It looks as though I may need to replace the front dampers on my Octavia 4x4 estate  - see this thread:

http://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/302888-suspension-clunks-and-bangs-from-a-4x4-estate/

I don't want a lower ride height and I don't want a stiffer / 'sportier' ride; I just want to get more comfort by replacing the exisitng dampers which I suspect may be tired.

Would it be cheapest and best just to fit new standard replacement Skoda dampers, or would it be worth fitting something else - possibly offering better ride quality or longer life, such as Bilstein B4 or similar?  If so, where would be the best place to buy them please?  How would the cost compare?

i'd be interested in finding this out too as the front's on my estate are 'misting' a bit, and may at somepoint need replacing..Like you i'm not that bothered about getting a sportier feel, or similar 

Cant go wrong with bilstein b4 and not worth going for skoda ones as they will be either made by sachs or bilstein anyway. Try some. of the club sponsers for quotes as i got my bilsteins from Shark.

this is also a good site for pricing up your b4 shocks

 

http://www.motorsportworld.co.uk/

 

and this one for genuine skoda parts

 

http://www.skodaparts.com/products

i'd be interested in finding this out too as the front's on my estate are 'misting' a bit, and may at somepoint need replacing..Like you i'm not that bothered about getting a sportier feel, or similar 

.

Sorry, not clear what you mean by ''misting'.

 

Edited 3 February, 201412 yr by Stuarted

Heard 'misting' described as a thin layer of oil from inside the shock that coats the outside, apparently it's not un-common..

Pls email me your vehicle details to [email protected]

Edited 5 February, 201412 yr by SkodaParts.com

My car was inspected by 'Dekra' before i bought it and has passed 2 mot's since with this 'Misting' condition, I hadn't planned on changing them in the immediate future, however if the problems a recall issue that the previous owner did not get addressed then i'd be glad to know..

Heard 'misting' described as a thin layer of oil from inside the shock that coats the outside, apparently it's not un-common..

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Ah, thanks.  So I presume what we are talking about here is a sign of slight leaking.

Thanks for the links, wiilydog.

Motorsportworld seem to have more competitive prices for Blistein B4s than most people, at around £52 for front, £50 for rear, each, including VAT, plus £12 delivery

Their site

http://www.motorsportworld.co.uk/

also explains what I was seeking information about - the stiffness of B4s compared with standard Skoda dampers:

"... Bilstein list their B4 shocks as OE (Original Equipment) but they will appear slightly uprated over the standard items on your vehicle...."