All Things Mk5 > Mk5 General Area
Where to start for improving handling?
smilespergallon:
Thank you everyone. I had no idea where to start with this, and I was overwhelmed with all the different parts and manufacturers, so this has been super helpful.
My rough plan is:
1. Start with the front and rear drop links. Apparently OE parts are best for this, but I didn't fancy going to VW for them. After some research (thanks to a post by Pudding https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,132049.msg1150843.html#msg1150843) it seems that Lemfoerder make the heavy metal parts for VW including drop links. So if you go on the Lemfoerder website you can enter your reg to find the part numbers, then you can use those part numbers to buy them from somewhere like eBay. I actually found them on AutoDoc for roughly £20 for each drop link, so that's going to be £80 in total to replace all the drop links.
2. While I'm doing the drop links I'll change the anti roll bar bushes. I'm going to push the boat out and try SuperPro for these. I'm getting them on eBay, £50 for both rears and £50 for both fronts, so £100 in total. Seems expensive, but hopefully they're worth it.
3. Next I'll look at doing the springs and shock absorbers. Seems like Bilstein is unanimously the best. I'll probably just close my eyes and click the buy button when it comes the time. Unless there's some other alternative I've missed. We'll see. Anyway, will start at the back, and maybe I could do the front myself.
4. Beyond that I'll look in to other bushes and the other parts mentioned in this thread. Thank you for all the suggestions. Probably stick with Lemfoerder for the other bushes if I do them. I don't think my wallet could keep up with a SuperPro habit.
Some other threads that were helpful:
https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,113824.msg1091293.html
https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,133285.0.html
breeze:
Make sure you are getting the right Bilsteins. You want uprated but standard height. Also, any change of shocks and springs is an opportunity to do top mounts and bump stops.
The front shocks are harder and you need to be safe if you haven’t worked with springs before. Despite having used spring compressors lots of times I generally recommend a garage if unsure.
Front roll bar bushes are hard because you need to drop the subframe. I wouldn’t bother until that needs to be done. Possibly because you snapped a subframe bolt, ask me how I know.
On geometry… the point is that you need to get it done really whenever you make changes to the chassis. If you do a lot of work in one go you can do the geometry at the same time.
smilespergallon:
--- Quote from: breeze on February 06, 2023, 10:59:08 pm ---Front roll bar bushes are hard because you need to drop the subframe. I wouldn’t bother until that needs to be done. Possibly because you snapped a subframe bolt, ask me how I know.
--- End quote ---
Ha okay thank you. I just ordered the rear bushes and will leave the front for now.
--- Quote from: breeze on February 06, 2023, 10:59:08 pm ---Make sure you are getting the right Bilsteins. You want uprated but standard height. Also, any change of shocks and springs is an opportunity to do top mounts and bump stops.
--- End quote ---
Thanks, didn't consider the top mounts and bump stops.
I've looked on AutoDoc and these are the Bilsteins that are available:
Front Shock Absorbers: B4 OE Replacement 22-140012 Shock Absorber (https://www.autodoc.co.uk/bilstein/632164)
Front Springs: B3 OE Replacement 37-148126 Coil Spring (https://www.autodoc.co.uk/bilstein/638432)
Rear Shock Absorbers: B4 OE Replacement 19-140025 Shock Absorber (https://www.autodoc.co.uk/bilstein/638649)
Rear Springs: B3 OE Replacement 36-148134 Coil Spring (https://www.autodoc.co.uk/bilstein/636683)
Do those look suitable for daily driving?
mjmallia:
I use the B4's and eibach sportline for daily and they are great. Top mounts, bump stops etc should be standard with replacing and refreshing suspension......as everything will be worn out when approaching 100K miles and the car being 15+ years old
Notch000:
Looks at doing shock and springs too, the b4s are surprisingly reasonably priced, what other parts are needed when swapping these? Mounts bump stops et
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