Hey all,

 

After receiving advice on here regarding topmounts and with a mechanic mate helping out I set out to change my springs on my Octavia VRS for some Racing Line ones. Unfortunately, once jacking the car up my shocks were obviously in a poor way so new ones are needed.

 

I know there is 2 sizes of strut. From a reasonable amount of research on here, someone on a post said the code will be on the build sticker in the boot. 

 

I think G07 on the boot build corresponds to shock size, can someone confirm this? 

 

 

This is because I noticed the Bilstein website says the below, In which case these would be correct?

 

Unfortunately I don't have even a basic jack to get it in the air and measure before ordering.

 

 

Thanks in advance!

Vrs will more than likely be the 55mm variant.  As a general rule most cars with independent rear suspension have the larger shocks up front. That's a very general rule. 

7 minutes ago, MarkyG82 said:

Vrs will more than likely be the 55mm variant.  As a general rule most cars with independent rear suspension have the larger shocks up front. That's a very general rule. 

 

I figured most are 55mm but it's hassle to send them back.

 

So you don't reckon the G07 on the build sticker and G07 on Bilstein's website are related?

 

Ill have to take it into a garage to measure.

Edited 4 May, 20233 yr by Dooge

6 hours ago, Dooge said:

 

5Q0411105HC

L16 Front coil spring

 

5Q0413031FP

G07 Front shock absorber 54.6mm (ie. 55mm strut diameter)

 

On autodoc, there aren't any Bilstein front shock absorbers listed against 5Q0413031FP.

 

Bilstein are showing G07 against their 50mm strut diameter Bilstein B6 and Bilstein B8 front shock absorbers. That is clearly incorrect, because G07 front shock absorbers have a 55mm strut diameter.

 

Edited 4 May, 20233 yr by Carlston

7 minutes ago, Carlston said:

 

5Q0411105HC

L16 Front coil spring

 

5Q0413031FP

G07 Front shock absorber 54.6mm (ie. 55mm strut diameter)

 

On autodoc, there's no Bilstein front shock absorbers listed against 5Q0413031FP.

 

Bilstein are showing G07 against their 50mm strut diameter Bilstein B6 and Bilstein B8 front shock absorbers. That is clearly incorrect, because G07 front shock absorbers have a 55mm strut diameter.

 

 

Bilstein do a 55mm strut, but it says its for different part references 🤷

 

Edited 4 May, 20233 yr by Dooge

Thank you all for your help though, I don't want to come across argumentative, I'm just confused why companies can't get it right!

I expect the Bilstein B4 22-230539 will fit and do the job, but I doubt it's been optimised for the Octavia MK3's sports suspension. Probably a one size fits all approach.

 

Various searches on autodoc, revels that the Bilstein B4 22-230539 is also suggested for the 1.0 litre, 1.2 litre, and 1.4 litre petrol turbo engines with standard ride height suspension.

 

Now the front springs of these much lighter engined vehicles are going to be both longer and softer than the 2.0 litre petrol turbo VRS with sports suspension.

 

Which confirms my suspicions that the Bilstein B4 22-230539 is unlikely to be an optimised solution for the VRS suspension.

I fitted B4's to my 2008 Golf GT Sport 170 TDI which was remapped to 210 bhp and 325 lbs-ft.  It was on the standard Sport Suspension springs.  I didn't go for B6's as I didn't want a hard ride as much of my driving is on very bumpy backroads,  

 

I found the B4's to be very good on the Golf and even better after I fitted the Powerflex Anti-Lift kit to the front wishbones.  This isn't available for the MQB platform but Powerflex do supply adjustable

front bushes for the wisbones on MQB cars.  These perform with same function by increasing the castor of the front wheels.  This reduces front end lift under acceleration and reduces understeer markedly 

at the cost of making the front end a bit choppy over transverse ridges in the road. 

Edited 4 May, 20233 yr by Schtum

11 hours ago, Carlston said:

I expect the Bilstein B4 22-230539 will fit and do the job, but I doubt it's been optimised for the Octavia MK3's sports suspension. Probably a one size fits all approach.

 

Various searches on autodoc, revels that the Bilstein B4 22-230539 is also suggested for the 1.0 litre, 1.2 litre, and 1.4 litre petrol turbo engines with standard ride height suspension.

 

Now the front springs of these much lighter engined vehicles are going to be both longer and softer than the 2.0 litre petrol turbo VRS with sports suspension.

 

Which confirms my suspicions that the Bilstein B4 22-230539 is unlikely to be an optimised solution for the VRS suspension.

 

What would you suggest instead of Bilstein without breaking the bank? I can get both front B4s for around £150 so that's a rough budget. 

 

Saying that, just like Schtum I have had positive experiences with Bilstein B4s with previous BMW and my Golf.

3 hours ago, Dooge said:

 

What would you suggest instead of Bilstein without breaking the bank? I can get both front B4s for around £150 so that's a rough budget. 

 

Saying that, just like Schtum I have had positive experiences with Bilstein B4s with previous BMW and my Golf.

 

The Meyle 1266230019 are available for just over £80 for two. However, I would check with the seller to make sure the piston rod diameter is 25mm and not 22mm.

