Superb III Estate - Ride Height

[JS1]

Hi folks,

 

New here, been meaning to sign up for a while, always looking up topics on here. 

 

I have the 2016 Superb Estate MK3. I have owned it for approx 18months. Great car, no big complaints.

 

I have noticed more and more that the rear suspension is quite soft and saggy, even with the lightest of loads. Even a modest tesco shop is enough to create a noticable rear sag. 

 

I have measured the height of my wheel arches, the rear is approx 10mm lower than the front when unloaded. However, online I cannot find anywhere the table showing the ride height for the MK3 estate - can anyone share this? 

 

I'm considering if replacing the rear springs for some fresh OEM ones would help, or fit some MAD spring assisters, or even both.  But first would like how far off the ride height is in order to help judge whats needed. 

 

Car is due for service in the summer, so plenty time to figure out whats needed. Fingers crossed the dreaded corona is largely expired by then!

 

Thanks in advance and stay safe! 

 

Jon

[801802971]

My car has about 8 inches of snow on top of it but if no one else replies, when it melts, I will do some measurements for you.

[JBD1974]

And old thread here (Click ) suggests 150mm, but doesn't specify front to back. 

[Carlston]

10 hours ago, JS1 said:

Hi folks,

 

New here, been meaning to sign up for a while, always looking up topics on here. 

 

I have the 2016 Superb Estate MK3. I have owned it for approx 18months. Great car, no big complaints.

 

I have noticed more and more that the rear suspension is quite soft and saggy, even with the lightest of loads. Even a modest tesco shop is enough to create a noticable rear sag. 

 

I have measured the height of my wheel arches, the rear is approx 10mm lower than the front when unloaded. However, online I cannot find anywhere the table showing the ride height for the MK3 estate - can anyone share this? 

 

I'm considering if replacing the rear springs for some fresh OEM ones would help, or fit some MAD spring assisters, or even both.  But first would like how far off the ride height is in order to help judge whats needed. 

 

Car is due for service in the summer, so plenty time to figure out whats needed. Fingers crossed the dreaded corona is largely expired by then!

 

Thanks in advance and stay safe! 

 

Jon

 

What model is your 2016 Superb MK3 estate? ie. 2WD or 4WD, manual or automatic gearbox, 2.0TDi 150HP engine, etc.

 

What is the OEM part number of your rear springs?

 

If you have build codes PR-1JA+0YC then your rear springs will have OEM part number 3Q0511115AK

 

If you have build codes PR-1JA+0YD then your rear springs will have OEM part number 3Q0511115AL

 

The link below shows rear springs for the VW Passat 2015 onwards, but the Skoda Superb MK3 will use many of the same rear springs.

http://www.oemepc.com/vw/part_single/catalog/vw/markt/RDW/modell/PA/year/2016/drive_standart/793/hg_ug/511/subcategory/511000/part_id/0/lang/e

 

The link above doesn't show the coloured dots, so even if you know what coloured dots are on your rear springs, that doesn't help identify the OEM part number...as would normally be the case.

 

Edited 12 February, 2021 by Carlston

[JS1]

Not sure the part numbers of my springs. 

 

But mine is SE trim, 2wd, 1.4TSI ACT, manual. 

[Baverhanne]

The 4x4 has 150mm ground clearance.

Sportline is a little bit lower, DCC equipped car might also differ.

[Carlston]

9 hours ago, JS1 said:

SE trim, 2wd, 1.4TSI ACT, manual. 

 

I suspect your rear springs have OEM part number 3Q0511115AK. These have a coil spring diameter/thickness of 12.25mm. It's worth measuring your current rear springs to see if they match this diameter using digital calipers. The 12.25mm diameter is without paint, so deduct about 0.1mm from the reading that you get to account for the paint thickness on the spring.

 

The next OEM part number in the hierarchy, is 3Q0511115AL. This has a 12.5mm coil spring diameter/thickness. You could fit this even if you're not sure what your current rear springs are. This OEM number is used on cars such as the VW Passat Estate. The unladen ride height will be the same as the softer rear spring, but won't compress so much when weight is added to the car.

