Tyres/Clutch/Suspension/Brakes

[JamieG172]

Few questions guys:

1) Is the clutch on the way out if I feel its a lot higher/bites much later than it used to, and when driving a 9n3 55 plate (3 years newer) 1.2 it felt noticably better to drive? Should say the clutch isn't slipping at all, I put it in 5th at 30 and it doesn't rev but not pull etc so seems fine, maybe I'm just being fussy?!

2) Tyres. I'm running the 16" Monzas on 205/45/16 and the fronts need replacing, don't wanna get top whack tyres as I haven't got the cash, but would like something above the mose basics. Anyone recommend a good quality tyre for about £65 - 90 a corner?

3) Suspension creaks at the front when i go over a speedbump at whatever speed..... don't think its the shocks as it still kills bounce well. Heard its possible to be Front ARB bushes?

4) Brakes. They are shuddering under braking now (unless very gentle town-driving braking). Higher speed/harder braking, the more noticeable it is. Is this likely to be discs/pads/both?

Car is booked in for MOT and Full Service at the start of June, I guess most will get sorted then but wanted to know what you guys thought before then....?

Cheers,
J

[Fannon]

I don't know the answers to all your questions mate but only 1 or 2 I think...

2. Uniroyal tyres are pretty cheap but still good quality, had them on a previous car on 15's and they were great. I have Dunlop Sport tyres on my 15's just now on the Polo 9N and im sure they are about £70 each?

4. My brakes are shuddering also when braking especially at high speed on a dual carriage way or motorways the steering wheels shakes and you notice it in the car. I have been told this is due to warped discs, and the discs need changed aswell as the brake pads!

I'm sure the other experts on here will have a better insite to your other questions.

[foodie9n]

In answer to no.3 Jamie
r
Highly likely that the creaking is going to be your console bushes as this is what happened on mine. To test if it is, park on a flat surface and put the front wheels straight. Then, go to one wheel and push it from side on. If the wheel does move excessively and you hear a creak then its going to be your console bushes - and it will probably fail the MOT on it as well (just speaking from experience )

If you are going to replace the bushes, pop down to your local Seat dealer and pick up the Cupra bushes as they are solid compared to rubber in the VW ones and they generally stiffen the suspension up. If you pop onto my progress thread, I have put the part number up there and probably will set you back about £25 for the two.

Any questions, give me a shout!

[JamieG172]

Thanks for these answers guys.

Mike, I tested the flat-surface trick out the other day and didn't seem to get any lateral movement at all when facing the wheel and pushing at it...i.e. for side on. Not sure if it will be the console bushes or not but have heard before that the Cupra ones are the ones to go for, the cars booked in for a full service and MOT on June 3rd, so will get it all checked out then and if it turns out to be console bushes I'll pop down n get them from Seat, cheers!

[RUM4MO]

Thanks for these answers guys.

Mike, I tested the flat-surface trick out the other day and didn't seem to get any lateral movement at all when facing the wheel and pushing at it...i.e. for side on. Not sure if it will be the console bushes or not but have heard before that the Cupra ones are the ones to go for, the cars booked in for a full service and MOT on June 3rd, so will get it all checked out then and if it turns out to be console bushes I'll pop down n get them from Seat, cheers!

What was meant was for you to, with the car parked on the level, handbrake on and out of gear - try to rotate the front wheels forward and backwards - if there is any play/tear in the TCA rear bushes then as the car is held by the handbrake, the wheels would move forward or backwards as you try to rotate them.

[JamieG172]

Ah OK makes more sense, i'll give that a go! Cheers

[markallen]

I have the same with number 3: What ive heard is its a common noise but never found out what so hopefully this might be it