Owners Skoda Octavia A5 Over time, inevitably faced with the need to maintain the chassis, especially the rear axle. This model, built on the PQ35 platform, features a complex and reliable multi-link rear design that provides excellent comfort but requires careful attention to detail. Wear of the rear suspension elements directly affects the handling, safety and resource of the remaining components of the car.
Often, car owners are looking for rear-suspensionTo replace all worn parts at once, rather than running around garages looking for individual levers or springs. Proper selection of spare parts and timely diagnosis can avoid expensive repair of body elements and preserve the characteristic of the body. Skoda Octavia smooth running. In this article, we will analyze what the rear suspension consists of, what parts fail most often and how to correctly carry out the replacement.
Design features of the Octavia A5 rear suspension
Rear suspension Skoda Octavia A5 It is an independent multi-link system. This solution was chosen by engineers not by chance: it provides high stability of the car when cornering and effectively extinguishes vertical oscillations. The design includes longitudinal and transverse levers, shock absorbers, springs, as well as many Bushings and stabilizer racks.
A feature of this platform is that the fists of the rear axle are attached to the levers through massive Silent blocks. When these rubber metal hinges wear, the suspension geometry is disturbed, which leads to uneven tire wear and the appearance of knocks. It is important to understand that replacing just one element often does not give the desired result if the rest of the parts are already critically worn.
For the normal functioning of the system is critically important trailing arms and transverse-beam. If the rubber inserts in the Bushings are destroyed, the levers begin to โwalkโ, creating a backlash. In this state, the car can behave unpredictable at speed, especially when braking or abrupt maneuver.
In addition, the rear part of the suspension carries a significant load when transporting passengers and luggage. Therefore, springs and shock absorbers work in harsh conditions. Skoda Octavia It is often used as a family car, which accelerates fatigue of metal and rubber components. Regular check of condition of these units is a guarantee of long service of the chassis.
Main nodes and typical malfunctions
When diagnosing the rear suspension, problems with several key elements are most often identified. First on the wear list are coming lever silent blocks. Rubber eventually swells, cracks or even peels off from the metal sleeve. This leads to the appearance of characteristic knocks on irregularities and a โfloatingโ trajectory of movement.
The second most frequent refusal is shock absorber. Leaking oil from the body or loss of damping properties makes the suspension "hard" and noisy. You may notice that after passing a reclining police car for a long time sways, and when you turn there is a strong roll. They also wear out often. support bearings And anthers that protect the shock absorber from dirt.
Deserves special attention stabilizer links and the transverse stability stabilizer itself. Dry sleeves or broken hinges of the racks cause a loud knock at the back of the body when passing irregularities. Often drivers confuse these sounds with problems in the engine or transmission, although the source of noise is in the rear axle.
We can't forget the springs. Over time, the metal gets tired, the spring sags, which changes the clearance of the car. In some cases, the springs break, especially if they already have corrosion or chipped paint. A spring break on the move can cause a tire puncture or damage to the bodyTherefore, visual inspection of springs should be mandatory for each scheduled maintenance.
- ๐ฅ Silent blocks of levers: cracks, ruptures of rubber, backlash when rocking the lever.
- ๐ Shock absorbers: oil underdraws, knocking, no compression/stretching resistance.
- ๐ฉ Stabilizer racks: backlash hinge, knock when riding on the buds.
Selection of spare parts: original or high-quality analogues
The auto parts market offers a huge selection of options for replacing suspension elements Skoda Octavia A5. Many owners are wondering whether to overpay for original parts VAG Or can you get good quality analogs? Original parts guarantee perfect geometry and resource, but their cost is often overstated.
There are proven manufacturers who supply parts to conveyors, but sell them under their own brands. These companies are Lemfรถrder, TRW, Delphi and Sachs. These brands offer quality comparable to the original, but at a more affordable price. When buying, always check the labeling and presence of protective holograms on the package.
Saving on suspension is not worth it, especially when it comes to levers and Bushings. Cheap Chinese counterparts often have inadequate rubber hardness or poor-quality stamping of metal. As a result, such a kit can last only 10-15 thousand kilometers, and you will have to pay for the replacement work again. Suspension reliability - this is a matter of your safety.
When choosing a set, pay attention to the complete set. Sometimes it is better to buy ready-made lever-setwhere new Bushings are already installed, rather than buying them separately and looking for a press to press. Some manufacturers offer levers with already pressed bushings, which greatly simplifies repair.
- Original VAG
- Lemfรถrder/TRW
- High-quality analogue
- Cheap China
Diagnosis and signs of wear suspension
To understand that with the rear suspension something is wrong, you can by a number of indirect and direct signs. The most obvious signal is the extraneous sounds. If you hear a thud, creak or creak in the rear of the cabin when passing irregularities, this is a sure sign of wear of rubber metal hinges or stabilizer racks.
Also, pay attention to the behavior of the car on the road. If Octavia begins to โscourโ along the road, requires constant steering or brings the rear part in a sharp maneuver, the problem may be in the geometry of the rear axle. This often happens due to the output in the Bushings, which cease to hold the levers in the desired position.
Visual inspection is a mandatory procedure. Lift the car on the lift or use the jack (with safety measures). Examine the anthers of shock absorbers for ruptures and traces of oil. Check the silent blocks of levers for cracks and ruptures of rubber. The backrests in the ball supports and stabilizer racks shall be completely excluded.
