Front Bilstein shock question

Chat about your 6R/6C model Polos here!
User avatar
Jay-Jay
Silver Member
Posts: 327
Joined: Mon May 02, 2016 6:02 pm
Drives: Polo 6R HL 1.2TSI 77kw, Audi S1 MY2018
Location: Rome (Italy)

Re: Front Bilstein shock question

Post by Jay-Jay »

This is getting really interesting!
I read the pdf and it really seems like those metal rings are meant to be installed on the steering rack for reducing the steering angle.
I also found a newer revision of that guide (https://www.autolekaren.sk/img/0112_DOC/M1085024.PDF).

Anyway, I speak for my experience.
When I first installed Eibach Pro-Kit Springs, I had problems with the front axle being too low and the shock absorbers reaching the end of their stroke very easily, even with smallest pothole. It was almost a nightmare driving the car.
After looking on ETKA, I found that my Polo didn't came with shock's ring spacers from factory. So, I ordered 2 of them from VW (I lost those by Eibach) and as soon as I installed them, I totally fixed my problems on the front axle.
The front of the car raised up about 1cm, which was what it really needed, and shock absorbers never reached the end of their stroke with the minimal road imperfection.
In the end, I figured out it was a spring pre-load problem. Thanks to those ring spacers, the front springs are more compressed, so they are less compressable under the load of the car and they work a lot better in general.

Maybe it was a problem exclusively related to my car and all of the others "light" petrol engines Polos. Infact, ETKA says that diesel engines and GTI/R WRC Polos already have those ring spacers installed from factory.
User avatar
Le_Combattant
Gold Member
Posts: 510
Joined: Sun Mar 07, 2021 4:04 pm
Drives: Polo 6C 1.2 TSI 90 Cup
Location: France

Re: Front Bilstein shock question

Post by Le_Combattant »

I'm sorry to digging up this tipic but I would like to be sure of one thing.

Currently on my 6C is fitted Bilstein B4 with Eibach (VW branded) lowering spring.

I will wait until they die to replace them by B8.

The ride quality is "good" on smooth and perfect road but some time is little bit hard on damaged road with portholes.
The B4 were not designed to handle lowering spring, so for me, they are only working at the end of their travel and some time, hits the bump stop in foam.

On ETKA I found this spacer, it's number 12.
Image

Image

Part Number is 6R0412311
Post Reply