Hi all,

I was just curious as to the expected/ projected lifspan of the various suspension components on the Fabia vRS.

Roughly how many miles can I expect out of them under 'normal' circumstances before I should consider replacing them?

Specifically things like bushes, shockers, drop links, ARB etc.

It's just that the Fabia's suspension has never felt 100% solid to me. Always a little 'iffy'. Fine until you go over really rough ground but then it clonks and creaks. Then again, I do need to practically off road to make it complain.

I've already had the drop links and track rod ends replaced under warranty and the front control arm rear bushes look ok. I've not checked the ARB though.

Thanks,

Chris.

Im just about to hit 89k in mine...

had the droplinks replaced pretty early on..

Depending how you drive/road quality, the wishbone (or control arm) rear bushes will wear, they just aint up to coping with the weight of the engine.. i tried the powerflex "udders" but because the bushes were already worn, the bushes eventually popped out... now ive got the cupra bushes and the improvement in steering feedback is immense

Allegedly my arb mount bushes have started to split, so ill be getting that changed at the next service..

cant comment about the shocks and springs because i have had eibachs on for 60k of the cars life..

Ive also gone through two engine stabilizers and will be getting another put on, along with a gearbox mount when i get the clutch done in the next month or so.

Do the Cupra bushes look any different? As in how close to OEM do they appear.

Also, how do you know when your stabiliser mount is on it's way out?

the Cupra bushes are solid as opposed to the original voided bushes , so someone in the know would spot them

as NeoVR says above , the front ARB plastic collars crack due to rust that is formed underneath them , this then allows the ARB to move across in the bushes eventually leading to it contacting the console sides , plus also when the paint comes off the ARB under the bushes it allows movement therefore knocks

i have got everything to fit to my VRS very soon , ARB,drop links and Cupra bushes, car has done 44k miles

Do the Cupra bushes look any different? As in how close to OEM do they appear.

Also, how do you know when your stabiliser mount is on it's way out?

I actually replaced my stabilizer trying to fix another problem, but was impressed the difference it made in making the gearchange feel better and making the whole transmission a bit more smooth

the Cupra bushes are solid as opposed to the original voided bushes , so someone in the know would spot them

as NeoVR says above , the front ARB plastic collars crack due to rust that is formed underneath them , this then allows the ARB to move across in the bushes eventually leading to it contacting the console sides , plus also when the paint comes off the ARB under the bushes it allows movement therefore knocks

i have got everything to fit to my VRS very soon , ARB,drop links and Cupra bushes, car has done 44k miles

Hmm....well, I'm on 35k and so may start checking everything soon. If the ARB has gone I'll try getting that one sorted under extended warranty if it needs it as I think it should not go as easily as that. I assume the collars are easily seen and can be viewed with just the wheel off?

Is changing the stabilizer mount an easy job? As in, can you do it on your back?

Might have a bash if that's the case. I think the bushes will need pressing so won't be a DIY job? They weren't on the BMW as they were also the same kind. Powerflex ones made a hell of a difference there but sometimes felt a bit hard, making the steering a little twitchy. And the fact they were bright purple so would've been easily spotted.

the ARB collars are easily seen with the wheel off

the stabilizer is relatively easy to access and change once the undertray is off , 2 bolts on the gearbox casing and 1 bolt/nut on the subframe

I did 80 k in mine, and I agree with what the others have posted.... my suspension survived that mileage apart from the control arm bushes... which died at 60k and wern't replaced under warranty :( as the others have said, fit the solid cupra bushes instead... a tell tail of the control arm bushes dying is tyre wear on the nearside edges....

I'm going to take a look under the car this weekend if the weather holds out.

I'll have a nosy at the ARB collars and the rear bushes for signs of cracking.

You know the dogbone stabilizer bushes.....do you have to press in new ones or do you replace the whole lot to the bracket? Anyone got part no's and costs?

Hmmm.....looks like part 22 and appears to be all one part. Can anyone confirm?

Hmmm.....looks like part 22 and appears to be all one part. Can anyone confirm?

Yup.. its all one thing

Dogbone mount. I wonder if I should check on mine? No reason to at the moment.

Hmmm.....looks like part 22 and appears to be all one part. Can anyone confirm?

well part 2a to the right is a control arm bush! I know this SO well after trying my best to convince Skoda that broken suspension is a warrenty issue.... they saw it differently, ask them, and they will state, your suspension will only last 60k... I have saved the e-mails......

Anyone know how much the dogbone mount costs?

Anyone know how much the dogbone mount costs?

got one coming tomorrow ,

got one coming tomorrow ,

part number 6Q0199851N

part number 6Q0199851N

Brill. Thanks mate.