Hi all. I really could do with some advice. I have a 2009 L&K Octavia, and I have only had it a few months. The only problem I have found with it so far is that it just doesn't turn in to corners as I would expect. I like the ride in it (old man with arthritis!), but it just seems that the steering/suspension is too dim on the front end. I have been told today that replacing the rubber bushes with "poly" bushes will cure that problem straight away. Has anyone got any experience of this? Does anyone know where these poly bushes can be bought from? Sorry, newbie issues, I know, but I'm an instant convert, and want to make my car even better!

I've used superpro bushes and most online vw parts specialists will stock them. some owners also go for solid Audi TT console bushes as an cheaper alternative. I think I paid around £115 for superpro front wishbone kit 4 years ago and still going fine.

I've used superpro bushes and most online vw parts specialists will stock them. some owners also go for solid Audi TT console bushes as an cheaper alternative. I think I paid around £115 for superpro front wishbone kit 4 years ago and still going fine.

Same here, replaced the rubber bushes in the front wishbones with Superpro poly bushes. Although they squeak just a little over speed bumps, they do tighten up the front end. The cost of these from TDC Automotive in June this year was £118.00. I also fitted Bilstein B8 gas shocks all round, which are far better than standard shocks. The bushes tightened up the front and the shocks keep the car straighter and feeling less vague on uneven surfaces.

Fitted poly bushes on the front of my previous Mazda 3 sport as well. With the Mazda I had Superflex poly bushes, but I would avoid Superflex. They really did squeak very loudly over speed bumps, even with all the correct grease inside them.. Superpro seem to be the quality ones.

Before you go changing bushes, I would consider your tyres and getting a full alignment check. A small tweak on the toe in can make a very noticable improvement and remove excessive understeer, which is what are probably complaining about. A good handling premium tyre, preferably XL rated which has stiffer sidewalls, makes again a big difference. You can also change the steering assistance level either using full vcds or via a dealer diagnostic, if you want to make the steering lighter and quicker or heavier and less responsive.

I changed the standard voided bushes on my fabia mk1 for genuine Seat FR solid bushes and the results were horrible, noise comfort and vibration levels were totally unacceptable and it may have made a small improvement in handling but it was not worth it. So changed them back for OE and bliss once again.

The roll in the corners can only really be addressed by fitting stiffer (consider adjustable) shockers and a stiffer arb. But then you need to balance that setup by addressing the rear suspension too. Ride quality will however suffer.

If you insist on upgrading your bushes, then consider genuine vrs bushes (if they fit) which are probably only a few quid from TPS. For the fabia there were 3 variants, standard voided (I type), semi voided (X type) and solid and the difference in price was minimal about £9 ea iirc. The dealer would probably be double even though tps is their supplier. But remember there is a fair bit of labour involved in changing which can make it expensive. And you should have the alignment check after they are changed.

Edited 12 November, 20169 yr by xman

Thanks for that. The tyres are virtually brand new XL tyres, and the tracking has been checked. Going into corners, the steering just seems vague, like I am going too quickly for the chassis to cope with. It's not really roll in the corners as such, just genuine understeer. It's almost as though the front end is incapable of cornering. I have an 03 plate A4 that corners like it's on rails in comparison. I think I will investigate the bushes, and talk to my mechanic again.

Are you unbalancing the car by breaking / lifing off mid corner?

Are you unbalancing the car by breaking / lifing off mid corner?

 

No. It's as the corner starts that the problem arises, not mid corner.

What tyres are fitted?

It's on Michelin Crossclimates all round.