Fitting Aftermaket ARB

[SiDaBa]

I'm hoping someone can help me.  I've done a good amount of forum and internet searching on the subject of fitting aftermarket ARB.  Is this an uncommon modification to do or am I the only one that struggles?

I've bought KW ARB's.

So far I'm trying to fit the front ARB.  I'm getting stuck with getting the bushes that came with the bar to wedge in the subframe so I can get the ARB bush clamps over.  The bushes look like they're too big.  I've also tried to fit them in with out the bar and the clamp still doesn't fit over them.  Am I doing something fundamentally wrong?

Also if anyone has any advice on the rear ARB before I attempt to fit it that would be great.

[jimmydub]

Sub-frame has to come off i think

[SiDaBa]

Oh it's off alright

I should be clear, I've stripped the car and trying to put it back together "properly" so the subframe is off the car freshly powder coated.

[gasketface]

Are you using the right bushes for the right bar ?.that's probably a stupid question as they are different shapes but the rears are bigger in that kit.

From what ive seen they should just bolt on quite easily.

[SiDaBa]

I'm pretty sure I am using the right ones.  There were two sets in the box.  One set had a metal bar/calmp already across the top of them.  I figured these were the rear.  The other bushes were just the bush and nothing else which is why I figured these were the front.

There's a possibility I've been trying to fit them at the wrong angle.  I've only had a brief go of fitting one the right way (with out the bar) and that wasn't straight forward either.  I'll try and get a couple of photos up of what I'm dealing with and if I've been totally stupid I'm ok with being mocked. 

[gasketface]

Lol,not mocking you just stumped like you.

I'm taking it that you are fitting like for like,by that i mean you are replacing , say, a vr6 standard arb with the correct aftermarket arb,using all original vr6 stuff apart from the new arb and bushes ?.

It's making me wonder why this is'nt just a straight unbolt replace and bolt in kinda thing.

You havent somehow got the clamps from another model that uses a thinner arb so uses smaller profile clamps and bushes.

Is it this kit :- http://www.tsr-performance.com/webshop/suspension/kw/front-rear-arb-kit/vw/golf-mk3/vw-golf-mk3-kw-front-rear-arb-kit-01-92-08-97-68515024-01-92-08-97-2-8-vr6-22-mm-25-mm/

[LR5V]

This is a common problem on the front ARB, the bolts can be a complete pita to get the started even on new bushes going on standard ARB's let alone a fatter uprated one.

Best suggestion I have come across is to initially use a longer bolt to get the bush partially compressed, then swap the bolt over for a slightly shorter one to crush it down a bit more and lastly fit the correct sized bolt

[LR5V]

Just re-read the thread, normally the new bush should be the same shape as the original bushes and go under the existing clamps. Have a look for images of the standard ARB bushes and that should identify if you are using the correct ones.

I have Eibach ARB front & Rear on my Mk4.
Assuming your kit is similar the rear beam ARB bushes are more Triangular with rounded top. the wide flat side is designed to sit on the flat metal of the beam and has a channelled saddle that fits over the bush.  the channel lips are to hold the clamps in the correct position. The clamps are also really awkward to fit with the beam mounted. Hope my description makes sense and is of help.

This is a Mk4 install, not my own, very similar to Mk3 -


If you are still struggling, can you post up an image of your kit?

[Simeon]

They are a barsteward to fit to be fair - when I fitted an Eibach to my Mk2 I had to use g-clamps to force the clamp into a position where I could get the bolt in and started, then I just did the bolt up and it pulled the clamps into place.