 

Amazon were doing the Sachs 315911 for about £60 each, but they've sold out.

 

I would guess genuine Skoda shock absorbers will be well over £150 for two, but it might be worth checking.

 

Unlike the Bilstein B4 22-230539, at least the Meyle 1266230019 AND Sachs 315911 list the 5Q0413031FP against them.

 

Meyle 1266230019

https://www.autodoc.co.uk/meyle/15260719

https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_nkw=MEYLE+126+623+0019&_sacat=0&_sop=15

 

Sachs 315911

https://www.autodoc.co.uk/sachs/7885629

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sachs-315911-315-911-Absorbers/dp/B01E4JF3MW/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1PTKENU0GNE36&keywords=SACHS+315911&qid=1683292420&sprefix=sachs+315911%2Caps%2C393&sr=8-1

 

Edited 5 May, 20233 yr by Carlston

Going to ask in this thread while it's here.
What would be the right Bilstein shocks if I wanted to go down that route?
Car is a Octavia 3 VRS 2.0 TDI. Build codes list 0AE Front stabilizer bar, 0BN Rear stabilizer bar, 0N4 4-link rear suspension, 1JE Rear shock absorption, sports version, to mention the most relevant ones to do with suspension.
I'm not sure if it is at standard ride height or lowered from the factory/previous owner mod.
Picture of the front wheel.

Just now, hhcd80 said:

Going to ask in this thread while it's here.
What would be the right Bilstein shocks if I wanted to go down that route?
Car is a Octavia 3 VRS 2.0 TDI. Build codes list 0AE Front stabilizer bar, 0BN Rear stabilizer bar, 0N4 4-link rear suspension, 1JE Rear shock absorption, sports version, to mention the most relevant ones to do with suspension.
I'm not sure if it is at standard ride height or lowered from the factory/previous owner mod.
Picture of the front wheel.

I went to Bilstein B4's as the general consensus is they are a good OE equivalent and I have had them on previous cars with success, though Carlston's update was duly noted. I havent had them fitted long, I fitted them Sunday. More controlled than what came off, less crashy. I'm happy with them.

 

Probably the same shocks as I went for, 22-230539. I got mine from an eBay seller called TDC- automotive. I had a good at Euros but I couldn't find where they stated that number above to ensure I got 55mm instead of a 50mm shock. 

 

if tackling yourself, consider budgeting for things like new track rod ends, new lower ball joints and I would routinely change the droplink and topmount as well. Mines a 2015 with 88k and everything looked original along with being incredibly rusty and difficult to remove/work with. 

@Doogethanks for that. Probably will get the mechanic to do it to replace any worn shocks at the time. Wasn't sure what ride height would be suitable as reading on this forum, some Octys, mostly VRS ones, come lowered out of the factory. 

They are lowered over stock but they are still high. I've added Racingline springs and it's subtle but a very slight drop. Just enough IMO and doesn't scrape. Comfort is better because of the newer shocks, maybe 10% stiffer but barely noticeable.

 

Before

 

After

 

What they look like on

Edited 11 July, 20232 yr by Dooge

@DoogeDid you need new springs or did the existing ones work OK?

1 minute ago, hhcd80 said:

@DoogeDid you need new springs or did the existing ones work OK?

No, existing springs work absolutely fine but I didn't like so much arch gap. I picked up these springs second hand but barely used. Plus, almost 100k on existing springs and rust makes me believe they have more chance of snapping. It's not common on these though.

 

 

Hello folks. Sorry to drag up this topic again.

 

I asked from some help from a supposed authorised and knowledgeable Bilstein retailer. After some confusion due to me being unable to easily measure the outside diameter of the shocks, (I think they are 50 mm), I was suggested B8's as the closest, as the shocks currently fitted have an "obsolete part number" and there isn't a direct replacement. I thought the B8 was way too low for my car? 

 

I attach a (slightly redacted) picture of the build sticker in the manual (Couldn't find the one in the boot). Can someone confirm what would be best for my car as an upgrade. Considering the B6's if the right ride height for a bit more body control than the B4's but any advice appreciated. 

4 hours ago, hhcd80 said:

Hello folks. Sorry to drag up this topic again.

 

I asked from some help from a supposed authorised and knowledgeable Bilstein retailer. After some confusion due to me being unable to easily measure the outside diameter of the shocks, (I think they are 50 mm), I was suggested B8's as the closest, as the shocks currently fitted have an "obsolete part number" and there isn't a direct replacement. I thought the B8 was way too low for my car? 

 

I attach a (slightly redacted) picture of the build sticker in the manual (Couldn't find the one in the boot). Can someone confirm what would be best for my car as an upgrade. Considering the B6's if the right ride height for a bit more body control than the B4's but any advice appreciated. 

 

One of your build codes is G07 so you have front shock absorbers with OEM part number 5Q0413031FP. I suspect 5Q0413031FP is similar to 5Q0413031FN (from the VW Golf MK7 GTI) so you could try searching for Bilstein front shock absorbers using that OEM part number. A similar thing happens with the Superb MK3, where Bilstein haven't listed suitable shock absorbers for that car, yet owners have successfully fitted Bilstein shock absorbers that are listed for the similar Passat B8.

