting the kit?

What do you think?

Drew

If you intend on keeping it, I'd go the superpro route. But I'd look for the kit without the SPF2577-80K to save a few quid. Unfortunately, all the kits have the drop link bushes, but you can always sell those on.

If you're not going to keep it for a couple of years, then just fit new wishbones and a rarb. But I'd still try the rarb first. You might decide you don't need 'owt else.

Yeah I intend to keep it for a good while, "it’s my little project"

Firstly, im going to sort out the running gear on the car then start on the body and get it mop and polished and detailed, and sort the small stone chips on the front spoiler.

Then start on cleaning the engine bay out so there is no rust or scum, then it’s onto the actual engine its self, going to start by doing an SIA, N249 and N112 removal followed by some new hoses and fuel pump, then get a good service and cam belt and hopefully if my funds stretch get a stage one for it.

Will take me a bit of time but I’m looking for something to keep me happy at weekends,

There is a picture of my motor below; I think it looks nice so I am going to do a bit more work on it so I can put my mark on it.

Drew

Well, your car being a vRS does not require 44K, since the droplinks are attached differently.

I think you mean don't require 44AM, the VRS and all Octy's require 44K buddy.

Hi Demonufo,

How about getting this Kit http://www.priracing...s-kit--petrol--, and then also getting a rear anti roll bar kit,?

or as mentioned by Bowders get new wishbones, or would it be better getting this kit cleaning up my wish bones and fitting the kit?

What do you think?

Drew

That is the superpro complete kit you list buddy. It maybe more economical to buy that and fit the most important first. As stated earlier buddy the VRS is not great at handling and it is not just bushes that will make that better.

The best mod to get more positive handling and a tighter suspension feel is to fit a rear anti roll bar from either Whiteline or Neuspeed (for Golf MK 4 set up)

If you are up for the DIY then go for replacing bushes than complete wishbones.

nice car by the way.

Cheers mate,

I think i will go the bushes way,

Can you elaberate a bit more on what you mean by (golf mk4 set up)

Cheers

Edited 26 April, 201313 yr by drew_smith

Octy is based on the golf mk4, that means most of the running gear is interchangeable. So some parts which is listed for the golf mk4 such as the rear anti roll bar will fit the octy without problems

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Ahhhhhhh Cheers,

The plot thickens.........

A quick question, is the front sawybar supplied buy Whiteline a replacement for the front ARB, or is it a add-on to the current ARB that is fitted?

Cheers

A quick question, is the front sawybar supplied buy Whiteline a replacement for the front ARB, or is it a add-on to the current ARB that is fitted?

Cheers

It is a replacement buddy.

I would not bother with replacing the front ARB with the set up you have yet. Just get the rear.

Yes the skoda is the same floorpan / chassis as the golf mk 4 / audi TT/A3 and seat leon, so a lot of parts are interchangeable. As the golf mk4 has a wider following in the tuning community a lot of parts listed for that car, the skoda can benefit from like RARB etc.

Sent from my Galaxy S3.

OK! back to step one as my motor has been of the raod for a while!!!!

 

first of all thanx everyone for all you advice,

 

Now Now!!! basically what do i have to buy from this site http://www.whiteline.com.au/do_segue4.php?make=VOLKSWAGEN&model=GOLF&model_final=GOLF+MK4+1J+INCL+GTI+EXCL+R32+%26+AWD&vehicle=8%2F97-8%2F03 to tighten up my ride, Any help

 

cheers

 

Drew

Edited 26 September, 201312 yr by drew_smith

Partially, maybe. Trackrod ends and bottom ball joints may also be culprits, and if there really is play in the steering trackrod ends are more likely (you should also inspect the INNER track rod joints!).

Pressing standard bushes back in is a whole helluva lot more difficult than pressing in polyeurythane bushes, and you will need a proper press for it, rather than a make do poly bush press tool made out of big washers, nuts and bolts. Much easier to replace bottom arms. In my opinion, there is NO downside to fitting decent poly bushes though, other than the cost of Superpro. It certainly takes out the slop, and doesn't make it a rough ride. Can't speak for the dogbone though, as I've not done that one.

 

 

Partially, maybe. Trackrod ends and bottom ball joints may also be culprits, and if there really is play in the steering trackrod ends are more likely (you should also inspect the INNER track rod joints!).

Pressing standard bushes back in is a whole helluva lot more difficult than pressing in polyeurythane bushes, and you will need a proper press for it, rather than a make do poly bush press tool made out of big washers, nuts and bolts. Much easier to replace bottom arms. In my opinion, there is NO downside to fitting decent poly bushes though, other than the cost of Superpro. It certainly takes out the slop, and doesn't make it a rough ride. Can't speak for the dogbone though, as I've not done that one.

MY Rear engine mount bush is faulty causing a rumble when starting and on powering on, where can I get them from and what sort please: Had a friend start the car whilst I was underneath seems to be excessive movement on the central bush. hope someone can help?

Cheers Ocra thanx for your help,

 

This is a bit of track now but its to do with the same probloem, Iv now noticed i am getting a knocking noise coming from the wheels, Its mainly when i corner or coasting, Iv taken my car into a local garage "FOR FREE, AND YOU DONT GET THAT OFTEN", and he has checked all the suspention trackrod ends, ball joints, basically did a the same full suspention test as they do in the MOT test, He said there was nothing wrong with any of the ends, trackrods Etc etc.. but he can also definatly feel the knocking/slight rumbling from the front,

 

Could this be something simple as a bend drive shaft, altough i cant see any of the two bent. Its not the wheel barings as i have had those checked also.

 

Im at a loose end on what this could be

 

Any idead at all would be much much apreciated

 

Just to mention not so long ago I have changed my Droplinks and also new front suspention

 

Its really buggin now ha ha

 

cheers.

My car was MOTd in June with no advisories, last month I started getting the occasional knocking from the front end. Turned out one of the ARB drop links was shot and one of the ARB sleeves was missing and the other cracked, resulting in play between the ARB and bushes. Have now had an R32 ARB fitted with new drop links. I also had the front suspension arm rear bushes (44K in that diagram above) changed for uprated TT ones. Knocking noise has now gone, handling is much much better and the car feels more stable and planted. I used to have a slight vibration under braking which I believe was caused by worn front suspension rear bushes (44K), brakes are now totally smooth.

Cheers Tom,

 

I will look into that and post back my findings