MK5 Golf GTI
All Things Mk5 => Mk5 General Area => Topic started by: Molesy on August 04, 2017, 10:54:41 am
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Hi All,
I've been trawling the forums and internet for the last week and was wondering if you chaps can give me some advise on what to get. My car is about to hit 118k and for the last year the suspension has been feeling more and more tired. Its jiggly and wanders a bit on the motorway especially bad on a windy day. I've owned the car for 4 years and cannot see me selling her probably for another 4 :smiley:
So I've got the following list of parts I want to fit, I'm aiming for OEM+, I also need to keep the ride compliant as its my daily driver and a little baby to transport around. Also I'm trying to keep the costs down as much as I can.
VW Racingline Spring + Damper kit or ST Spring and Damper Kit (not sure what one to get)
Superpro or Whiteline ALK
I want to refresh some the bushes as well (top mounts etc) but not sure what to get or where to get it(heard RS3 ones are good).
Any other common suspension parts/consumables that are worth replacing at the same time.
Any advise would be greatly appreciated :smiley:
Molesy :happy2:
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For daily duties and comfort I'd stay with original components and do a thorough job. Drop links, track rod ends, every bush you can find that's tired and alignment by somebody who knows what they're doing :happy2:
You could otherwise make a change and convince yourself it's better because it's different.
In addition a WALK kit is a good shout.
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Funny you should ask.... I am booked in next week at AKS for some Bilstein B4's which are regarded as OEM replacements. My Eddy has done 105k miles and I have a terrible knocking on the drivers side front strut which I am sure is a top mount jobby. I am hoping that the B4's and some TTRS top mounts will sort that.
I already have a slight lowering of 20mm with some H&R springs but couldn't justify a mega spend and definitely didn't want any harder ride. I already find the ride a little harsh at low speeds but fine if you push on. I will *never* track-day it (famous last words) but wanted to give the suspension a new lease of life and some longevity as I aim to keep the car for a while. I will then work my way through the bushes, track rod ends and other rubber bits as time and money permit.
Rip.
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For daily duties and comfort I'd stay with original components and do a thorough job. Drop links, track rod ends, every bush you can find that's tired and alignment by somebody who knows what they're doing :happy2:
You could otherwise make a change and convince yourself it's better because it's different.
In addition a WALK kit is a good shout.
Cheers flashp, I don't really want to keep standard, I do want some upgrade otherwise I'll forever be thinking what if and I'm sure a slightly harder ride will be fine :happy2: From what I read the VW Racingline kit gives a better ride, the ST kit is hard to find information on but does come with KW dampers - so hard to decide! Any ideas or experience with them?
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Funny you should ask.... I am booked in next week at AKS for some Bilstein B4's which are regarded as OEM replacements. My Eddy has done 105k miles and I have a terrible knocking on the drivers side front strut which I am sure is a top mount jobby. I am hoping that the B4's and some TTRS top mounts will sort that.
I already have a slight lowering of 20mm with some H&R springs but couldn't justify a mega spend and definitely didn't want any harder ride. I already find the ride a little harsh at low speeds but fine if you push on. I will *never* track-day it (famous last words) but wanted to give the suspension a new lease of life and some longevity as I aim to keep the car for a while. I will then work my way through the bushes, track rod ends and other rubber bits as time and money permit.
Rip.
Cheers Ripstop - I was considering the B4's with maybe the VWR springs or Eibach Pro Springs - are they considered as good as the OEM ones? Also where did you get the TTRS top mount and bearing?
Molesy :happy2:
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VWR spring+damper kit all day long - I can't think of anything better for compliant daily duties and sportiness when the mood takes you, and it's only £516 ish from Awesome, so really cheap. It rides way better than the stock, corners flatter than stock and wallows less than stock on undulating B roads.
I wouldn't recommend the kit for track days as it's too soft, but VWR have their own range or rebadged KW coilovers for track work.
Wandering is probably lorry ruts or perhaps worn console bushes.
I can also heartily recommend the Vibratechnics engine mounts (aka 'Vibrator Techniques') as part of the handling improvement package. The increase in NVH won't be for everybody (it's not that bad tbh) but they make a big difference to the gear shift (if manual) and cornering stability.
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VWR spring+damper kit all day long - I can't think of anything better for compliant daily duties and sportiness when the mood takes you, and it's only £516 ish from Awesome, so really cheap. It rides way better than the stock, corners flatter than stock and wallows less than stock on undulating B roads.
I wouldn't recommend the kit for track days as it's too soft, but VWR have their own range or rebadged KW coilovers for track work.
Wandering is probably lorry ruts or perhaps worn console bushes.
I can also heartily recommend the Vibratechnics engine mounts (aka 'Vibrator Techniques') as part of the handling improvement package. The increase in NVH won't be for everybody (it's not that bad tbh) but they make a big difference to the gear shift (if manual) and cornering stability.
