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Model specific boards => Golf mk3 => Topic started by: clancy on 26 April 2015, 10:48

Title: suspension freshen up
Post by: clancy on 26 April 2015, 10:48
My mk3s suspension and ha fling is starting to feel a bit worn. It had new coilovers with new top mounts and bearings last year so they are fine

So was looking at,

suspension arm bushes,
arb bushes,
Arb,
Ball joints,

is it worth changing all of them ? Or just some ? And anything else to consider

thanks
 
Title: Re: suspension freshen up
Post by: boneybradley on 26 April 2015, 11:24
A kit like this for a starter would be ideal
Ball joints, Wishbone bush front, Wishbone bush rear & Track rod ends for the GTI £97.33 or £83.03 non GTI for the set http://oemandmore.co.uk/front-suspension-update-kit-level-1-gtivr6-febi-352-p.asp
http://oemandmore.co.uk/front-suspension-update-kit-level-1-non-gtivr6-febi-4777-p.asp

and then anti roll kit http://oemandmore.co.uk/stabiliser-link-with-anti-roll-bar-bushes-gtivr6-pair-4781-p.asp

It all depends on how far you want to go? I also give the option of new tie rods with these kits or new control arms pre fitted with the bushes. 
Title: Re: suspension freshen up
Post by: clancy on 26 April 2015, 11:32
Cheers mate that's ideal, it was you I ordered my top mounts etc off as well

Not really sure how far to go, front end just feels tired. It's pretty rough and seems to be picking up far more bumps than it used too so I'm presuming some things worm out

Well, 20 year old car so some things bound to be worn out lol

Is the only difference between level 2 and 3 the uprated bushes ? What difference do they make ?

Cheers
Title: Re: suspension freshen up
Post by: clancy on 26 April 2015, 11:41
Also just as a side thought

If I was to go from coilovers to a shock and spring setup what would people recommend ?

Would need to be something that goes pretty low, it's the non height adjustability that has always put me off as I like the car to sit pretty low
Title: Re: suspension freshen up
Post by: Foreveryoungaus16v on 26 April 2015, 11:43
Polybush the whole car with Powerflex or Super pro, Eibach Arbs, strut braces and all the above.  When I replaced my worn bushes for Polybush ones I noticed a good difference over the standard :smiley:
Title: Re: suspension freshen up
Post by: Foreveryoungaus16v on 26 April 2015, 11:46
Also just as a side thought

If I was to go from coilovers to a shock and spring setup what would people recommend ?

Would need to be something that goes pretty low, it's the non height adjustability that has always put me off as I like the car to sit pretty low

Stick with coilovers. I am tempted to get the KW V2s but that will set me back over a grand
Title: Re: suspension freshen up
Post by: Foreveryoungaus16v on 26 April 2015, 11:48
Polybush the whole car with Powerflex or Super pro, Eibach Arbs, strut braces and all the above.  When I replaced my worn bushes for Polybush ones I noticed a good difference over the standard :smiley:

Also if you got the Eibach arbs they come with arb poly bushes. It is more then likely that your wishbones are fine and just the worn bushes that need replacing
Title: Re: suspension freshen up
Post by: boneybradley on 26 April 2015, 11:53
level 3 uses powerflex arm bushes which are around 30% stiffer than rubber o.e types, They help by keeping the wheels more in contact with the road as the geometry is kept more in line with how it was designed (which gives much better handling).
As they are stiffer you may feel the suspension ride is firmer and if you want comfort I wouldn't recommended them (go for the febi instead) but if you do want better handling they are a highly recommended product (and they don't deteriorate like rubber so have a longer service life)

With shock and springs kits getting the right height is essential, and they do give a better ride over coilovers unless you spend big ££ (my shock springs kits start at £145 and coilovers £165 and both go in to £1000's)
Title: Re: suspension freshen up
Post by: clancy on 26 April 2015, 14:47
Cheers guys, think I'll order new bushes all round, probably just get normal ones as the polybush ones seem rather expensive to get the whole lot

Worth  doing ball joints and track rod ends too ?
Title: Re: suspension freshen up
Post by: boneybradley on 26 April 2015, 15:01
How do you mean worry?