 

5Q0413031FP Front shock absorber G07 (from Octavia MK3)

https://www.lllparts.co.uk/catalogs/skoda/CZ/OCT/753/4/411/411006

 

5Q0413031FN Front shock absorber (from VW Golf MK7 GTI)

https://www.lllparts.co.uk/catalogs/vw/RDW/GOLF/746/4/411/411004

 

If you search for Sachs front shock absorbers using 5Q0413031FP, you will see that these Sachs front shock absorbers are also listed for 5Q0413031FN...which would indicate that they are interchangeable.

 

Bilstein B4 22-230539 (sold to replace 5Q0413031FN)

https://www.autodoc.co.uk/car-parts/oem/5q0413031fn?search=OEN 5Q0413031FN&supplier[0]=16

 

Edited 12 September, 20232 yr by Carlston

@Carlston Thanks for that.
What about the rear shocks? If it helps, the vehicle build codes document I have for my VIN lists 0N4 and 1JE relating to the rear suspension.

As a general rule, if the car is not lowered beyond factory spec then the B6 is preferable.  The B8 is the same shock but with a shorter shaft that is designed for aftermarket lowering springs.  The B6 can also take a lowering spring but will droop more as the shaft is longer (read: standard height).

33 minutes ago, MarkyG82 said:

As a general rule, if the car is not lowered beyond factory spec then the B6 is preferable.  The B8 is the same shock but with a shorter shaft that is designed for aftermarket lowering springs.  The B6 can also take a lowering spring but will droop more as the shaft is longer (read: standard height).

Thanks for that. That is what I am not sure about if the car has been lowered beyond factory, being the third owner of the car. I have posted a picture of one of the wheel arches for clarification before but I am not sure if it is easy to tell. 

13 hours ago, hhcd80 said:

@Carlston Thanks for that.
What about the rear shocks? If it helps, the vehicle build codes document I have for my VIN lists 0N4 and 1JE relating to the rear suspension.

 

What build code does your car have between 0YA and 0YH ? This is needed to help identify the rear springs, along with the 1JE that you have already provided.

 

Is your car a hatchback or estate? Build code K8B means hatchback and build code K8D means estate. Also, 5E3 means hatchback and as 5E3 is shown on your white build code label, you have a hatchback.

 

You will have build code 1X0 and not 1X1 because the VRS is front wheel drive.

 

Build code to show hatchback or estate

K8B = Notchback (hatchback)
K8D = Station Wagon Variant/Avant (estate)

 

Build code to show front wheel drive or four wheel drive

1X0 = Front wheel drive
1X1 = Four wheel drive

 

It can sometimes be useful to know the date of production, although if you are going for aftermarket parts this often isn't needed. The date of production will be shown on the full build code sheet, ie. factory options sheet.
 

Edited 12 September, 20232 yr by Carlston

@Carlston
0YC - "Weight range 3 installation control only, no requirement forecast"

K8B - Hatchback
1X0
Production date is listed as 13/09/2016

If you need any other details @ me and I'll see what I can do.

1 hour ago, hhcd80 said:

@Carlston
0YC - "Weight range 3 installation control only, no requirement forecast"

K8B - Hatchback
1X0
Production date is listed as 13/09/2016

If you need any other details @ me and I'll see what I can do.

 

Sachs 994924 rear spring (matches 5Q0511115P)

https://www.autodoc.co.uk/sachs/13786055

 

As your production date is 13.09.2016 you will have 5Q0513029KH rear shock absorbers rather than the earlier 5Q0513029FK. However, when purchasing aftermarket rear shock absorbers you will often find that the same aftermarket rear shock absorbers are sold for both these OEM part numbers.

 

KYB 3448024 is sold to replace both 5Q0513029FK and 5Q0513029KH...and a very large number of other OEM part numbers. Due to such a large number, this aftermarket rear shock absorber might even be a standard ride height shock absorber instead of a lowered ride height shock absorber.

 

Topran 117272 Stop buffer for rear shock absorber (matches 5Q0511357G)

https://www.autodoc.co.uk/topran/12925963

 

Topran 116797 Dust cover for rear shock absorber (sold to replace 5Q0513425J)

https://www.autodoc.co.uk/topran/8878180

 

5Q0511115P Rear coil spring 1JE+0YC

5Q0513029FK Rear shock absorber for vehicles with sports suspension 1JE+1X0 K8B

5Q0513029KH Rear shock absorber for vehicles with sports suspension Date 16.05.2016>> 1JE+1X0 K8B

5Q0511357G Stop buffer for rear shock absorber 122mm 1JE

5Q0513425J Dust cover for rear shock absorber

https://www.lllparts.co.uk/catalogs/skoda/CZ/OCT/753/5/511/511003

 

Edited 12 September, 20232 yr by Carlston

Thanks for your help @Carlston. Going  by the part numbers given, B4s are basically closest to OEM. I might go for B6s though if my budget can stretch to them. Are B6s that much harder computer to B4s?