Well thats a great endorsement Pudding so looks like the VWR kit it is! I've had a look around at some ALK and bushes which I'll post later to double check they are good, I noticed Awesome had a VWR kit that looked like a ALK with the inner/console bushes with it - is it any good? or am i better to get the Superpro ones?
Think I'll pass on the engine mounts for now or its gonna get even more expensive than it already is!
Also about the top mounts etc for the suspension whats best? and where can i get them?
Thanks again!! :smiley:
Molesy :happy2:
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VWR spring+damper kit all day long - I can't think of anything better for compliant daily duties and sportiness when the mood takes you, and it's only £516 ish from Awesome, so really cheap. It rides way better than the stock, corners flatter than stock and wallows less than stock on undulating B roads.
I wouldn't recommend the kit for track days as it's too soft, but VWR have their own range or rebadged KW coilovers for track work.
Wandering is probably lorry ruts or perhaps worn console bushes.
I can also heartily recommend the Vibratechnics engine mounts (aka 'Vibrator Techniques') as part of the handling improvement package. The increase in NVH won't be for everybody (it's not that bad tbh) but they make a big difference to the gear shift (if manual) and cornering stability.
Well thats a great endorsement Pudding so looks like the VWR kit it is! I've had a look around at some ALK and bushes which I'll post later to double check they are good, I noticed Awesome had a VWR kit that looked like a ALK with the inner/console bushes with it - is it any good? or am i better to get the Superpro ones?
Think I'll pass on the engine mounts for now or its gonna get even more expensive than it already is!
Also about the top mounts etc for the suspension whats best? and where can i get them?
Thanks again!! :smiley:
Molesy :happy2:
You'll be fine with standard OEM mounts from the dealer. You can apparently fit TTRS/RS3 mounts (which I'd imagine are a bit stiffer) but for the purpose of a daily that rides well and doesn't get tracked, I'd stick with standard.
I'll dig the part numbers out for you in a sec..
ETA:
Bearing 1K0412249B
Mount 1K0412331B
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VWR spring+damper kit all day long - I can't think of anything better for compliant daily duties and sportiness when the mood takes you, and it's only £516 ish from Awesome, so really cheap. It rides way better than the stock, corners flatter than stock and wallows less than stock on undulating B roads.
I wouldn't recommend the kit for track days as it's too soft, but VWR have their own range or rebadged KW coilovers for track work.
Wandering is probably lorry ruts or perhaps worn console bushes.
I can also heartily recommend the Vibratechnics engine mounts (aka 'Vibrator Techniques') as part of the handling improvement package. The increase in NVH won't be for everybody (it's not that bad tbh) but they make a big difference to the gear shift (if manual) and cornering stability.
Well thats a great endorsement Pudding so looks like the VWR kit it is! I've had a look around at some ALK and bushes which I'll post later to double check they are good, I noticed Awesome had a VWR kit that looked like a ALK with the inner/console bushes with it - is it any good? or am i better to get the Superpro ones?
Think I'll pass on the engine mounts for now or its gonna get even more expensive than it already is!
Also about the top mounts etc for the suspension whats best? and where can i get them?
Thanks again!! :smiley:
Molesy :happy2:
You'll be fine with standard OEM mounts from the dealer. You can apparently fit TTRS/RS3 mounts (which I'd imagine are a bit stiffer) but for the purpose of a daily that rides well and doesn't get tracked, I'd stick with standard.
I'll dig the part numbers out for you in a sec..
ETA:
Bearing 1K0412249B
Mount 1K0412331B
The TTRS (VW genuine) top mounts apparently have a 20% stiffer rubber and I am taking Alex's recommendation here. Yes the B4's are regarded as the direct OEM replacement. To be honest its more about trying to match the damper and spring rate to get that planted on rails feeling without the annoying harshness. Puddings endorsement is hard to ignore and in the end I may need to revisit this in future as I am a suspension softy these days :smiley:
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SuperPro are great. +1 degree caster. Or Whiteline for +0.5 deg caster. Both work well but the Superpros probably last longer as the 'bearing' part of it is stainless steel. Whiteline's is poly on poly, which isn't brilliant for lifespan but works OK. Caster for those unfamiliar gives better turn-in and increases dynamic camber. Also improves straight line stability and reduces wheel hop. The more the better - but at the expense of steering feel and weight. Stock caster is ~7.5 degrees for reference.
Top mounts - I'd go with TTRS, or if you're feeling flush, Ground control. The less squidge you have up top, the better the components down below work :happy2:
The Ground controls like a lot of other uber money MK5 tuning kit is a leap of faith thing. Hard to justify on paper but when all's said and done, brutally effective. What was it Rolls Royce used to say, "Quality is remembered long after the price is forgotten".
