Hi all

Advisory item on M.O.T. states "nsf & osf suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated".

Are these items a DIY fit? Any specialist tools required?

I think I know which part these are (location), but haven't looked yet. Not 100%.

Is there only one bush on each side or do I need a specific type? ie upper, lower, inner, outer etc.

Are these visible just behind the wheel?

Best place to purchase? Prices? All info gratefully received.

I also have to sort rear brake binding. (Bugger)

Cheers.

There are two per wishbone.  A smaller one at the front and a larger one mounted in an aluminium housing with two ears bolted to the subframe.

Across the VAG range using the Golf platform like the Octavia, there are bushes available of different stiffness, so it is possible to tinker if you have the time interest. (a search may turn up which donors are likely to work better).

It used to reckoned that the alignment would need checking, not sure on current thinking.

If I remember correctly, the console bushes (large ones mounted in aluminium housings) bolt into and affect the position of the subframe so the geometry will need checking.

When I needed mine changing the dealer fix was to replace the entire wishbones as the bushes come pre-pressed into them and it is just a case of unbolting the old wishbone and replacing. You can however get new bushes and press out the old ones / press in the new ones.

As mentioned in a previous post above, for the console bushes there are various bushes of differing stiffness that will fit ranging from solid ones such as found on the A2 to the voided ones you probably currently have fitted. If getting aftermarket bushes get lemforder or another decent brand to save you having to do this again in the near future as the cheaper ones won't last long and aren't much cheaper anyway.

I believe my local Skoda specialist uses Audi ones when replacements are necessary.  Does anyone else do this?

The Audi bushes being referenced may have been something along the line of these solid bushes, which should fit the existing aluminium housing of the console bush if you can press the original rubber bushes out and these in.

1 x 610442065 @ £7.08 from eurocarparts

What's cheaper please replace all bushes or new wishbones? Mine creak like crazy and better in warmer weather but still **** me off.

My dealer just said you can't change the bushes your have to replace whole arm and it is pressed black colour not the silver colour I am pretty sure I have on my VRS? Could be my eye sight but sure they were not black

You can replace bushes, he's talking poo. I had mine replaced and they still squeak again. Just wd40 them every month sorted.

What's cheaper please replace all bushes or new wishbones? Mine creak like crazy and better in warmer weather but still **** me off.

 

It's certainly cheaper to replace the bushes, but don't underestimate how hard it can be to actually fit new bushes if you are actually doing the job at home. Without a proper press the front bush really is a pig to get in. I'd certainly consider buying the whole lower arm if you are doing it yourself.  

My garage (an experienced Skoda specialist) says the Audi bushes are different from the Skoda ones, and when replacements are needed, they use the Audi bushes.

Apparently the Skoda bushes have holes through them; the Audi ones do not.

i have advisory on two rear bushes and my front offside is split :( just found out the other day. thought the ride felt gash!

has anyone bought uprated bushes? do they make the ride harsh? mikeholroyd have you fitted them now, whats your opinion?

Edited 19 March, 201412 yr by 140PD

Editied due to faulty briskoda.

Not only are different rubber compounds available, different void/non void patterns are too.

Once you go off into the wider VAG world, the more sporting versions have different offsets for the "wings" as well.

I have some Superpro ones, work similar to the Whiteline ALK. Still in one piece (well two actually, as that's how they come) and still silent and holding up to the most uneven roads in the countryafter nearly 4 years.

There used to be loads of pictures on various PQ35 platform fansites, with extensive discussions as to the merits or otherwise of each type. You will be able to see the differences and read the feedback as to the efficacy and suitability for your needs.

Edited 19 March, 201412 yr by nickguzzi

I have just done this myself on mine, and ended up replacing the wishbone instead. I was under the impression it was the rear bush was worn, but when i got it apart the front bush was completely shot too. Just though it easier to replace the wishbone assy. Car feels much better now, with the worn front bush every time i accelerated the car changed lanes! not a nice feeling.

 

I just replaced with a standard aftermarket wishbone. and yes, it needed alignment doing, as it was 'miles out' according to mechanic. 

What did it cost to do with the tracking please?

I am thinking of doing whole wishbone as rather a new part than new bits in old parts. Thought they would be 100s but only 80 quid each.

Is it worth changing the ball joint too?

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I would definitely have a couple of balljoints available, they may be fine, but on mine all 3 bolts sheared when trying to seperate from the wishbone. If you dont need them, then you can return them, but if i hadnt have had them available id have been rather stuffed.

 

My local garage quoted £140 for supplying and replacing one wishbone with tracking. I did the job myself and tracking was just £24.

Edited 19 March, 201412 yr by hobbes42

Cheers. I can't do it myself only a basic car maintenance man. I have been quoted 300 by a stealer to replace both wishbones. Might buy the ball joints and replace them anyway.

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Wheel alignment costs vary wildly - I got mine done in http://www.wheels-inmotion.co.uk/ (£80 IIRC) and the handling felt really really good having done it. How much better it would have been for getting it done at a standard alignment place  (£20-30) I am not sure.

I want to get the alloy control arms but struggled to get them and might just go down the Superpro route when I get round to it. Boxster brakes are higher up my desire list right now though and then I could get all the suspension mods done in one go.

I would definitely have a couple of balljoints available, they may be fine, but on mine all 3 bolts sheared when trying to seperate from the wishbone. If you dont need them, then you can return them, but if i hadnt have had them available id have been rather stuffed.

 

My local garage quoted £140 for supplying and replacing one wishbone with tracking. I did the job myself and tracking was just £24.

 

What make arms to Skoda fit if you know please?

Meyle or how ever you spell it do a heavy duty one comes Complete in the aluminium console think they are around £25per side they are on eBay most factors will have them they are same design as the audi ones if I recall

My garage (an experienced Skoda specialist) says the Audi bushes are different from the Skoda ones, and when replacements are needed, they use the Audi bushes.

Apparently the Skoda bushes have holes through them; the Audi ones do not.

 

8J0 407 173 is the Audi # I believe but you may wish to check.

 

Bushes are cheap-as.  You can cut them out with a hacksaw but need to press the new ones in (maybe with a vice that opens really big or a g-clamp.

 

Better still, get some light alloy SuperPro lower control arms.  Poly bushes, ALK geometry, a kg or 2 lighter.

 

Audi Left, Skoda right

 

You can replace bushes, he's talking poo. I had mine replaced and they still squeak again. Just wd40 them every month sorted.

There's your problem.  WD40 evaporates.  Try squirting a bit of engine oil as well as the WD40 (WD40 will thin out the mineral oil & capillary action will help suck it in - then the WD40 evaporates & the engine oil stays behind

Wheel alignment costs vary wildly - I got mine done in http://www.wheels-inmotion.co.uk/ (£80 IIRC) and the handling felt really really good having done it.

.

I can also vouch for WIM.  Excellent company.

 

8J0 407 173 is the Audi # I believe but you may wish to check.

 

Bushes are cheap-as.  You can cut them out with a hacksaw but need to press the new ones in (maybe with a vice that opens really big or a g-clamp.

 

Better still, get some light alloy SuperPro lower control arms.  Poly bushes, ALK geometry, a kg or 2 lighter.

 

Audi Left, Skoda right

 

 

 .

Thanks - those pictures confirm exactly what my Skoda specialist garage said.  And as I said in this thread earlier, he uses the Audi ones when he needs to replace worn-out bushes on a Skoda.

Can't find that audi bush part number 8J0 407 173. Is it correct please?

can i just check these audi ones will deffo squeeze in with a press yeah. looking to replace on tue morning