Hi all, I have a 2017 VRS Hatch on 55000 miles and i've noticed the handling doesnt seem as good as it once was.

It feels like the whole car is twisting from the middle when turning left or right and feels unsettled on bad roads. Ive had the tracking done and new tyres to the front, but that hasnt helped.

Sometimes I get a creaking noise from the rear over bumps but thats it. Its never had any issues come up when being inspected or serviced.

Does anyone have any advice or experience with this?

I think you’ve answered your own question. You don’t need to improve the handling, you need to repair a component to restore handling.

It’s likely a worn bushing - could be ARB, LCA, trailing arm, drop link, subframe, shocks, whatever.

A common modification for these cars is to replace the stock RARB something 24mm or thicker - be it from a GTI CS or an aftermarket place like Hardrace, H&R, 034, IE, SuperPro, or Whiteline.

It makes a big difference, but beware of going too stiff without changing other components to suit.

The bushes may look ok and get through MOT but overtime they get worn out with too much play. Did my old volvo years ago as it was like driving a boat. New bushes all round and it was like new again. Went for standard rather than poly mainly due to cost. Maybe start with antiroll bushes and take it from there.

Alasdair

As others have said the bushes may pass an MOT but they really only fail when they tear, so overtime they degrade and crack and become soft (much like me it seems), refreshing the bushes is a good place to start. There are so many on these cars I would start with ARB bushes and then look at things like swing arms etc.

I had mine on the ramp recently and I was looking at the state of the bushes and thinking I should probably start a refresh as they are looking a little worse for wear after 11 years.

What tyres have you put on the front, and what's on the back?

If you've got much improved grip on the front, and not so much on the back, that's not going to help.

Gaz

26 minutes ago, Gaz said:

What tyres have you put on the front, and what's on the back?

If you've got much improved grip on the front, and not so much on the back, that's not going to help.

Gaz

Remember that new tyres should be fitted to the rear of a vehicle.

As others have said, a bush that has failed/worn to the extent of causing poor handling will be unlikely to fail an MOT upon visual inspection.

Just as creaky @travs

Agree - if you want weaker tyres to let go, you want the fronts rather than the rears.

I'd put money on the rear ARB if there's a twisting effect. As Occy says, get something a little stiffer and get new rear droplinks too to make sure you cover off those as well.

2 hours ago, Gaz said:

What tyres have you put on the front, and what's on the back?

If you've got much improved grip on the front, and not so much on the back, that's not going to help.

Gaz

Got Bridgestone tyres on front and the ones on the back are 4 year old Cooper tyres, but do have about 80% tread. They have got some cracking to the outer edges though.

I noticed the change to the handling before I changed the tyres, but I think you are right that it won't be helping matters.

1 hour ago, travs said:

Agree - if you want weaker tyres to let go, you want the fronts rather than the rears.

I'd put money on the rear ARB if there's a twisting effect. As Occy says, get something a little stiffer and get new rear droplinks too to make sure you cover off those as well.

Cheers for the advice, I suppose it's getting to the age where these things need doing now, despite the mileage.

3 hours ago, Sharpy64 said:

As others have said the bushes may pass an MOT but they really only fail when they tear, so overtime they degrade and crack and become soft (much like me it seems), refreshing the bushes is a good place to start. There are so many on these cars I would start with ARB bushes and then look at things like swing arms etc.

I had mine on the ramp recently and I was looking at the state of the bushes and thinking I should probably start a refresh as they are looking a little worse for wear after 11 years.

Cheers, I love the car and it's in near mint condition but the handling is making me want to start looking for something else. I'll have a look at getting these bits changed first. Thanks again.

1 minute ago, hifromrich said:

Cheers, I love the car and it's in near mint condition but the handling is making me want to start looking for something else. I'll have a look at getting these bits changed first. Thanks again.

They are great cars and a refresh will make a massive difference, just tightens everything back up, they handle really well generally and I cannot say mine feels anything like yours, mine feels really well connected and predictable and as I say my bushes are not in fantastic condition!