Hi there,

 

I'm planning to fit some Bilstein B12's soon. The car has done 127,000 miles and on original dampers so they need changing as the ride and handling aren't great!

 

What else should I consider doing (if anything) at the same time? Should I replace top mounts? If so, from where? Also are there any other suspension mods that will compliment the B12's without breaking the bank?

Personally at that mileage I would look at changing the lot (top mounts, bump stops and dust covers), might even be worth doing the bushes.

note the bilstein front shocks have internal bump stops so no bump stops are needed for the front

Thanks, it has spent a lot of those miles on the motorway but it's just not feeling as good as when I bought it at 78,000 miles.

What are the dust covers for - the dampers?

Yes they keep the worst of the crud off of the sliding section of the shock. If you take a look at a rear shock you will see what I mean.

I wonder how important they are as I've had plenty of aftermarket shocks (Bilstein, Koni, BR, Nitrons) which did not use covers?

Audi tt front control arm rear Bush.. Very cheap to buy.. Febi Bilstein do them and they are a solid rubber Bush with no voids. Have a set myself just waiting to get them fitted... Already have bilstein b12 kit, new top mounts, powerflex bumpstops and a whiteline rear anti roll bar..

Edited 11 March, 201511 yr by Smoloney87

Thanks.

If you've got any link to parts and for top mounts I'd appreciate it - I know some of the ECP stuff is ****e.

I've had a rear ARB fitted to another car (+ front to the Lotuses!), is that likely to make much difference if used with the B12's?

SKF top mounts from ECP are fine

Thanks - I noticed SKF ones on their website.

My top mounts are KYB.. I can't remember I think I ordered them from micksgarage.. Ill have a look now and try to post a link

Edited 11 March, 201511 yr by Smoloney87

http://www.micksgarage.com/proddetails.aspx?pid=1283443

 

I wonder how important they are as I've had plenty of aftermarket shocks (Bilstein, Koni, BR, Nitrons) which did not use covers?

You're supposed to use the OEM cover with the new damper - that's what I do. Bilstein usually come with a very nice concertina cover that is sealed / cable tied at both ends.

There is no dust covers on my front bilsteins they kit had none.. I got a pair with my powerflex bumpstops and there on the back because there were there so why not

I've just done this to the Yeti so having a look at my project thread may help as I listed the parts used. 

 

I replaced all the above mentioned items but wasn't happy with standard rear bump stops - in the end I replaced them with Passat Sport ones which are 20mm shorter and slightly denser - the same amount that the dampers are shortened by on the B8 units so works well. I also did uprated top mounts which have proved exceptional good.

http://www.micksgarage.com/proddetails.aspx?pid=1283443

Thanks - they are a lot more than the SKF ones, any reason why they are better?

So if I only need rear bumpstops, what should I buy - Powerflex?

Thanks - they are a lot more than the SKF ones, any reason why they are better?

Probably no reason at all. I definitely didn't pay that much with a bit of shopping you can get them cheaper.. I think I paid 90euro for both but honestly cannot remember from where..

So if I only need rear bumpstops, what should I buy - Powerflex?

There is no reason not to use powerflex.. They are cheap the can be cut to what ever size u choose and they will never rot away like the Sponge oem crap as they are solid rubber.. Definitely worth the few quid.

Noticed that my rear bumpstops are shot so going to get round to doing this soon. Looking at diagrams though most show a 'thrust ring' that fits between the bumpstop and the dust cover but looking on mine these aren't present and most pictures I've seen don't show them. Is it a case of originally they are there but over time and continual pounding they just break up and fall off?  :think:

 

 

Number 4 in the diagram

 

http://workshop-manuals.com/skoda/octavia-mk2/images/octavia-mk2-488.png