The VWR kit works great. Done about 1500 miles on it now and little to complain about, perhaps a little soft for me past 7/10ths as already mentioned. I am a bit of a hooligan in the corners though. The damping feels spot on matched to the springs, but progressive springs can be a little unpredictable in the corners at times, but fantastic for ride quality. OEM springs are linear, and with the aggressive OEM damper valving, it all feels a bit wooden and lumpy. With the VWR complaints, I am talking really pushing the car hard, way harder than you would on 90% of your regular journeys :happy2:
The most important thing is it instills confidence. Many a time I've driven in cars with expensive, super hard suspension and not felt confident to explore the limits because it's so frickin crashy, hard and bouncy. Yes Bilstein PSS, I'm talking about you!!
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Like Pudding, I have been running the VWR spring / damper combo for a year and would agree that they are well judged for most daily driving but can become a bit soft when pushing on. I recently added a pair of H&R arbs (smaller 26/22 mm) and found them to tighten up the car nicely whilst still maintaining decent compliance for bumpy roads. I also had the superpro arms / ball joints fitted at the same time, together with some racier geo settings. Whilst suspension doesn't sound as sexy as bhp, you do get to appreciate it all the time you drive irrespective of road speed.
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I want the Superpro ball joints for mine too, but they can't be used on the S3/Passat hubs for some reason!
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I went for the 20mm ST kit and have done TT console bushes with all new top mounts and new track rod ends with inners tie rods too, also changed the rear arms and the 2 bushes that go with them, that lot made a big difference.
some info here: http://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,112302.msg1086796.html#msg1086796
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I want the Superpro ball joints for mine too, but they can't be used on the S3/Passat hubs for some reason!
Those ball joints are a bit bigger than the S3/Passat ball joints. I guess the hub hits the SuperPro ball joint when turning the wheels. :confused:
PS: Just saw on Facebook Alex Kerr saying that they fit fine. :happy2:
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I want the Superpro ball joints for mine too, but they can't be used on the S3/Passat hubs for some reason!
Those ball joints are a bit bigger than the S3/Passat ball joints. I guess the hub hits the SuperPro ball joint when turning the wheels. :confused:
PS: Just saw on Facebook Alex Kerr saying that they fit fine. :happy2:
Yeah that was me asking the question :happy2: Gonna order some!
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@reflexsilverfox (http://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=17190) any update pics of your car now on these st springs.
How do the ride compared to standard springs.
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I have the shocks and springs, it's the kit. It's slightly firmer but rides quite close to oem. I'll try put some more up as the photo bucket photos don't show up now. The site changed they're rules
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170807/a7d4b47a539ee04997a7cd3cddb2013d.jpg)
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Finally got my alignment sorted tonight too and it's absolutely spot on now.
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That ride height looks spot on. Might go for these springs.
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Cheers for all the replies guys, currently on holiday will go through it when I'm back :smiley:
I'll draw up a list of stuff and double check what you all think!
Thanks Again
Molesy :happy2:
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Hi Guys, sorry for taking so long to get back to you all, my little one has been giving us grief so had no time! Finally got to read through all the replies properly :smiley:
I have the shocks and springs, it's the kit. It's slightly firmer but rides quite close to oem. I'll try put some more up as the photo bucket photos don't show up now. The site changed they're rules
I'm quite tempted by this actually I do like how it sits on your car mate. its a tough one between this and the VWR kit tbh...
Does anyone have any experience on the RacingLine Anti Lift Kit, I noticed that it comes with the front bushes for the wishbone as well so would save me a few quid?
https://www.awesomegti.com/shop-by-brand/racingline-performance/racingline-front-suspension-bush-kit/ (https://www.awesomegti.com/shop-by-brand/racingline-performance/racingline-front-suspension-bush-kit/)
Also almost there with the list, constantly taking things out and back in to try and squeeze into my budget!!
Molesy :happy2:
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I'd get the SuperPro kit personally, better quality. https://www.akstuning.co.uk/home/4-superpro-front-control-arm-rear-bush-kit.html
If you go onto Racing Line's site, you'll notice they've dropped the bushes from their product line-up. A lot of the Racing Line stuff is over rated imo, but their spring/damper kit is very good.
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I'd get the SuperPro kit personally, better quality. https://www.akstuning.co.uk/home/4-superpro-front-control-arm-rear-bush-kit.html
If you go onto Racing Line's site, you'll notice they've dropped the bushes from their product line-up. A lot of the Racing Line stuff is over rated imo, but their spring/damper kit is very good.
Cheers Pudding, Superpro it is then, I have heard good things about that kit :happy2:
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Guys, final question before my list is finalised, for the top mounts and bearings - gave my local TPS a call and its going to be £67.78 for top mounts and £34.30 for the front bearings without any bolts so £102.08 for the just that. Found the link below on the PSI site which has upgraded ECS versions with the bolts needed for £114 seems like a better deal to me. Any thoughts on this?
http://www.psituning.com/product.php/25220/ecs_upgraded_front_strut_mount_kit___mk5_mk6_etc (http://www.psituning.com/product.php/25220/ecs_upgraded_front_strut_mount_kit___mk5_mk6_etc)
Also found this kit on the same site which has all the bits with OEM top mounts
http://www.psituning.com/product.php/24025/coilover_shock_installation_kit___golf_mk5_6 (http://www.psituning.com/product.php/24025/coilover_shock_installation_kit___golf_mk5_6)
Molesy :happy2:
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The top link is a great deal if it's all genuine parts. You never know with some of the US sellers....... lots of Chinese stuff over there.
