And So It Begins

[Simon]

The ARB Kit comes with it's own poly bushes in my case

Well yeah as the OEM ARB bushs would be the wrong size.

Point I was making is that they tend to add the most NVH of all the bushes in a poly bush kit. So if you find the vibrations too much (you as in anyone) you can always try removing just the ARB bushes and going back to OEM for a bit of comfort.

 

[Thomas. PLease.]

Admiral wanted a small amount for my wheels, it wasn't the end of the world

Thats the spirit, better safe than sorry eh You should see on some of the 106 forums though, a minority people driving around with undeclared engine conversions.

 

[Howard]

Nice, Ahh the good old "2.0 16v but registered as a 1.2 init mate" ebay/PH adverts

 

[Matt82]

next is a revo and ds2500s? that would be the full brace of audi-sport derigeur mods

 

[Jonnycoupe]

I helped my friend polybush his car completely.

We were replacing used and in some cases presumed original rubber so the difference over new OEM is unknown.

But the difference before and after was night and day, much improved wheel feel and gave excellent confidence in the car. I drove it before and after and at that time I had my own car to compare to also.

However it is a pain of a job, it took the two of us a complete weekend to do that is knowing the car inside out (Rover 220T) although in this case there are a LOT of bushes which need doing.

The main problem being pressing the new ones in, the majority were fine, but a couple required the use of a proper press rather than just a vice.

Burning the old ones out is a bit manky too

How long until the moving parts start to get loose and your back to square one though?

 

[Berger]

How long until the moving parts start to get loose and your back to square one though?

I dunno you tell me genius

 

[The_Dark_Side]

Well yeah as the OEM ARB bushs would be the wrong size.

Point I was making is that they tend to add the most NVH of all the bushes in a poly bush kit. So if you find the vibrations too much (you as in anyone) you can always try removing just the ARB bushes and going back to OEM for a bit of comfort.

How could you go back to OEM bushes if the reason the kit comes complete with poly bushes is because OEM items are the wrong size?

 

[Simon]

How could you go back to OEM bushes if the reason the kit comes complete with poly bushes is because OEM items are the wrong size?

I meant a full replacement poly bush kit rather than an Anti Roll Bar kit. Sorry for any confusion

 

[Dogbreath]

NVH?

Poly ARB mounts give the least benefit and massive NVH problems. They are the ones to get rid off if you find the vibrations to be too much.

I don't mind the NVH issues, it goes with the territory really.

The number one problem I have with them is squeaking/groaning. Since the vast majority of polybushes have no method of retaining grease (a few have cross hatches inside, but not many) any grease tends to get squeezed out very quickly and the squeaking over bumps drives me nuts. Some cars seem to suffer from this more than others.

They also simply don't last as long as manufacturers claim IME, it's nowhere near as self lubricating as e.g. nylon, and since there is physical movement between a metal and plastic part (unlike metalistic bushes) they wear. If they don't wear out, they tend to split. The Pug 205 rally car I service has shredded every set of polybushes on the front wishbones within 6 months. The owner has now changed back to heavy duty metalastic ones since they last so much longer and he reckons there's no difference in handling.

They are massively, massively overpriced. Polyurethane as a material costs pennies, especially in the volumes these companies are using it. The moulds for the bushes aren't particularly difficult or expensive to make, since it's not a hard or abrasive or high temperature material.

I also think that most of the perceived improvement is because people tend to be replacing manky old OEM bushes. A new set of OEM bushes would likely also see a significant improvement.

 

[LSPIII]

For anyone who was interested, I have phoned the insurance company and all of the items being fitted (now Monday as the garage were too busy to start today ) are covered under my standard policy so there is no extra for them.

 

[s0ck]

So... where are the pics of this S3?

 

[LSPIII]

http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showthread.php?t=17847949

Pics from when I bought it

 

[LSPIII]

So I've had the car back for just over a week now since the new bushes and ARBs were fitted to the car. The only bushes not fitted were the Rear Wishbone Inner bushes. Apparently these require a special tool to be replaced and the garage thought better of trying to force the issue. Not a real problem.

So... what difference has it made, if any?

Crikey... The new bushes have made quite a difference. Obviously the car feels a lot more planted again, less wayward at the front. The big noticeable differences are with the steering mount and engine dog bone. You can feel the engine in the car so much more now, and strangely, the sound of the engine inside the car is much nicer. That's one bonus I never thought I'd get. The steering does feel better, but it is subtle. Not a huge difference, just that you feel a bit more what the road is actually doing to the front wheels. No one mount I would have thought makes much difference, but together it has made for a more rewarding drive.

The ARBs: Holy mother of God. I thought this car was planted in corners. Then I had these things fitted. The understeer built in to the car has been dialled out spectacularly. I was driving to work in the wet this morning and took a tight right hander, way too fast. Previously I would have felt the front drift away. This time, the rear end just followed the car around the corner. I have yet to really push the limits of the new bars but good lord does the car grip. I never dreamed it would alter the handling that much! Normal driving is not much difference, it is only when you start "making progress" but what a difference.

Anyway, any questions, feel free to ask.

On a slightly different note. The next upgrade is about to be fitted. Pics and details to follow this evening (when I get home). Clue for now... There's a lot of red on these bits.

I'm a happy man already though!

 

[Simon]

Sounds good, be wary though. It sounds like it will oversteer when it does let go , so be read for it snapping out.

 

[Leeum]

Sounds like they've made a healthy difference.

Do you get a vibration sensation from the engine on the overrun? I love that about mine - feels like a well put together car.

 

[LSPIII]

Sounds good, be wary though. It sounds like it will oversteer when it does let go , so be read for it snapping out.

Not sure on the oversteer, but I'll definitely be wary of it happening. I won't be pushing it ridiculously on normal roads, but when I finally get to tracks. Well... We'll see.

 

[LSPIII]

Sounds like they've made a healthy difference.

Do you get a vibration sensation from the engine on the overrun? I love that about mine - feels like a well put together car.

It vibrates pretty hard on tick over! Changing gear is a lot more rewarding as well. I had the DV replaced at the same time and I used to get terrible metallic rattles when the revs dropped. I always accused the exhaust as it sounded like it was coming from behind me, but it seems the old DV may have been the culprit. I haven't really pushed the car for a sustained stretch yet though, and that's when that noise becomes more apparent.

The noise is quite addictive though!

 

[Overlag]

I've heard of people even declaring stickers and things on their car, although that is a bit OTT. Its up to you really at the end of the day. But if your planning to modify your car then you should be with an appropriate insurer really, one that doesn't charge you an arm and a leg for the slightest mods.

well its always best, if they aint declared they aint coverd. A Friend has £200 of stickers on his car and what hit at a level crossing. Everything coverd....