Neil_M
RMS Regular
OP
- Messages
- 4,766
- Thread Starter
- #176
Time for an overdue update on the R32.
While I'm not covering many miles, it was time for the annual service. Easy done.
I was never impressed with the damping on the standard shocks with H&R springs. As the R32 is a daily driver, I didn't want anything crashy, however I don't mind a few tweaks to sharpen things. As one of the shocks was showing signs of starting to weep, it was the excuse I needed.
I have detailed all the parts I have used in the video below, see the description for links to the parts used.
Starting with the shocks and springs. The front shocks are VW OEM items, the front springs, rear springs and rear shocks are Sachs items, Sachs make the OE items. You may also find that the wrong part numbers are supplied for the Sachs front shocks, so do be careful!
The front top mounts have bearings that wear, plus there is an upgraded OE top mount item from a TT / RS3 that are firmer. So that's the first tweak.
Meyle HD are my go-to parts for an upgrade over OEM items on a road car. So the lower front arms are Meyle HD. These have a firmer rubber bushing, along with a stronger design of arm. The OE bushes are voided, making them soft and notoriously weak from a wear and tear point of view. A common wear item replaced and upgraded.
The rear arms are commonly missed, so both are replaced. The trailing arms are upgraded to the Meyle HD items, the control arms don't have an HD option so standard it is.
The tie rods, ends and bellows are also replaced. The tie rod ends are upgraded to an HD item, which has a stronger joint.
That should have the car driving much better, arguably better than new! Naturally a four wheel alignment will be required after fitting before I can truly comment on the improvements.
A well packed boot of parts!
Of course an essential unbody wash, prior to getting any work done!
While I'm not covering many miles, it was time for the annual service. Easy done.
I was never impressed with the damping on the standard shocks with H&R springs. As the R32 is a daily driver, I didn't want anything crashy, however I don't mind a few tweaks to sharpen things. As one of the shocks was showing signs of starting to weep, it was the excuse I needed.
I have detailed all the parts I have used in the video below, see the description for links to the parts used.
Starting with the shocks and springs. The front shocks are VW OEM items, the front springs, rear springs and rear shocks are Sachs items, Sachs make the OE items. You may also find that the wrong part numbers are supplied for the Sachs front shocks, so do be careful!
The front top mounts have bearings that wear, plus there is an upgraded OE top mount item from a TT / RS3 that are firmer. So that's the first tweak.
Meyle HD are my go-to parts for an upgrade over OEM items on a road car. So the lower front arms are Meyle HD. These have a firmer rubber bushing, along with a stronger design of arm. The OE bushes are voided, making them soft and notoriously weak from a wear and tear point of view. A common wear item replaced and upgraded.
The rear arms are commonly missed, so both are replaced. The trailing arms are upgraded to the Meyle HD items, the control arms don't have an HD option so standard it is.
The tie rods, ends and bellows are also replaced. The tie rod ends are upgraded to an HD item, which has a stronger joint.
That should have the car driving much better, arguably better than new! Naturally a four wheel alignment will be required after fitting before I can truly comment on the improvements.
A well packed boot of parts!
Of course an essential unbody wash, prior to getting any work done!
