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just ordered a powerflex bush kit off of ebay without realising that they come in diff sizes
anyone got any clue? Its a 2002 9N
heres the email from the guy:
Hi,
Thanks for your order for some Powerflex suspension bushes for your POlo.
Before we can process your order for manufacturing we need the relevant sizes as mentioned in our E-Bay listing. These vary between models so it is imperative that these are correct for your particular car or they will not fit. In some cases you may need to physically measure the bushes however it may be possible that a dealer may be able to tell you what sizes bushes your model has.
Right, two things to consider, 1) which model is your car? second thing has the ARB been replaced since the car was built - ie has it got the plastic end stops as it would have been fitted with an early ARB.
Both these questions are important as the bush sizes changed when the ARB was updated (to smaller bushes as the plastic sleeve part of the end stops no longer exists = smaller diameter). If you got a "car data" printout from your dealer you would know which size (option) of ARB was fitted, and if you know or the actual ARB you would manage to work out is it was an early one or a later type replacement one.
RUM4MO wrote:Right, two things to consider, 1) which model is your car? second thing has the ARB been replaced since the car was built - ie has it got the plastic end stops as it would have been fitted with an early ARB.
Both these questions are important as the bush sizes changed when the ARB was updated (to smaller bushes as the plastic sleeve part of the end stops no longer exists = smaller diameter). If you got a "car data" printout from your dealer you would know which size (option) of ARB was fitted, and if you know or the actual ARB you would manage to work out is it was an early one or a later type replacement one.
Cheers To my knowledge the ARB has not been replaced. Its a 1.2. Is it worth just ordering a new ARB at the same time?
Changing the ARB can be a bit expensive, I'd say twice as much on labour as parts as the lower crossmember needs to be dropped and if a full four wheel re-alignment is not carried out after that then the car could "crab" and/or suffer uneven tyre wear and generally feel a bit crap due to incorrect tracking geometry. If your car is coming up for 7 years old and has not had to have the old style ARB replaced then you are very lucky - especially as the roads people use a lot of salt - and quite often, so corrosion "up here" is a bit of a problem - more so than "down South". One other thing, have you needed to change the TCA rear bushes yet? If your answer is no and you would consider fitting Cupra TCA rear bushes, the do both these jobs (replace the ARB + TCA rear (Cupra) bushes) at the same time and save on labour. The alternative is to just buy new ARB bushes from VW - straight and easy swop, price all the other work at a local VAG indie specialist, and then consider your next move! Maybe save and do everything you ever intend to do around this area including any springs and dampers at the same time to save on labour costs.
Thanks
this is what I have ordered http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/POWERFLEX-SUSPENS ... 240%3A1318
When the coilovers were being fitted they noticed that the brake reaction bushes were worn to excess, so I just ordered the set. Dont know if this includes the powerflex ones that go where the cupra ones would?
Right now though I just need to find out the size of the ARB so they can send me the set, I haven't the foggiest how to measure the ARB or where it even is
The anti roll bar is what links the droplinks off your suspension strut...I guess your not attempting this job yourself if you don't know what the arb is. Thing is you need to grab it and see if it moves side to side then you'll know you need the new arb and that you've probably got the old arb fitted, if there is movement and you want a new arb that will mean different size bushes anyway. Otherwise find it, put a piece of string round it and then measure the string.
In terms of jobs, just changing the bushes is a pretty easy job where as RUmmo says changing the arb is a bit of a git.
By the way not sure what brake reaction bushes are??? You've ordered arb bushes, and the complete control arm bushes for the front. ALthough the cupra ones are preferred over the powerflex ones for the rear control arm. Again doing these is a real git of a job so if its being done you want to do it with the right ones so it don't have to be done again.
smithysmoo wrote:By the way not sure what brake reaction bushes are??? You've ordered arb bushes, and the complete control arm bushes for the front. ALthough the cupra ones are preferred over the powerflex ones for the rear control arm. Again doing these is a real git of a job so if its being done you want to do it with the right ones so it don't have to be done again.
So do the powerflex ones i've ordered include the ones for the rear control arm under a diff name maybe 'No4.REAR BEAM MOUNT X 2' ?
If not I will order cupra ones just now.
I just want to get this sorted but I just dont really have any knowledge of this bit of the car
Yes the powerflex ones do include these. Problem is that they just push in the voids or something like that so therefore aren't as good as the cupra solid ones (people have had problems with the powerflex ones from what I've read). The cupra solid ones aren't that dear if I remember correctly there only around £18 for the pair. Then you can use the powerflex ones for the front of the control arm and also the arb. Thats exactly what I did.
Check this out mate its a guide on fitting the bushes and an arb and is what I used. If nothing else it will give you an idea of where everything is etc.
I have a horrible feeling that you have commited yourself to spend £139 on a collection of parts that you might not really want. Its only parts referance 1 and 3 that will be useful - and I don't know the prices of these bits. You really need to get someone to check this car and see if you still have the original old type ARB so that you can nail down what bush size you need.
Did you work out if its the original style or revised ARB though as Powerflex will need to know? I'd just pick up the Cupra bushes from your local Seat place "I want a couple of TCA rear bushes for a 2004 Ibiza Cupra please" - would be a useful opening phrase followed by, if necessary "no I don't just want to leave here with some improved nonCupra voided ones thank you order a couple in for me!!"
To my knowledge the ARB has not been replaced. Its a 1.2. Is it worth just ordering a new ARB at the same time?
Still think i''ll get the cupra bushes aswell can you buy em online?