Which bushes?

[johnboy 3169]

I am totally refurbing my RS2, just interested in other peoples opinions and experiences on sub frame bushes, standard OEM or Powerflex?

Also all other associated suspension bushes, standard OEM or Powerflex?

I am thinking OEM as I think between them Audi & Porsche knew what they were doing, but I could be totally wrong.

The car will be used for road use only.

[Christophski]

I have just done this very task on my S2 avant and can tell you as a fact that the ones that were available from Powerflex have made the car a tiny bit harsher but not that much in all honesty.

You can not get Powerflex subframe bushes so I have put in new OEM ones (what a pain that was) and the bottom of the suspension leg items are also not available for renewal unless you get a whole new damper unit. I have kept the OEM diff mount bushes too and also the outer lower wishbone bushes as OEM as these are not available from Powerflex. I fitted everything else where possible with powerflex and im happy with the ride of the car and thats with H&R springs too.

Its not that crashy or harsh but there is a subtle, noticeable difference in that is has firmed it up a bit, and my car is road use only too. I have have been told that Solid subframe bushes to the body also make no difference in ride comfort but I am yet to be convinced with that.

In my view on the whole subject solid items are not a good idea as everything needs a bit of give in it for comfort. I feel that poly bushes are better than OEM as they will give youa bit more of an edge however still maintain a bit ofd give and therefor comfort and above all else they will outlast any OEM bush item. (Oh and on that note, dont get the OEM rear diff bushes if they are Lemforder.... they split stupidly easy when fitting even if totally greased up and pushed in straight... just not worth the hassle or effort!)

[Teg]

Here is a diagram of the bushes available for the RS2



The front sub frame bushes are available from POWERFLEX. My understanding is that front and rear subframe bushes are the same? So you should be able to replace all bushes with powerflex.

I have my own car parts business and am able to get you a good price on POWERFLEX bushes. Let me know if you would like a price?

I have just replaces all the bushes on my S2. It feels so much better for replacing the bushes. However I went for solid subframe bushes so its difficult for me to comment on how harsh it will be. However my S2 is still comfortable for regular use. It feels a lot tighter and confidence inspiring.

[GazzaG60]

solid on the subframe tightens up the whole assembly. it has no real effect on how the car rides. in theory there is ore passed to the car as there is less of a buffer between body. having said that on the 5 pot only the box and the rest of the suspension is attached so if gearbox mounts are good then no worries.

as for the body attached engine mounts. I used the hd 034 items and can honestly say it felt no worse that stock.

p-oly on the arms is good as are new ball joints and track rod ends. top mounts are key. promounts are great but NLA.

[Vorsprung durch Technik]

If your car is going to be used on the road and it's not going to be a track car i would replace your tired bushes with new genuine audi as much as possible, you will notice a big difference as the new bushes will give you a much smoother ride,less road noise yet will firm things up quite a lot from the tired original Audi bushes.I have refurbished a whole suspension including ball joints and track rods etc on the 80 avant 9 years ago using all genuine Audi parts when everything was available so am speaking with some experience.

[andy10v]

The front sub frame bushes are available from POWERFLEX. My understanding is that front and rear subframe bushes are the same? So you should be able to replace all bushes with powerflex.

Front and rear subframe bushes are different on a B4, the rears are massive.

[Teg]

Oh ok. Looks like you can't get the rear subframe bushes from Powerflex then.

So I guess Audi parts may be your best option.

[Christophski]

Yup, no rear subframe bushes available apart from OEM or solid.

[johnboy 3169]

Thanks for the input and info guys.

I forgot to mention I have just ordered KW Variant 3, down side of this is KW are needing 5-8 weeks to make them

Also ordered Apikol rear diff mount.

Is there a lot of difference between OEM Subframe bushes and Solid?

I just want to make the car handle really well and be fun to drive without braking my back.

[Vorsprung durch Technik]

Christ on a bike......of course there is.

[Christophski]

I have heard that solid subframe bushes at the rear makes no difference but I wouldn't believe them. Mind you if you are going for kw's then I wouldnt think solid subframe mounts would make much difference lol

[K Simmonds]

Have tried, solid alloy, poly and stock bushes, I'm not a fan of solid alloy subframe mounts on road cars, poly's aren't a problem and are only slightly harsher than stock. IMO only consider solid alloy subframe mounts if planning on tracking the car.

I found solid alloy bushes on my Coupe made it feel unstable at high speed on rough surfaces, swapped to poly's and all was well.

My RS2 has stock bushes and all replacements will be stock unless their NLA in which case I will consider poly bushes.

[sailaz]

Also ordered Apikol rear diff mount.

you mean this one http://www.apikol.com/index.php/prod...unt-b4-b5.html ?
or just a polyurethane part ?

[johnboy 3169]

Yes that's the little devil.

[Nace20]

interesting thread

i am also thinking what would be the best combination

i am planing to leave it on stock springs, bilstein shocks, oem bushes on subframe and poly on wishbones

what do you think around this combination?