8P S3 console bushes and B6 Passat wishbones: tight!

[breeze]

So are the console housings that will come with my b6 arms that I've just ordered not be compatible with it then ?
My plan is to build them up then I can just unbolt the steel ones off my car and then put the b6 ones on straight away to save time.

Not sure I follow.

Have you bought used B6 arms with used front bushes and used rear bushes? If so, all of that will bolt up fine, just would be a shame to fit worn rubber bushes.

If you want to reuse the outer housing for the console with a new S3 internal bush, my experience is that the B6 arms will be a tight fit and you may struggle without a press. I’m not sure whether that was because mine were Febi or because S3 bushes in general are tighter. So be prepared for some pain if S3 console bushes and B6 arms are being used.

Honestly I think doing what I did (B6 arms and new GTI Lemforder bush and console) is enough.

[pudding]

He's wondering if the Passat console bush housings are the same as the S3's, therefore not compatible with the MK5.

If you want to get the parts ready in advance of the job (always a wise move), my recommendation is to buy a pair of Lemforder S3 bushes from AutoDoc (ECP don't do them) and press them into second hand GTI bush housings.  Either a generic bearing puller kit from Amazon, or find a local workshop and sling them a tenner.  In either case, pay attention to the bush alignment, don't just throw them in any old how 

[HughOR]

I'm starting to gather up parts to do this myself.  Are there any differences in the front bushing between the GTI and S3?

[pudding]

Nope. Same bush across the board.

[breeze]

If I were doing this again I think I would just buy new complete B6 arms (with front bush, rear bush and balljoint). I’m pretty sure you can buy them whole and there would be no need to press anything.

I had all kinds of axle tramp/looseness/lift issues with the original parts but they all went away with new bushes and used B6 arms. Think this is one of those areas where we upgrade bushes without considering what new OEM might feel like. S3 probably is better, just not sure it is worth the headache.

[LC5F]

They are different - the GTI version has cavities and S3 solid:
https://www.darksidedevelopments.co.uk/products/tt-uprated-wishbone-console-bushes-for-golf-mk5-platform.html

PN listed as "1K0 407 182 - 1K0407183"

[breeze]

They are different - the GTI version has cavities and S3 solid:
https://www.darksidedevelopments.co.uk/products/tt-uprated-wishbone-console-bushes-for-golf-mk5-platform.html

PN listed as "1K0 407 182 - 1K0407183"

Rear bush different, front the same.

[pudding]

FWIW, the front bushes rarely cause any problems as they have minimal load on them compared to the rear bush, so unless it's noticeably split/perished, I wouldn't bother replacing them personally.

[HughOR]

Thanks lads, good info 

[LC5F]

They are different - the GTI version has cavities and S3 solid:
https://www.darksidedevelopments.co.uk/products/tt-uprated-wishbone-console-bushes-for-golf-mk5-platform.html

PN listed as "1K0 407 182 - 1K0407183"

Rear bush different, front the same.

sorry - thought we were talking about rears!

[dennis10]

I know this is a bit of a thread revival, but ive foubd the information conflicting.

Will a complete set of audi s3 8p wishbones and bushes be a direct swap onto my mk5 GTI ED30 or not? I found these below, but information seems to differ and I'm confused. Will these fit?

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/166941274249?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=n2KRI1AGQ8G&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=o1fABoqZQae&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

[pudding]

Just get the Passat B6 ones as they'll be cheaper. Get the Passat alloy knuckles as well. Slightly different tie rod angle so the steering response sharpens up a bit too, not to mention an unsprung weight reduction.

[dennis10]

Just get the Passat B6 ones as they'll be cheaper. Get the Passat alloy knuckles as well. Slightly different tie rod angle so the steering response sharpens up a bit too, not to mention an unsprung weight reduction.

I ended up buying the wishbones and s3 bushes/consoles in that ebay advert I linked to before you replied, the bushes are in perfect condition still despite being used.  I've also bought new bolts, but have not gotten around to trying to fit yet.  I appreciate your feedback above - So the part number for those wishbones is 3C0407153B - which from my searches are from the Passat, unless somebody can beg to differ?  I won't be upgrading from the GTI knuckles at this time, the aim was to sharpen up the steering and lose some unsprung weight, which alloy wishbones at half the weight of my current ones and S3 solid bushes should do.  Also benefit from keeping everything OEM and rubber, rather than going down the route of an aftermarket Anti-lift kit and polybushes. I might buy some new ball joints because I'll be unbolting them anyway, although mine are currently fine.

My only remaining question is whether the consoles and S3 bushes that came with the wishbones will be a straight fit.  My other searches say yes, but conflicting information in this thread says no?!