The bottom link doesn't mention if the mounts are standard or TT. The rear top mounts rarely wear enough to justify replacement, but they are ~ £55 each from VW iirc, so again that is a good price. Can't be all genuine parts at such a low price though!
I went with that stuff from the dealer.......just to be sure!:-
8J0 412 331, qty 2 - TT/RS3 rubber top mounts.
6N0 412 249D, qty 2 - Bearings. Yep, that is a Polo part number, but also lists for Audi....but not VW for some odd reason, they are the latest revision and work fine on MK5s.
N910 216 061, qty 2 Damper top nuts.
N101 277 07, qty 6 - Rubber mount securing bolts.
Plus the strut pinch bolt/nut, qty 2.
Driveshaft Bolt, qty 2. Or if your CV boots look ropey, they come in a CV boot replacement kit, so do those whilst you're there.
What ever you do, do not use GTI top mounts. There's a good chance they will make an awful rubbery squelching noise over speed humps etc. The TT ones do as well, but only a tiny bit compared to the GTI. It's to do with their construction. The metal part of the top mount when used with aftermarket uprated dampers causes it to move too much inside the rubber part of the mount, hence the noise.
034 Motorsport make some replacements with better vulcanizing of the rubber to metal to stop that problem from happening. Awesome might import them.
Are you doing this work yourself?
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Cheers Pudding you do know your stuff with this! I see that Awesome also seem to have these same up-rated mounts as well (see link below) albeit without the nuts required. I dropped Awesome an email and they are very well rated apparently and they are special order they get in once a month from the US, and based on the TT ones - what do you think?
http://https://www.awesomegti.com/shop-by-brand/ecs-tuning/ecs-tuning-upgraded-front-strut-mount-kit/ (http://https://www.awesomegti.com/shop-by-brand/ecs-tuning/ecs-tuning-upgraded-front-strut-mount-kit/)
Also found the whole kit which PSI was selling on the ECS website in the US and its not all OEM stuff or even up-rated so not sure about this now
https://www.ecstuning.com/b-assembled-by-ecs-parts/cup-kit-coilover-installation-kit/mk5ssktcomp~kt/ (https://www.ecstuning.com/b-assembled-by-ecs-parts/cup-kit-coilover-installation-kit/mk5ssktcomp~kt/)
Thanks again for all the part numbers I'll give the TPS a bell tomorrow to see what the costings are like and especially thanks for the bolts that's the bit that worries me :smiley:
Won't be doing myself, I know my way round a car but no mechanic, I'm trying to find a good Indy/VAG Specialist in my area atm. I used have a great one but I'm not that near them anymore and they were bloody expensive...
Molesy :happy2:
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No worries mate. 90% of what I know came from this forum and/or members on here, so I'm just feeding back into the knowledge pool :happy2:
The first link is dead for me but the second link looks pretty comprehensive! PSI and Awesome make monthly orders, as you've discovered, so not ideal if you want stuff in a hurry. I tend to buy from the dealers because they will only sell you the latest, superseded parts, and I do jobs on the weekends, so can get the parts next day. Some of the resellers like ECS and PSI may not provide the latest stuff.
I've bought pretty much every stretch bolt on the car, so I might do a separate thread with part numbers for all of them, and torque specs, when I get time.
Speaking of which, with the driveshaft bolts, when you get them, check the shoulder face for smooth or knurled surfaces as they have VERY different torque specs. Just something to pass onto your mechanic :happy2:
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Going to be doing a refresh on my suspension set up this weekend too.
New OEM shocks
Eibach pro kit springs
Drop links
Bunpstops
Topmounts and bearings
Can't wait to see how it feels after!
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Going to be doing a refresh on my suspension set up this weekend too.
New OEM shocks
Eibach pro kit springs
Drop links
Bunpstops
Topmounts and bearings
Can't wait to see how it feels after!
Sounds good! How did it go?
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Snip
8J0 412 331, qty 2 - TT/RS3 rubber top mounts.
6N0 412 249D, qty 2 - Bearings. Yep, that is a Polo part number, but also lists for Audi....but not VW for some odd reason, they are the latest revision and work fine on MK5s.
N910 216 061, qty 2 Damper top nuts.
N101 277 07, qty 6 - Rubber mount securing bolts.
Plus the strut pinch bolt/nut, qty 2.
Driveshaft Bolt, qty 2. Or if your CV boots look ropey, they come in a CV boot replacement kit, so do those whilst you're there.
