Bruce' black one: airbase & AutoX pics

[the bruce]

Fitted new front springs and new (TT/RS3) strut mounts + bearings last friday:



old shape springs:



new shape springs:



(both fotos aren't my own - but same suspension ans springs)

new spring (left) vs old one (right):



You can clearly see the narrow first two or three and the last two windings which caused
the clapping noise on bumps at low speeds. There is much more space between these
windings on the new changed spring.

 

TT strut mounts (two teeth), also used in Leon Cupra, Audi RS3 and A3 convertible:




First, the clapping noise is gone. The new springs are slightly stiffer as well. Front and rear
feel more balanced. Hard to say what the amount the strut mounts do as I changed both
at the same time. Fact is the steering feels more crisp and handling shows quicker turn in.
At the moment I run 18" winter and soft ARB settings (dampers soft to medium) - same as
before of course.

All in all: more fun and less noise.  

 

[fuscobal]

Great bruce. I also felt an improvement in damping and steering response when I replaced my B16 sagged springs with same springs but new !

[the bruce]

I remember when you were driving a Golf with the Sachs coilover you
haven't been happy with them. You should give it a try again if you have
the chance (with the newer spring type, ARBs etc.).

 

I guess there's no need to set the front ARB to full stiff anymore. When
I change tyres I will just set the rear ARB to stiff and leave the front bar
on soft.

I must say I don't want the suspension any stiffer than this. Maybe I'm
not tough enough, but I can't stand any more on a daily driver.

 

[fuscobal]

Well, I had the sways and no TT arms so the wheels were perfectly aligned with the fender, not 8-10mm out like now. It felt strange to set the suspension at 15/20 stiffness and the highest position and still get fender rub on all corners. I mean, there was nothing more to adjust on that coilover in order to avoid the poke ! The car had about 10mm lower ride height than with the B16 set at medium height !!!

[rex]

TT strut mounts (two teeth), also used in Leon Cupra, Audi RS3 and A3 convertible:

Hm.... I changed my strunt mounts with Febi Bilstein ones. That resolved the sound.
I wounder if your RS3 ones are different to my Febi Bilstein ones.

Great shot! Love it  .

[the bruce]

Well, I had the sways and no TT arms so the wheels were perfectly aligned with the fender, not 8-10mm out like now. It felt strange to set the suspension at 15/20 stiffness and the highest position and still get fender rub on all corners. I mean, there was nothing more to adjust on that coilover in order to avoid the poke ! The car had about 10mm lower ride height than with the B16 set at medium height !!!

Curious. On all pics in this thread height is adjusted on front not at limit.

On front there has been ~10 mm left and on rear at least 25 mm.
Now I did not adjust anything and the front is raised at least by 10 mm.

(wheel center to arch 338 + 335 and now ~ 348 + 335 mm)

The new springs are some millimeters longer and noticeably stiffer.
Of course I'm below 1400 kg - no DSG, no 4-dr, not fully loaded at all.


Rex, there might be slight differences depending on which make the
mounts are. I went for genuine Volkswagen parts which I had the chance
to purchase them at a reasonable price.






A friend with his ED30:

[rex]

Rex, there might be slight differences depending on which make the
mounts are. I went for genuine Volkswagen parts which I had the chance
to purchase them at a reasonable price.

So they are not Febi Bilstein like in the photo?

[the bruce]

No, I just couldn't find a picture of my own mounts and posted the Febi one. 

[the bruce]

Sadly I have no video of this. Last sunday I had a visit at the ....





.... Nürburgring Nordschleife.  




Due to business I had a trip near the Nürburgring. That's why I've run 19" street tirers.

 

ps:
no brake issues  

[rex]

Nice photos and good news about the brakes (but Nurburgring is not exactly a demanding circuit brake-wise).

[the bruce]

I know, Rex. Guess I'd have cooked my brakes on the Hungaroring as well.

I also had some issues: no grip (I was on Conti SC3) and some rubbing.  
No good idea to run 8x19 ET45 on the Ring.  

[the bruce]

I couldn't resist and went again to Green Hell: 

[danishmkvgti]

And again you brought the wrong wheels 

[the bruce]

You're right, Jake. 

[laurent.d]

Hi guys!
Do you still go to the Nûrburgring? A while ago we talked about meet each other at the Ring.
Despite I drive a Mégane RS  now, I'm steel a VW/Audi fan end would be pease to see you over there.