LC/LCR Lower Front Strut Brace from S3

[Pabs]

Hey all


bit of news and questions really, and i have searched.....

I have been after an s3 lower front strut brace for my LC. Now, I know LCR's have them as standard, and when i was in dealer sorting other issues spoke to my friendly parts-man.
They couldnt find it on ETKA, but said they could probably order it.
Next day i get a phone call, they found it on SEAT ETKA. I popped in, and there it was.
The part number is the same as Audi/VW: 8N0199403B.
Excellent, so i ordered this, and the bolts/riv-nuts parts no.s that are on ETKA. So, for those sceptics out there, it IS on Seat's ETKA. If you want a reference, i can try and find out from em (like page number or something)

However, I get home and i find that the bolts/nuts have different part numbers to those listed on here. However, the washers and brace are identical.
I have for the part no.s

N10467901 Bolts
N90914701 Riv Nuts

Is this gonna be a problem? I have ordered it all, and Matt (my parts-man) said he might even be able to get it up on the ramps and fit it as he recons it needs a riv-nut tool.... however, from what i have read no riv-nut tool is required.....

At the end of the day, if they dont fit the cupra but fit the cupra R its not the end of the world - i can just order the right ones afterwards! Its only a few quid...

Cheers peeps

 

[Craig Senior]

Fitted my Cupra perfectly. Got the garage next door to work to fit it for me, although I had to show them how to do it 'cos they had never seen a riv nut before.

It's easier with it up on the lift so you can get the undertray out of the way. No special tool required just a socket and abit of strength, if you push the brace up it traps the rivnut and stops it spinning until the bolt bites and it starts to tighten.

It makes a noticable difference to the turn in and steering feel IMO.

 

[Pabs]

I know the brace will fit.... its the bolts i am really asking about, as they have different numbers to those listed on here......

Anyway, good to know its easy to fit.
Is the undertray easy to remove? - I didnt think there was anything that needed removing on the cupra... only the tdi.

 

[Craig Senior]

As long as the riv nuts fit through the holes I can't see it being too much of a problem. They fit into the hollow part of the suspension linkage thingy which has 1" to 1.5" of room inside (If this makes sence). I think the bolts may have been M10s that came with mine. The dealer supplied the wrong size washers though.

I just needed to undo the back 6 or so screws holding the undertray on so it could be lowered out of the way although like you say petrol versions may be different.

 

[Pabs]

Awesome... cheers mate. Should be in at the dealers tomorrow, and if they can get it on the ramp i will be loving it.... Shall take my cam too so that i can add another guide to my website!

 

[Deeko]

No undertray getting on the way on the petrol model....I did mine with the car flat on the ground...reasonably easy to reach!

 

[Craig Senior]

Never thought about taking pics for a fitting guide when mine was done.

The old bloke scratching his head looking at the rivnut would have been good.

 

[Pabs]

hehe...... well, i intend to do guides for everything i do.... stops those same questions coming over and over again!
And, on the plus side, i like doing it

 

[Stu B]

PABS - So has it been done..... - What was the cost?? Have you got the upper Strut brace too///

My Easter shopping list....

 

[Pabs]

Stu_B

Hasnt been done yet, will hopefully be done tomorrow if all goes according to plan.
Not got the upper braces as have heard some grinding of the brace is needed, and lots of holes need drilling - something i am NOT comfortable with....yet...

Prices for the strut brace and bolts comes to less than £20.00. Not got exact price yet, as they are not sure on the bolts/nuts prices.

 

[Stu B]

Hmmmm have to agree with the upper brace - Drilling holes into the suspension turrets, Rust, weakens the turrets....... oh bother.....

But will the lower struts make that much of a difference ... ok ur petrol I'm Derv, but so ....

Turn in sharper etc, or with more feel?!

 

[Pabs]

Yeh, apparently makes it much better... although yet to find out...
Do a search on here, loads of people recon it helps lots.
And for less than £20, its gotta be done

 

[Craig Senior]

Got mine from Audi. Cost just under £20 including rivnuts, bolts and wrong sized washers.

Not too bothered about doing the top one yet, like Pabs says, too much grinding and drilling. Don't think I am that brave yet with a new car.

IMO the lower one improves the turn in and seems to give abit more 'weight' to the steering in the corners.
Not really had chance to test it to the full yet but my initial thoughts are that it does improve it.

 

[Stu B]

Hmmm you guys seem to have me converted..... now parts numbers to be located, top of your post wasnt it Pabs...

So this will be the only Tdi S leon with lower Struts Teheeee - Yeah its only an S (But looks like a Cupra ......)

 

[Pabs]

I wouldnt go on my part numbers for the nuts/bolts yet..
Strut brace is definately the right one, just gotta make sure there is nothing weird with these part numbers from etka and my dealer.

 

[Stu B]

I wouldnt go on my part numbers for the nuts/bolts yet..
Strut brace is definately the right one, just gotta make sure there is nothing weird with these part numbers from etka and my dealer.

Was going to pop into my local VW dealer - see my old mate (Our Dads were Mates years ago..) in parts and say `help I want the lower stuts from an S3` Along with Cambelt & oil etc etc - when I do my 60k

They will fit on my Leon WONT THEY!?

 

[Pabs]

For those interested, fitted mine in about 1/2hr today, all parts from a SEAT DEALER - part numbers obtained from Seat ETKA - total cost to me was £16.30 all in...
On my site there is a rough guide on it now Havent driven the car yet - as also painted calipers today so its stationary for 24-48hrs!

 

[Stu B]

For those interested, fitted mine in about 1/2hr today, all parts from a SEAT DEALER - part numbers obtained from Seat ETKA - total cost to me was £16.30 all in...
On my site there is a rough guide on it now Havent driven the car yet - as also painted calipers today so its stationary for 24-48hrs!

Cool - as I couldnt get under mine do do my oil change at the weekend I will have to wait till I can get to some ramps (Full car lifters) proper /// But with your `how to do` I will be getting some & doing it whilst I have the oil plug out

 

[leon cupra/R re]

Does anyone know if there are any problems fitting this to a new FR as I would like to ask the dealer to do this before I take delivery?

 

[Stu B]

It would appear that I cant fit these .... Something to do with different suspesion setups between mine & the cupra/r (so the local Home stealer - has said...)

Me a tad confused... As I can understand springs/shocks etc but I doubt mount points etc etc...