Snip
So finally called TPS and current prices are (without VAT and per individual part):
8J0 412 331, qty 2 - TT/RS3 rubber top mounts. - £30
6N0 412 249D, qty 2 - Bearings. £15.53
N910 216 01, qty 2 Damper top nuts. Part number was a little wrong £2.75
N101 277 07, qty 6 - Rubber mount securing bolts. £0.99
strut pinch bolt/nut, qty 2. £2.55 for nut and £1.31 for the bolt
Driveshaft Bolt, qty 2. £5.03
Thought I would list the prices just in case someone else was looking into the same thing and thanks again Pudding for the part number!
Total cost is £144.26 which does put it £30 over the cost of the ECS front kit from PSI, I'm over budget as it is :thinking: so it doesn't make this decision any easier!
Anyone out there with experience of the ECS Uprated top mount?
Thanks,
Molesy :happy2:
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Thanks for that!
Yes this is the problem with part numbers sourced from the t'internet. They often change without notice.
If it were me I'd live on beans on toast for a week and get the genuine parts :smiley:
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Just for info, I used new GTI top mounts and bearings (from the dealer) when I fitted coilovers in Spring, and I don't have any squelchy noises, or any funny noises in general.
But that doesn't mean it hasn't been an issue at some point for other people, so I'd take Pudding's advice. The guy knows his stuff!
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Thanks for that!
Yes this is the problem with part numbers sourced from the t'internet. They often change without notice.
If it were me I'd live on beans on toast for a week and get the genuine parts :smiley:
Yeah I know... problem is it's not just me who will be living on beans on toast! :confused: and I have a budget i must stick too... I'm still mulling it over, in the meantime I'll probably get the full list of bits finished off, I'm getting a couple of engine bits done as well (mainly maintenance) and post up here. :wink:
Just for info, I used new GTI top mounts and bearings (from the dealer) when I fitted coilovers in Spring, and I don't have any squelchy noises, or any funny noises in general.
But that doesn't mean it hasn't been an issue at some point for other people, so I'd take Pudding's advice. The guy knows his stuff!
Cheers AJP, the cost difference between GTI and TT top mounts from the dealer is pretty much nill, so might as well get the up-rated ones :smiley:
Molesy :happy2:
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Cheers AJP :smiley:
The squelchy noise is definitely a thing, but usually only with uprated dampers because they exert more force onto the bonded metal part. Mine were also from the dealer, so maybe a bad batch or something.
More info on the subject - http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthread.php?5861297-MK5-MK6-Squeaking-Front-Suspension-We-can-Help-Solo-Werks-034Motorsport
The TT/RS3 ones do it as well, but to a much less degree as already mentioned. I think solid top mounts are the way forward as it's one less in-damped spring to tune out, and they're quieter!
(https://store.034motorsport.com/images/mk7-vw-gti-golf-r-strut-mount-upgrade-vs-stock-density-line-8v-8s-audi-a3-s3-tt-tts-top-mounts.jpg)
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Snip
Saw these on the Awesome site but looks like its £111 without even the bearings... just a bit too rich for me it think!
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Ok, this is the list of bits for the car, not as much as I wanted to do but budget constraints etc.... what do people think? also what do people think will be the labour cost will be to get this all fitted?
Also with the PCV valve, the gasket is another £20+vat, found alot cheaper on onlinecarparts.co.uk are these any good?
PCV Valve, latest revision: https://www.awesomegti.com/shop-by-brand/awesome/oem-pcv-breather-valve-06f-129-101r/ (https://www.awesomegti.com/shop-by-brand/awesome/oem-pcv-breather-valve-06f-129-101r/)
Cam Follower: https://www.awesomegti.com/shop-by-brand/awesome/2-0tfsi-cam-follower-replacement-kit/ (https://www.awesomegti.com/shop-by-brand/awesome/2-0tfsi-cam-follower-replacement-kit/)
GFB DV+: https://www.awesomegti.com/shop-by-brand/gfb/gfb-dv-for-vag-20fsi-turbo-engines (https://www.awesomegti.com/shop-by-brand/gfb/gfb-dv-for-vag-20fsi-turbo-engines)
ST Springs and dampers: https://www.awesomegti.com/shop-by-car/volkswagen/golf-mk5/st-suspension-sport-suspension-kit-vw-golf-mk5/ (https://www.awesomegti.com/shop-by-car/volkswagen/golf-mk5/st-suspension-sport-suspension-kit-vw-golf-mk5/)
SuperPro ALK: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Superpro-Anti-Lift-Kit-VW-Golf-R32-MK5-Uprated-Polyurethane-Bushes-WALK-/271997047327?fits=Car+Make%3AVW%7CModel%3AGolf%7CPlat_Gen%3AMK+V&epid=1848780718&hash=item3f5449921f:g:8W0AAOSwuTxWBYHO (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Superpro-Anti-Lift-Kit-VW-Golf-R32-MK5-Uprated-Polyurethane-Bushes-WALK-/271997047327?fits=Car+Make%3AVW%7CModel%3AGolf%7CPlat_Gen%3AMK+V&epid=1848780718&hash=item3f5449921f:g:8W0AAOSwuTxWBYHO)
