Mk5 GTI suspension options

[Splashalot]

Am weighing up whether to sell my Mk5 GTI or modify the suspension. The car has done only 82xx kms and is in generally great knick, so obviously has some life left. Hence spending on suspension may be a good option instead of taking a hit selling. Provided I can achieve my desired result.

I am looking for a stock type of set-up, with factory ride height, but a smoother ride. Lately the constant jiggle from GTI's suspension is bothering me big time. I'm happy with all other aspects of the suspension, it is just the constant, incessant small vertical jiggling movements drive me mad.

I've read everything I can find on this and other forums re. GTI suspension mods, but most of it is performance/looks oriented (ie. lower ride height or increased performance). I cannot lose any ride height - because of my driveway angle with stock set-up I have only a few mms clearance.

Is there anyone out there who has maintained their Mk5 GTI's factory ride height and general performance characteristics but eliminated the stock jiggly ride?

Cheers.

[Johnbu]

Are you willing to sacrifice handling for more ride comfort?

If so, perhaps you install a set of springs/dampers for a 2.0l non turbo Golf V.

When new, was it better than now? It may be the dampers aren't performing like when they were new.

[brad]

Get the bushes inspected - particularly the rear console bush on the lower control arms. If it's deformed replace it with an S3 or equivalent Febi non-voided bush.

I assume you are on 225/45r17 Conti 5s with 36psi?

The factory dampers will bet bit worn. There are any number of replacement dampers you could fit to your stock springs ranging in price from $500 for Sachs OEM replacements; $700 for Bilstein B4 or koni STR-t or $1400 for Bilstein B6 or Koni FSD.

There is a 6000km old set of Koni Sport on another forum for $650...

If you think the springs are sagged (I believe the distance from the centre of the hub to the edge of the guard is 360mm +-10mm front & 365mm +-10mm Rear) then maybe fit coilovers that can be wound up to standard height. Bilstein B14s are $2000. I'm not sure of the other brands but I'm sure some of them can be screwed up high & give a decent ride for closer to $1k.

I've got to say that my current setup of alloy LCAs with S3 bushes, Eibach ProLine, Koni Sport & 225/40r19 RE050A on 36psi is the smoothest the car has ever ridden - it would be even better if the wheel & tyre combo didn't weigh 22kg.

I think you still go to the dealer but for suspension work you might see if Leigh still works at Tyer Express TyrePower in Harrington street. I hear he's pretty good with VWs & honest.

Or try
Andrew Robinson Automotive

or
Ed Conacher

[Splashalot]

Cheers gents.

Johnbu: I don't think the ride has changed significantly since new. Dampers still seem to be doing their job well - no mid-corner skips or floating over bumps. In fact in general the whole car feels remarkably similar to when new. Out of all the cars I've owned this one has maintained that "tight new car" feel for the longest by far.

Brad: Some good info there, thanks. I had Koni yellows previously and even on full soft they were terrible for jiggling (albeit on a Seca SX). I assume a mismatch of spring/damper rates? I've read that Bilstein B6s for the Mk6 GTI ride very well on Mk5 GTIs (Mk5 Billies don't - due to 20% stiffer valving), so they would probably be my first point of reference. I will talk to Andrew as I know he has experience modifying GTI suspension, albeit I think for lowering/performance, not comfort.

Yes, CSC5 in std size (17") at 36psi. I'm wondering if RE003's might ride a tad softer? My mate had some RE002s on his Alfa 156 that turned it into an SUV in ride feel compared to the CSC2s previously. But then I guess the trade-off would be in steering precision/feel.

Edit: Just found a review for Koni sports with stock Mk5 GTI springs which suggests that on full soft setting the dampers pair well and eliminate the jiggle, which seems similar to your experiences, Brad. https://changegears.wordpress.com/page/3/

[Splashalot]

I'm bumping this thread for information purposes.

The culprit in the abrupt, jiggly ride turned out to be shot rear dampers. I installed a set of Koni yellows on the rear and it is much smoother. Still not limousine smooth - you still know it is a performance oriented car - but heaps more liveable than it was.

Nearly one year on and I'm very happy with the Koni yellow/standard spring combination. No change to ride height or any other aspect other than a smoother ride. I intend on putting Konis yellows on the front when the std (Sachs) dampers pack it in.

[3C4M Guy]

I'm bumping this thread for information purposes.

The culprit in the abrupt, jiggly ride turned out to be shot rear dampers. I installed a set of Koni yellows on the rear and it is much smoother. Still not limousine smooth - you still know it is a performance oriented car - but heaps more liveable than it was.

Nearly one year on and I'm very happy with the Koni yellow/standard spring combination. No change to ride height or any other aspect other than a smoother ride. I intend on putting Konis yellows on the front when the std (Sachs) dampers pack it in.

Your 1K Golf and my 3C Passat have very similar suspension. Glad to hear you are liking the Koni sports yellows. I did a lot of research before deciding on Koni yellows myself and I’m very happy. I did the suspension changes in stages, so I had the opportunity to feel the car with just the shocks changed before I then changed the springs. As I expected, the shocks made a big difference.

I was very tempted to get the Koni FSD (Frequency Selective Damping) shocks instead of the yellows. Koni advises the FSDs work best with standard springs and standard ride height. They are a 2 speed shock – by this I mean when the shock is compressed slowly, for example when weight transfers to the outside during cornering, they have a different firmness than when it is compressed quickly, for example hitting a bump or pothole at speed.

They are designed to provide both a handling improvement and a comfortable ride particularly on poor quality roads. However I read a mixture of positive and negative reviews from the US, so went for the yellows.

[Bora Sport]

Did you get the S3 lower control arm bushes from the dealer or can you recommend a better source?

[brad]

Did you get the S3 lower control arm bushes from the dealer or can you recommend a better source?

Vw only sell them with the alloy housing.

Febi 33973 (double check that number) are the budget choice

[Bora Sport]

So did you just buy the rubber insert? I have been searching EBay for Audi S3 LCA bushes and this is one that I came up with. I need to replace them on my wife's 125tdi Jetta but I want to upgrade. I assume they would be interchangeable with Golf GTI and therefore S3. I don't want to go to poly though. I tried to search the Febi number that you suggested but it doesn't look right. Maybe I'm wrong.

Thanks for your help.

QH Front Control ARM Trailing ARM Bush Lower Front RC677975P TO FIT Audi S3 06 | eBay

[h100vw]

I don''t reckon you'll find poly too harsh but here's the partscatalogue for you to go through. Audi Teile Katalog (Pats Catalog)