 

It sounds like your current rear springs are starting to sag, so even new versions of the current rear springs would help, but the VW Passat Estate rear springs should be firm enough.

 

OEM part number 3Q0511115AK

Coil spring diameter 12.25mm 

https://www.autodoc.co.uk/car-parts/oem/3q0511115ak?search=OEN+3Q0511115AK&supplier[0]=32

 

OEM part number 3Q0511115AL

Coil spring diameter 12.5mm

https://www.autodoc.co.uk/car-parts/oem/3q0511115al?search=OEN+3Q0511115AL&supplier[0]=32

 

Kilen 65125 (matches 3Q0511115AK)

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Coil-Spring-fits-SKODA-SUPERB-3V3-2-0D-Rear-2015-on-Suspension-Kilen-Quality-New/233885209327?hash=item3674a512ef:g:MREAAOSwQdhgHT34

 

Kilen 65125 (matches 3Q0511115AL)

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Coil-Spring-Rear-65125-Kilen-Suspension-3Q0511115AL-Genuine-Quality-Guaranteed/233867639496?epid=20028987910&hash=item367398fac8%3Ag%3A~6cAAOSwv69gCYRj&LH_ItemCondition=1000

 

Edited 13 February, 2021 by Carlston

[JS1]

17 hours ago, Carlston said:

 

I suspect your rear springs have OEM part number 3Q0511115AK. These have a coil spring diameter/thickness of 12.25mm. It's worth measuring your current rear springs to see if they match this diameter using digital calipers. The 12.25mm diameter is without paint, so deduct about 0.1mm from the reading that you get to account for the paint thickness on the spring.

 

The next OEM part number in the hierarchy, is 3Q0511115AL. This has a 12.5mm coil spring diameter/thickness. You could fit this even if you're not sure what your current rear springs are. This OEM number is used on cars such as the VW Passat Estate. The unladen ride height will be the same as the softer rear spring, but won't compress so much when weight is added to the car.

 

It sounds like your current rear springs are starting to sag, so even new versions of the current rear springs would help, but the VW Passat Estate rear springs should be firm enough.

 

OEM part number 3Q0511115AK

Coil spring diameter 12.25mm 

https://www.autodoc.co.uk/car-parts/oem/3q0511115ak?search=OEN+3Q0511115AK&supplier[0]=32

 

OEM part number 3Q0511115AL

Coil spring diameter 12.5mm

https://www.autodoc.co.uk/car-parts/oem/3q0511115al?search=OEN+3Q0511115AL&supplier[0]=32

 

Kilen 65125 (matches 3Q0511115AK)

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Coil-Spring-fits-SKODA-SUPERB-3V3-2-0D-Rear-2015-on-Suspension-Kilen-Quality-New/233885209327?hash=item3674a512ef:g:MREAAOSwQdhgHT34

 

Kilen 65125 (matches 3Q0511115AL)

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Coil-Spring-Rear-65125-Kilen-Suspension-3Q0511115AL-Genuine-Quality-Guaranteed/233867639496?epid=20028987910&hash=item367398fac8%3Ag%3A~6cAAOSwv69gCYRj&LH_ItemCondition=1000

 

 

Thanks Carlston for brilliant info, looks like some good detective skills!

 

Indeed looks like 3Q0511115AK is the relevant part number when checking with my reg. 

 

I am away working at the moment, so will double check with my calipers later.  But assuming they are indeed 12.25mm (minus a bit for paint), how can I be sure any new springs would give the same ride quality as the originals? 

One of the best things about the superb is the relaxed ride quality, is the diameter the only major thing that would affect this?

There seems to be multiple brands of springs compatible with 3Q0511115AK --- like KYB, Lesjofors, Sachs, Suplex, Kilen, Bilstein, Triscan, Spidan. 

They are all roughly similar in price. 

Just wondering if there is an difference between the brands?

 

I prefer to get a replacement spring with properties closely matching the originals, and fit additional MAD assisters (rather than 1 stiffer spring).  That way I always got the option to remove the assister springs and go back to stock setup if I wish.

 

Cheers,

Jon

[Carlston]

3 hours ago, JS1 said:

But assuming they are indeed 12.25mm (minus a bit for paint), how can I be sure any new springs would give the same ride quality as the originals? 