SuperPro Front Control Arm Bush kit: https://www.awesomegti.com/shop-by-brand/superpro/superpro-f-control-arm-inner-front-bushes-for-mk5-mk6-golf-type-chassis/ (https://www.awesomegti.com/shop-by-brand/superpro/superpro-f-control-arm-inner-front-bushes-for-mk5-mk6-golf-type-chassis/)
Superpro Dogbone Insert: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Superpro-Mk5-Golf-GTi-Engine-Mount-Insert-SPF2861-80k-Up-to-Mid-2008-/281837574420?epid=1416653682&hash=item419ed41914:g:e90AAOSwAYtWK2vb (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Superpro-Mk5-Golf-GTi-Engine-Mount-Insert-SPF2861-80k-Up-to-Mid-2008-/281837574420?epid=1416653682&hash=item419ed41914:g:e90AAOSwAYtWK2vb)
Drop Links: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2-MEYLE-HD-Front-Anti-Roll-Bar-Links-VW-Mk5-6-Golf-Touran-Passat-Audi-SEAT-Skoda/151191916132?_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIM.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D46150%26meid%3Dd4dbe56c0e0c45dbbfcf99d79e1c8161%26pid%3D100011%26rk%3D3%26rkt%3D12%26mehot%3Dag%26sd%3D151074870925&_trksid=p2047675.c100011.m1850 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2-MEYLE-HD-Front-Anti-Roll-Bar-Links-VW-Mk5-6-Golf-Touran-Passat-Audi-SEAT-Skoda/151191916132?_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIM.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D46150%26meid%3Dd4dbe56c0e0c45dbbfcf99d79e1c8161%26pid%3D100011%26rk%3D3%26rkt%3D12%26mehot%3Dag%26sd%3D151074870925&_trksid=p2047675.c100011.m1850)
Top Mounts: TBD either TT/RS3 ones or the ECS Up-rated ones
Let me know your thoughts people!!
Thanks,
Molesy :happy2:
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PCV Gasket can be reused if it's still soft and pliable.
Why not get the combined front/rear wishbone kit, it's cheaper and comes with the improved front bushes (90K) - https://www.akstuning.co.uk/home/4-superpro-front-control-arm-rear-bush-kit.html
Don't change the drop links unless they are proven to be knocking.
The engine parts are quick and easy to change, apart from the GFB DV+ (on a K03 GTI), so probably 1.5 hours for all of it.
Suspension struts is an hour a corner for a competent DIYer, so budget for that.
Control arm bushes, drop links and DB insert, approx. 1hr for all that.
Don't forget to budget a 4 wheel alignment in......and if you're going to the trouble of the SuperPro ALK, I would strongly recommend the SuperPro ball joints as well.
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PCV Gasket can be reused if it's still soft and pliable.
Why not get the combined front/rear wishbone kit, it's cheaper and comes with the improved front bushes (90K) - https://www.akstuning.co.uk/home/4-superpro-front-control-arm-rear-bush-kit.html
Don't change the drop links unless they are proven to be knocking.
The engine parts are quick and easy to change, apart from the GFB DV+ (on a K03 GTI), so probably 1.5 hours for all of it.
Suspension struts is an hour a corner for a competent DIYer, so budget for that.
Control arm bushes, drop links and DB insert, approx. 1hr for all that.
Don't forget to budget a 4 wheel alignment in......and if you're going to the trouble of the SuperPro ALK, I would strongly recommend the SuperPro ball joints as well.
Great find with the ALK with front bushing Pudding, that'll save me £30! :drinking:
The car has developed a rattle/knock at low speed front drivers side in the last 2 weeks, I was guessing probably drop links has that has been an issue on past cars with this kinda problem, could be something different but parts were cheap enough to just get it done I was thinking.
So its about 6.5 hours, So at £50 ish quid an hour so maybe in the region of £350?
Ball joints I might be able to do if I can get the labour done for that kinda price.
Molesy :happy2:
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No worries :happy2:
I would get a pry bar and lever the drop link ends to confirm play before spending on replacements.
You're going to need an alignment regardless, so it really does make sense to add the SP balljoints and get it all done in one hit. Saves on repeat labour and these cars are transformed with more negative camber :smiley: You can't adjust the camber at all with the stock parts.
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No worries :happy2:
I would get a pry bar and lever the drop link ends to confirm play before spending on replacements.
You're going to need an alignment regardless, so it really does make sense to add the SP balljoints and get it all done in one hit. Saves on repeat labour and these cars are transformed with more negative camber :smiley: You can't adjust the camber at all with the stock parts.
:signLOL: you're a bad bad man Pudding tempting me with these other parts!!! Well i guess the £30 you saved and the money off the drop links i could probably get it done :smiley:
Had a good chat with a chap outside work who turned up with a ED30 today! His car was well looked after but standard but he did give me a good tip about a specialist VAG garage who I've checked out and have rave reviews, apparently setup by 2 ex VW Master mechanics (or whatever they are called), I'll give them a bell tomorrow about how much they recon to put it together.
