Whiteline Anti Lift KitWhyA fancy way to try and reduce understeer on the Golf MkV (GTI inc) that is both cheap(ish) but effective.
from whiteline themselves
"
The MkV Golf is a great re-design and improvement from the earlier model, particularly due to the all new rear multi link suspension, although with the wider customer demographic vehicle handling dynamics and component quality has been compromised. This is good news for an enthusiast as there is a lot of potential for improvements on top of good underpinnings.
MkV Weaknesses
Poor roll control
Excessive front bump steer
Minimal alignment adjustments
High compliance bushing, front and rear "
SourcingBought online from
Balance Motorsport Anti-Lift Caster Kit - Golf 5 - KCA316 - £139.40
2 very large alloy lower arm fixings with included yellow rubber bushings.
Very well made
I had no other suspension modifications applied at this time. So any changes are directly attributable to this mod
I have now done > 2k miles on this mod
Unfortunately the hp did increase as well at this point
FittingI didnt do it , I think this is best left to a professional. I let Awesome GTI do this.
Should only cost 30 - 60 minutes labour max
Should also have an alignment done after the work is completed
Plus Pointsmid priced modification (although adding in suspension recheck and labour its not cheap)
effective at reducing understeer considerably (especially in the wet)
adds significant stability levels
steering feel unchanged (either in straight ahead or turning conditions)
reduction in torque steer and wheelspin (even after a significant increase in the bhp levels)
ESP is much happier and progressive (less on/off snatchy) , I can now make good progress with some throttle control and ESP ON
can be returned to stock if required
looks fab
Minus PointsYou may not wish to have components of your new car changed!
other than that there are no downsides to this kit
[pending : longer term mileage to check tyre wear]
[update March 2009 : 8k miles with kit fitted and tyres have worn evenly
]
Other Infosee
** GolfMkV specific pdf **see
** general pdf on WALK theory **see
** tonys review on ukmkivs **see
** review on golfmkv.com **added 13/01/2009 : luca found a great vid :
** youtube vid of kit in situ **Other mods to considernew suspension / coilovers
front and rear anti rollbars
good quality front tyres
check your tyre pressures!
LSD
Morego extended lower arms - these are available too but the reviews I have seen point to increased tyre wear. I suggest you stay away from this mod , unless you are a track only user
SummaryPrior to this modification I had 2 front tyres replaced (from Michelin Pilot Exaltos to PS2 new version).
This made a significant difference (just the tyres) to my understeer I had always complained about (especially in the wet).
Then I gained the same % improvement again by fitting the WALKit!
Its always easy to perceive a gain just because you have bought/added an item , but objectively this kit works.
The kit just works , silently but effectively with > 300 hp going through the front wheels.
You may wish to perform this as a combined upgrade with coil-overs / roll bars but for me this is as far as I want to go.
Top product which I thoroughly recommend
[update 8th July 09 : have added the
>> Michelin PS2 tyre review] to the forum. The tyres completed 13,000 miles with the WALK kit fitted and have worn EVENLY across the tread.
The WALKit and aligment by Awesome + good tyre pressures = proper wear pattern
]
[update 13th Aug 09 : I have had the WALK kit and associated suspension checked while getting other work done on the car and there are no issues with it.
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