The rear suspension on the A5 body, known as the Tour or the classic Octavia, is a complex design where each element plays a critical role in control and comfort. Exactly rear suspension arms take on the main impacts from road unevenness, keeping the wheel geometry within specified limits. When knocking, beating of the steering wheel or uneven tire wear occurs, the problem often lies in the wear of these parts.
Many owners Škoda Octavia A5 are faced with the need to replace not individually, but as a whole set, which saves time and guarantees the same service life of all elements. However, the approach to choosing spare parts requires care: cheap analogues may not last even a season, while original parts ensure predictable behavior of the car on the track. In this article we will analyze all the nuances of diagnosis, selection and installation of levers.
Design features of the Octavia A5 rear suspension
The rear axle in this model is made according to the scheme multi-link suspension, which is a big advantage for a car of this class. This design allows camber and toe to be controlled independently, providing excellent directional stability even at high speeds. Unlike a simple beam, several levers are used here, connected by silent blocks and ball joints.
The main load is distributed between the longitudinal and transverse elements. Trailing arms are responsible for transmitting traction force from the engine to the wheels and braking forces during deceleration. Transverse members, often called “rod links,” hold the wheel in a vertical plane and control its position when driving over uneven surfaces. Each of these units has its own characteristics of wear and repair.
It is worth noting that complex silent blocks are often installed in the rear of the body, which work to twist and compress simultaneously. Their service life directly depends on driving style and the quality of the road surface. If one element breaks, the load is redistributed to the others, which can lead to cascading destruction of the entire suspension system in a short time.
Symptoms of wear and troubleshooting
You can understand that the levers or their components are out of order by a number of characteristic signs that appear during movement. The most obvious signal is the appearance of dull knocks or squeaks, especially when driving over speed bumps or potholes. If the sound is heard from behind, the first thing to check is lever silent blocks and ball joints.
Another telltale sign is uneven tire wear. If you notice that the inner or outer side of the tread is worn out faster than other areas, this indicates an alignment problem caused by deformation of the arms or wear in their joints. In this case, even professional tuning on a bench may not give long-term results without replacing parts.
In some cases, the driver may experience steering wheel wobble or body vibration at certain speeds. This is often due to the fact that the wheel begins to “walk” due to play in the ball joints or deformation of the metal of the lever after an impact. Ignoring such symptoms is dangerous, as it can lead to loss of control in a critical situation.
- 🚗 The appearance of extraneous knocks when driving over uneven surfaces on the rear axle.
- 🔧 Uneven tire wear on the rear wheels (inner or outer edge).
- ⚠️ Feeling of vibration in the steering wheel or body at speeds above 60 km/h.
- 🛣️ The car begins to “float” or pull to the side when driving in a straight line.
⚠️ Attention: If you notice that the wheel is visually tilted or has obvious play when rocking with your hands, do not continue to operate the vehicle. This can lead to the ball joint jamming and complete destruction of the suspension while driving.
Manufacturer's choice: original or high-quality analogues
Spare parts market for Škoda Octavia A5 is oversaturated with offers, and choosing the right option can be difficult. Original parts from the VAG concern, as a rule, have ideal quality and service life, but their price is often prohibitively high for the average car owner. However, there are trusted manufacturing brands that offer products no worse than the original.
Such brands include Febi Bilstein, TRW, Mapco and Lemförder. These companies are often direct suppliers to the assembly line, so their products undergo the same tests and have identical characteristics. When choosing a set of levers, it is important to pay attention to the presence of new silent blocks and ball joints in the set, since repressing old units often does not give the desired effect.
Cheap analogues from China or unknown brands should be avoided. Skimping on suspension is a safety risk. Cheap metal can burst on a bump, and low-quality rubber in a silent block will quickly dry out and lose its damping properties. It's better to spend a little more once than to change levers every six months.
- Original VAG
- TRW/Febi
- Lemförder
- Chinese analogues
Tools and preparation for replacing levers
Replacing rear suspension control arms is a labor-intensive task that requires specialized tools and suspension skills. You will definitely need a jack, reliable stands for the car and a powerful hydraulic press or a puller for pressing out silent blocks, if you are not changing the entire lever assembly. You also need a set of wrenches and sockets, including 16, 18, 21 and 24 mm sockets.
Before starting work, the car must be lifted and fixed reliably. The wheel must be removed and then dismantled the brake caliper and disc to access the lever mounts. Be sure to disconnect the ABS sensor and brake tubes if they interfere with dismantling, following precautions.