I must say i am now tempted by a set of coilovers now :wink:, the Vogtland one's that AJP has, done some research and they have great reviews with quite a few people saying they had a good ride but stiffer (no surprise) than standard.
Cheers,
Molesy :happy2:
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Welcome to the Rabbit hole :happy2:
Everyone starts off with a map here, a spring set there....... and then it all balloons out of control :grin:
Yep most coilovers are very stiff, but some have a good ride quality and some don't. Adjustable damping ones are preferable as you can tune them to your tastes.
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Welcome to the Rabbit hole :happy2:
Everyone starts off with a map here, a spring set there....... and then it all balloons out of control :grin:
Yep most coilovers are very stiff, but some have a good ride quality and some don't. Adjustable damping ones are preferable as you can tune them to your tastes.
I spoke to missus and she's happy and actually prefers a harder rider (pun intended :smiley:) so coilovers it is then! Just one question when I get the tracking done what's the best set-up for the camber?
Molesy :happy2:
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My missus didn't even notice the switch to coilovers, but the stock suspension is hardly a paragon of refinement over bumps anyway!
Her MK4 1.6 with 175/80/14 tyres and 100 year old bed springs as suspension, vs my 225/40/18 on coilovers......hmmmmm, let's just say hers gets used on the worst roads :grin:
The alignment depends on your driving style really. If you drive hard in the corners, you'll want at least -1.25 to -1.5 negative camber. The SuperPro BJs just about allow that. The SuperPro control arm bushes give +1 degree caster. Total toe is 0 as standard, but @colesey (http://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=1819) suggested 0.05 toe out on each wheel for improved stability. I'd leave the rear alignment standard if I were you. That little lot should make it feel like a new car, and like a limpet in the corners :happy2:
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Cheers Pudding, that looks great - just waiting for a quote back from the garage about costs - fingers crossed!
Molesy :happy2:
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Going to be doing a refresh on my suspension set up this weekend too.
New OEM shocks
Eibach pro kit springs
Drop links
Bunpstops
Topmounts and bearings
Can't wait to see how it feels after!
Sounds good! How did it go?
It's been fitted, 4 wheel alignment is being done tonight.
I haven't seen the car since Friday as I've been away and it's been left in work so can't wait to see and drive it tomorrow!
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Hmmm getting a few quotes back from garages and I'm a little chunk over budget, so looks like I'll have to sacrifice one or more parts. So in what order of importance to get done are: Superpro Ball Joints, Superpro ALK and Supropro Dogbone insert?
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Quite honestly, they are all worthwhile and it would be advantageous to do the bushes / bjs at same time to minimise labour and alignment costs.
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Quite honestly, they are all worthwhile and it would be advantageous to do the bushes / bjs at same time to minimise labour and alignment costs.
Yeah I know... I'm surprised how expensive a proper wheel alignment is tbh
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But it's critical for safe and predictable handling, not to mention tyre life.
It's quite the operation, and rigs like VAG's Biessbarth even factors in wheel run-out (few wheels are made dead true). Well worth the 100 odd quid imo.
I'd drop the ball joints and dogbone from that list. The SP ALK is worth the outlay all day long.
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Quite honestly, they are all worthwhile and it would be advantageous to do the bushes / bjs at same time to minimise labour and alignment costs.
Took your advice :wink:
But it's critical for safe and predictable handling, not to mention tyre life.
It's quite the operation, and rigs like VAG's Biessbarth even factors in wheel run-out (few wheels are made dead true). Well worth the 100 odd quid imo.
I'd drop the ball joints and dogbone from that list. The SP ALK is worth the outlay all day long.
Cheers Pudding - Oh yeah I know the benefits :smiley:
So in the end I dropped the GFB DV+ as I'm already running a Rev G DV and its running fine atm so that I can do later. All other bits have been bought, got the Vogtlands, Superpro ALK and Ball joints at home and popped to my local TPS at lunch today and picked up the Top Mounts, Bearings, Cam Follower and PCV and the rest I'll pick up later today so I'm all ready to go :party: :party:
Also found a good local(ish) VAG specialist who have great reviews and have been very helpful, they prep and setup Race cars as well so have all the gear :smiley: Only problem is they are busy till 23rd Oct so just 3 weeks to go!! :surprised: :surprised: Can't wait to get it all fitted!!! :drinking:
Was thinking of a 30mm drop on the coilovers, anyone got any pics to see how this looks or any thoughts on that?
Thanks as always!
Molesy :happy2:
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Good stuff, you're all set then :happy2:
This is why I do 95% of the work myself. I'm too impatient to wait weeks/months to fit new parts :smiley:
This is -20mm with a full tank. The rear end raises ~5mm when the tank is near empty. IMO it looks spot on visually, nice uniform arch gaps. It's also in the roll center safe zone. Go too low and you run out of damper travel and introduce unpredictable cornering on the limit.
