118k Suspension refresh - Advice please

[Molesy]

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  so it doesn't make this decision any easier!

Anyone out there with experience of the ECS Uprated top mount?

Thanks,

Molesy 

[pudding]

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 

[AJP]

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!

[Molesy]

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 

Yeah I know... problem is it's not just me who will be living on beans on toast!  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.

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 

Molesy 

[pudding]

Cheers AJP 

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!

[Molesy]

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!

[Molesy]

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/
Cam Follower: 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
ST Springs and dampers: 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
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/
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
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
Top Mounts: TBD either TT/RS3 ones or the ECS Up-rated ones

Let me know your thoughts people!!

Thanks,

Molesy

[pudding]

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.

[Molesy]

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! 

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 

[pudding]

No worries 

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     You can't adjust the camber at all with the stock parts.

[Molesy]

No worries 

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     You can't adjust the camber at all with the stock parts.

  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 

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  , 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 

[pudding]

Welcome to the Rabbit hole 

Everyone starts off with a map here, a spring set there....... and then it all balloons out of control 

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.

[Molesy]

Welcome to the Rabbit hole 

Everyone starts off with a map here, a spring set there....... and then it all balloons out of control 

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  ) so coilovers it is then! Just one question when I get the tracking done what's the best set-up for the camber?

Molesy 

[pudding]

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 

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 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 

[Molesy]

Cheers Pudding, that looks great - just waiting for a quote back from the garage about costs - fingers crossed!

Molesy