Pay special attention to the bolts of attaching levers to the body and hub. They often cling to dust due to corrosion and dirt. Pre-produce all threaded connections with penetrating lubricant, for example, WD-40 Or an analog, and give it time to work. If the bolts are not unscrewed, a heater or impact tool may be required.
☑️ Preparing to replace levers
Step-by-step instructions for replacing a set of levers
The replacement process begins with the removal of the old lever. First, unscrew the bolt connecting the lever to the hub, then release the attachments to the body. It is important to remember or photograph the location of all washers and slots, as their loss can lead to a violation of the geometry of the suspension. After removing the old lever, you need to carefully inspect the seats on the body.
If you change the lever in the assembly, the installation of the new element occurs in the opposite order. However, if you use levers with pressed silenticle blocks that require installation on site, you need to use special tool for pressing. Tighten the bolts of mounting levers to the body and hub is necessary only under load, that is, when the car is on wheels, otherwise the rubber of the Bushings can twist and quickly collapse.
After installing all the levers, it is necessary to visit the collapse-descendence stand. Without this procedure, the car will run unstable and the tires will wear unevenly. The wizard on the stand will check the angles of the wheels installation and, if necessary, adjust them using the available adjusting bolts.
Why do you need to tighten bolts under load?
Tightening of bolts of suspension levers in the raised state leads to the fact that the rubber elements of the Bushings are in a twisted state. When the car moves, the rubber unfolds, which causes its rapid wear and destruction. Weight pull is a common mistake that reduces the suspension life by half.
⚠️ Warning: Never tighten the bolts of the levers until the car is lowered to the ground. Bushing rubber must take its neutral position under the weight of the machine before the final puff.
| Manufacturer's mark | Product type | Approximate resource (km) | Approximate price (per piece) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Original VAG | Lever assembly | 150 000+ | High |
| Lemförder | Lever assembly | 120 000+ | Average |
| Febi Bilstein | Lever assembly | 100 000+ | Average |
| Mapco | Lever assembly | 80 000+ | Low/Medium |
| Chinese brands | Lever assembly | 30 000 - 50 000 | Low |
Proper tightening of bolts under load and subsequent adjustment of the fall-down are two key factors ensuring the durability of new levers and the safety of the car.
Nuances of operation and service life extension
After installing a new set of levers, it is important to follow some operating guidelines to prolong their life. Avoid sharp blows to the suspension at high speeds, and also try not to drive into deep pits at high speed. Driving style It has a direct impact on the life of the suspension parts, especially if you often drive on bad roads.
Regular visual inspection of the rear suspension will allow you to notice the beginning of problems in time. Pay attention to the state of the anthers of ball supports and the integrity of the rubber elements of the Bushings. Any crack or rupture of rubber is a sign that the part is in a state of disrepair and needs immediate replacement.
It is also useful to periodically check the condition of brake discs and pads, as their wear can create additional vibrations transmitted to the levers. A comprehensive approach to chassis maintenance ensures that your Škoda Octavia A5 It will give you comfort and control for many years to come.
Keep checks and documents about buying new levers and conducting a break-up. This can be useful in case of warranty cases or resale of the car, confirming the quality of chassis maintenance.
Frequently asked questions and answers (FAQ)
Can I change the levers one by one or do I need to set them up immediately?
Although it is technically possible to replace one lever, experts strongly recommend changing them with a set (pair). This ensures the same life and characteristics of the suspension on both sides. If one arm is worn, then the second one is in a similar state.
Is it necessary to do a wheel alignment after replacing the levers?
Yes, it's a must. Replacing the levers violates the geometry of the suspension. Without professional adjustment on the stand, the wheel installation angles will be incorrect, which will lead to rapid tire wear and deterioration of the car's handling.
How long does it take to replace the rear suspension levers?
On average, replacing two rear levers in a specialized service takes 2 to 4 hours. Time depends on the degree of corrosion of the bolts, the need to use a press for Bushings and the skill of the master.
What tools are needed for DIY replacement?
You will need: a jack, stands, a set of heads and keys, a shooter for ball supports, a powerful dynamometer key for tightening bolts and, preferably, a hydraulic press to replace the Bushings if the levers are not assembled.
Can old Bushings be repressed into new levers?
It is possible, but not recommended. New levers are usually sold with high quality Bushings already pressed. Overpression requires special tools and often results in damage to new parts. It is easier and more reliable to immediately install the lever in the collection.