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4391/36293152503_06874cf960_b.jpg)
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Looks smart Pudding i may have to go 20mm as well :smiley:
Molesy :happy2:
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Getting excited now, tomorrows the day :jumping: :laugh: :drool:
Molesy :happy2:
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Well what a change!! The car feels completely different so much more focused and planted than before, the coilovers give a better overall ride unless you hit the rough stuff but even then it's not much worse. The jigglyness of the previous setup is gone and it goes round corners very very well :jumping: I haven't managed to give it the proper beans yet due to the weather and traffic hopefully it'll dry up and I can see what she can really do.
Unfortunately there is 1 annoying point and that's the dog bone insert is giving me some vibration at idle, I knew it was possible but its not too bad and the garage said they have felt far worse on other cars and I really like the improvements this mod has given other than that - is there anyway to get rid of the this or reduce it?
Also managed to have a good look underneath the car and all looks good, all other bushes were in good condition as well so that's a bonus. One last thing is that I found a few bubbles of rust coming through the front drivers side wing :surprised: she's out of warranty now but i'll get it sorted at some point as its only just started.
Big shout out to everyone who helped me on this thread to decide the setup especially @Pudding (http://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=10733) and @AJP (http://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=11926) - its a nice community here and like the forums of old :smiley:
Also massive shout out to the guys in the Garage in particular Simon @ AD Autotechnik (just outside Crawley) they really made me feel very welcome and went above and beyond. Easily the best experience I've had with a garage, Simon stayed late to look under the car show me what was done, get everything just right and had a good chat about cars in general, its great to deal with someone who is clearly enthusiastic about what he does :happy2:
I'll get some pictures up (when I work out how to) of the work and how she sits and also of Simon's rather special race car :laugh:
Molesy :happy2:
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Glad you're happy with the setup pal. Not a bad set of coilovers for the price are they!
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Excellent news :happy2: These cars can do some impressive things with good suspension :smiley:
Nothing you can do amount the engine vibration with aftermarket mounts unfortunately. The only thing that varies with them is the severity of the NVH, depending on brand / material. I really like the Vibratechnics mounts, but they're not for everybody due to the cost!
Welcome to the slippery slope of modifying!
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Glad you're happy with the setup pal. Not a bad set of coilovers for the price are they!
Excellent news :happy2: These cars can do some impressive things with good suspension :smiley:
Nothing you can do amount the engine vibration with aftermarket mounts unfortunately. The only thing that varies with them is the severity of the NVH, depending on brand / material. I really like the Vibratechnics mounts, but they're not for everybody due to the cost!
Welcome to the slippery slope of modifying!
Cheers again chaps, yeah I figured as much about the mount, it isn't that bad tbh maybe it'll settle down in time. I've got a lot of maintenance items to do in Jan as well otherwise I would. Mods will have to take a back seat for a little bit! I'll post some pictures in the other thread in a mo :smiley:
Molesy
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@Molesy (http://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=13153) how's the new suspension set up going? Any advice for someone considering similar work in the future?
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@Molesy (http://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=13153) how's the new suspension set up going? Any advice for someone considering similar work in the future?
@f00glee (http://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=16398) its going great, no issues to report so far and the vibration I had from the Dog Bone Insert has completely gone now so happy days. I only really noticed the suspension can be harsh on a recent trip into London so if you live somewhere with very poor road surface and millions of road humps I would give it some thought before going ahead, saying that I would still of done it either way :smiley:
What are you looking to do yourself?
Molesy :happy2:
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@Molesy (http://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=13153) how's the new suspension set up going? Any advice for someone considering similar work in the future?
@f00glee (http://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=16398) its going great, no issues to report so far and the vibration I had from the Dog Bone Insert has completely gone now so happy days. I only really noticed the suspension can be harsh on a recent trip into London so if you live somewhere with very poor road surface and millions of road humps I would give it some thought before going ahead, saying that I would still of done it either way :smiley:
What are you looking to do yourself?
Molesy :happy2:
Hey, thanks for the feedback! Right this instant I'm not intending to do anything. But I like to have a plan of action for the future. Soon as something happens e.g. broken spring(s) or shot dampers (or the suspension performance deteriorates in general to a point which sufficiently annoys me), rather than replacing parts piecemeal and dealing with brand new components working with 10+ year old ones ill probably just go mad and refresh everything as you have done.
When I do get to that point it'll likely be the same as you'e gone for, maybe with some different brands of shock/spring/ALK depending on price and reviews at the time. It just nice to have a list of the components, nuts and bolts required. And good to hear that all the money and effort has yielded a real improvement :happy2:
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That harshness is unavoidable unfortunately. It's just how these cars are. Even with the best suspension money can buy!
18" wheels + firm damping + firm springs is always going to = crash, bang wallop on crusty UK roads! On better tarmac, the cornering and stability are epic :smiley: