Suspension Help (Wishbones, Bushes, etc)

[smerko]

Hi,

I am considering spending a bit of money on the car as it is pretty tired suspension wise. I want to do the front wishbones (bushes were advised last MOT) but have a query.

The car does not sit level and appears to 'crab' slightly with the front left of the car about 1" higher than the right. This is on new OEM springs after a good few months of them being changed. My mechanic (who put on the front springs for me - yes both springs are equal) had it on the ramps and suggested the problem lies at the rear of the car with either the rear springs needing done (one may have gone 'saggy') or the rear 'bushes'. I saw the car on the ramps and the rear bushes did look totally nackered. What I want to know is what is the real term for these or part numbers as I can see no reference to changing them in the Haynes manual.

They are the rubber things above the rear shock absorbers I think.

Also was going to order the above with cambelt and tensioner from http://www.vwspares.co.uk/ - anyone here used them as the prices seem very good.

Any help appreciated.

edit : car is 2.0 8v GTi

 

[smerko]

nobody?

 

[bluenose]

I've used "vwspares" plenty of times. Can't fault their service. Parts all seem decent quality for the price too.

As for the "rubber things above the rear shock absorbers", I think you're after rear top mounts. You'll get 4 in the one set, which will do both rear shocks. Just make a note of how all the mounts, washers and nuts are assembled when taking them all apart

 

[smerko]

Cheers for that. So assuming the rear top mounts are shot could this be the reason for the dodgy rideheight?

Should I be changing anything else whilst i'm at it?

Thanks again

 

[bluenose]

If the cars done a few miles, could be best to replace rear shocks and springs too.
Not too expensive and a fairly straightforward diy job (compared to the fronts anyway!!!).

 

[Adrok]

Im sure I read on here a while back that there are a few people with Ibizas whos cars dont sit level. Usually after changing the springs.
It seems to be common and nothing to worry about.

You could try searching to see if you can find any of those threads.

 

[smerko]

Have read a few of those too - think I even started one! As I say mine sits a good 1" higher on one side! Am going to change the front wishbones/bushes and rear top mounts to see if that is what if causing it. Rear rubber mounts look very worn so fingers crossed...

As well as the top mounts I am also considering changing the rubber mount that the top of the spring rests on in the damper - what is the technical name for this part?

Cheers