If doing the rest of the bushes it's as important to do them too (both do wear!). I will add to fit the arm bushes you will need them pressed into the arms (the powerflex don't)
Title: Re: suspension freshen up
Post by: Foreveryoungaus16v on 26 April 2015, 15:29
Cheers guys, think I'll order new bushes all round, probably just get normal ones as the polybush ones seem rather expensive to get the whole lot

Worth  doing ball joints and track rod ends too ?

Powerflex may be expensive but worth every penny. Do something do it right:)
Title: Re: suspension freshen up
Post by: clancy on 26 April 2015, 16:00
Yeah I see what your saying, but they are like 4 times the price unless I'm looking at it wrong ?

I need new discs and pads too so didn't want to spend too much if I don't need it

Needing to press the normal ones won't be an issue, my mate owns a garage so will probably just fit it all at his place
Title: Re: suspension freshen up
Post by: boneybradley on 26 April 2015, 16:36
The powerflex bushes are a fair bit more ££ compared to febi (about £60 difference for the 4 bushes), I have always used the febi on my own car's (both on my daily anni and fun VR). I know the powerflex are a superior bush but for myself I have never needed that extra performance they offer.
Title: Re: suspension freshen up
Post by: Foreveryoungaus16v on 26 April 2015, 16:41
Yeah I see what your saying, but they are like 4 times the price unless I'm looking at it wrong ?

I need new discs and pads too so didn't want to spend too much if I don't need it

Needing to press the normal ones won't be an issue, my mate owns a garage so will probably just fit it all at his place

As Bb says you will be fine with Febi
Title: Re: suspension freshen up
Post by: clancy on 26 April 2015, 16:47
Ok thanks for the help guys

I'll order the kit of you soon,might order the discs and pads too depending on what price my mate can order them for

Thanks again
Title: Re: suspension freshen up
Post by: general_piffle on 11 May 2015, 23:20
A kit like this for a starter would be ideal
Ball joints, Wishbone bush front, Wishbone bush rear & Track rod ends for the GTI £97.33 or £83.03 non GTI for the set http://oemandmore.co.uk/front-suspension-update-kit-level-1-gtivr6-febi-352-p.asp
http://oemandmore.co.uk/front-suspension-update-kit-level-1-non-gtivr6-febi-4777-p.asp

and then anti roll kit http://oemandmore.co.uk/stabiliser-link-with-anti-roll-bar-bushes-gtivr6-pair-4781-p.asp

It all depends on how far you want to go? I also give the option of new tie rods with these kits or new control arms pre fitted with the bushes.

I'm wondering if it would be worth fitting this to my GTI? It's done 72k and to my knowledge is still on the original joints / bushes etc. although I am running JOM coil-overs. Car feels fine but I've got nothing to compare it to if that makes sense?!

How long are the original parts meant to last for? Cheers.
Title: Re: suspension freshen up
Post by: boneybradley on 12 May 2015, 13:07
It's hard to say how long original's last, they are rubber which does deteriorate with age and I would be surprised if it's all original.
It's certainly a very recommended kit by me (not just cause I sell them) but all mk3's I've owned despite all the bushes looking good replacing them does seem to make a big difference is feel and handling
Title: Re: suspension freshen up
Post by: VW BUSH on 12 May 2015, 18:58
My 2p

Coil overs or lowering kits reduce the life of joints bearings and mounts due to the loading changing from normal geometry.
Rubber mounts go very quickly
PU ones last longer if you get the better items

Only ever buy cast or poured PU bushes, injection moulded ones are sh!t and set giving you tracking issues and shocking ride.
Shocking hard ride does not equate to handling so most people don't know if their PU bushes have gone off as you get this with PU from the start.
The cheaper items will be injection moulded so beware...