One of the best things about the superb is the relaxed ride quality, is the diameter the only major thing that would affect this?

There seems to be multiple brands of springs compatible with 3Q0511115AK --- like KYB, Lesjofors, Sachs, Suplex, Kilen, Bilstein, Triscan, Spidan.

 

Making sure that a replacement spring matches the OEM part number is not always easy. However, you can look for a spring that is sold just to replace just your original OEM number and not two or more OEM numbers. Brands that sell aftermarket replacement springs often have a habit of using a one size fits all approach, where they sell one spring to replace a whole list of OEM part numbers...so you do need to avoid these unless you go for one of the few brands where a good description of the spring is given and preferably a photo of the actual spring where you can count the number of coil turns.

 

Photo on the gknautomotive website of OEM part number 3Q0511115AK

Photo shows the spring has 8 coil turns

Spring Design	Coil spring with constant wire diameter
Fitting Position	Rear Axle
Thickness	12,25 mm
Length	364 mm
Outer diameter	112 mm
Weight	2,20 kg

https://web.tecalliance.net/gkn/en/parts/1/87923/detail?query=3Q0511115AK&numberType=1&oe=3Q0511115AK&groups=188#@brc/search:Search%20by%20any%20number%203Q0511115AK;mandator:gkn;query:3Q0511115AK;groups:188;brands:1;pf:2;page:0/detail:87923;brandId:1;articleNo:87923;mandator:gkn;query:3Q0511115AK;numberType:1;oe:3Q0511115AK;groups:188

 

Photo on the gknautomotive website of OEM part number 3Q0511115AL

Photo shows the spring has 8 coil turns

Spring Design	Coil spring with constant wire diameter
Fitting Position	Rear Axle
Thickness	12,50 mm
Length	359 mm
Outer diameter	112 mm
Weight	2,30 kg

https://web.tecalliance.net/gkn/en/parts/1/87924/detail?query=3Q0511115AL&numberType=1&oe=3Q0511115AL&groups=188#@brc/search:Search%20by%20any%20number%203Q0511115AL;mandator:gkn;query:3Q0511115AL;groups:188;brands:1;pf:2;page:0/detail:87924;brandId:1;articleNo:87924;mandator:gkn;query:3Q0511115AL;numberType:1;oe:3Q0511115AL;groups:188

 

Kilen and Lesjofors are the same springs made in the same factory in Sweden.

 

Spidan and Suplex are probably the same springs often made in Germany. Spidan are shown in the gknautomotive online catalogue, but where there's a Spidan there's always a Suplex with an identical specification and vice-versa.

 

I would avoid the KYB version of the OEM part number 3Q0511115AK because they claim that it only has a coil spring thickness of 11.75mm instead of the 12.25mm that is claimed by Sachs, Spidan, and Suplex. KYB also claim that it weighs 1.99kg, whereas Spidan and Suplex claim that their version weights 2.20kg...which in addition to the thickness difference indicates that the KYB is a significantly lighter spring.

 

Although Triscan sell a spring that matches only the 3Q0511115AK OEM part number, there's no specification given.

 

Bilstein is selling just one spring to replace both 3Q0511115AK and 3Q0511115AL. I would guess that it matches the stiffer/heavier duty spring, ie. 3Q0511115AL

 

Sachs, Spidan, and Suplex are showing just one OEM number for their spring...so hopefully they really do match that OEM part number. They all give the same specification although only Spidan and Suplex gives the weight.

 

Although Kilen and Lesjofors don't give the specification, they are only selling their spring to replace OEM part number 3Q0511115AK...so should match this. However, it's not always the case as some of the smaller brands are sneaky and probably use the same spring to sell under more than one model number to hide the fact that you aren't getting an exact match for your OEM number. However, these smaller sneaky brands don't give the specification. Kilen and Lesjofors don't appear to be one of these sneaky brands, as many of their springs are sold to replace more than one OEM number. Also, Kilen and Lesjofors are one of the biggest sellers of aftermarket replacement springs in Europe. Kilen is often price competitive on ebay.co.uk more so than the identical Lesjofors.

 

Edited 14 February, 2021 by Carlston