Donโt forget to check the condition of springs and spring supports. Often springs break down in the lower turn, where dirt and reagents accumulate. Cracks on the spring paint are a harbinger of an imminent fault. If you notice traces of corrosion on the metal of the levers, this is also a reason for a more thorough diagnosis.
- ๐ Knocking and creaking in the back when driving on irregularities.
- ๐ The car pulls to the side when driving in a straight line.
- ๐ Visible damage to rubber elements and oil leakage.
Instructions for replacing suspension elements
Replacement of the rear suspension by Skoda Octavia A5 - the task is technically complex, requiring special equipment, especially for pressing the Silent blocks. If you decide to do it yourself, you will need a hydraulic press or a set of special mandrels. Without a press, replacing the Bushings on the levers is extremely difficult, and often impossible without damaging the part.
The process begins with the removal of the wheel and the protection. Then you need to unscrew the mounts of levers to the body and to the fist. Be careful: bolts can be tightened with a big moment, so use a quality tool and penetrating lubricant. After removing the lever, it must be cleaned of dirt and rust before installing new parts.
Installation of new levers is carried out in reverse sequence. If you tighten them on weight, rubber inserts of Bushings will twist and quickly fail.
After assembling the suspension, be sure to carry out a descent-shatter. Although the back suspension Octavia A5 has unregulated wheel angles, changing the levers can change their position. If the angles have exceeded the permissible limits, adjustment or replacement of additional elements (for example, eccentric bolts, if installed) will be required.
โ๏ธ Preparing to replace the rear suspension
Difficulties in replacing silenticle blocks
Replacement of the Silent Blocks often requires a special remover or hydraulic press. At home, you can use a jack and pipes suitable for diameter, but this requires caution and physical strength. The wrong pressure can damage the lever or sleeve.
Cost of repair and budget savings
The costs of repairing the rear suspension depend on the chosen brand of spare parts and the scope of work. If you change only worn-out silent blocks, the cost will be lower, but the labor costs for pressing can be high. Replacing the levers assembled with already installed silent blocks is usually more expensive in detail, but cheaper in work, since it does not require the use of a press.
The table below shows the approximate prices for popular components for Skoda Octavia A5 (Prices are in rubles, may vary depending on the region and the store):
| Detail | Brand (Original) | Brand (Analogue) | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lever back | 5000-7000 โฝ | 2500-4000 โฝ | Price for one lever |
| Lever silent block | 1500-2500 โฝ | 800-1500 โฝ | Price per pair |
| Rear shock absorber | 6000-9000 โฝ | 3000-5000 โฝ | Set (2 pcs) |
| Stabilizer link | 1000-2000 โฝ | 600-1200 โฝ | Price per pair |
Savings on materials often lead to repeated visits to the service. If you change the suspension, it is better to immediately replace all worn-out elements with a set. This will save you from having to climb under the car in six months due to the next worn-out knot. Also, it is worth considering the cost of work, which in the car service can make up a significant part of the budget.
โ ๏ธ Note: Do not try to save on tightening the bolts of lever attachment. The wrong moment of tightening can lead to the lever's separation or its deformation during movement, which is fraught with an emergency situation.
โ ๏ธ Warning: When replacing shock absorbers, always change them with a pair (both back shock absorbers). Installation of one new shock absorber will create an imbalance in the operation of the suspension and accelerate the wear of other elements.
Before buying spare parts, be sure to check the VIN code of the car. The rear suspension may differ depending on the year of production and the type of engine, especially if we are talking about springs of different stiffness for different configurations.
Preparing for repairs: tools and consumables
For high-quality repair of the rear suspension, you will need a set of tools. It is necessary to have a dynamometer key, since the bolts of the mounting of levers and shock absorbers are tightened with a certain effort. You will also need jacks, stands (goats) and a set of heads with a rattle. Do not forget about penetrating lubricant (WD-40 or analog) for unscrewing rusted bolts.
If you plan to change the Silent blocks separately from the levers, you will need a hydraulic press or a set of mandrels for pressing. In a garage, this can be done with a jack and metal pipes of the right diameter, but the process will be long and require care. Make sure the lever is securely fixed so that it does not break under pressure.
Donโt forget to prepare clean rags and metal cleaning products. Before installing new parts, the surfaces should be cleaned of dirt, rust and old lubricant. This will ensure the proper fit of the parts and prevent corrosion. It is also worth buying new mount bolts, as many manufacturers recommend using them only once.
The use of a dynamometer key when tightening the suspension bolts is a prerequisite for the safe operation of the car and preventing rapid wear of parts.
Frequently asked questions and answers (FAQ)
How often should I change the rear suspension on the Octavia A5?
Resource of the elements of the rear suspension depends on the operating conditions. On average, Silent blocks serve 80-100 thousand kilometers, shock absorbers - 100-120 thousand. However, when driving on bad roads, this period can be reduced by half. It is recommended to conduct a diagnosis every 20 thousand kilometers.
Can you change only one lever or shock absorber?
Technically possible, but experts strongly recommend not to do so. Wearing parts occurs evenly, and replacing only one side will create an imbalance. This will lead to uneven tire wear and deterioration of handling. Better to change the suspension with a pair.
Do I need to go down after replacing the rear suspension?
Yes, after replacing the levers or other elements affecting the geometry, be sure to check the angles of the wheels. Although the rear suspension Octavia A5 Often has unregulated corners, replacing parts can knock their factory settings, which will require correction or replacement of additional elements.
What happens if you donโt change worn silent blocks?
Ignoring the wear of the Bushings will lead to the destruction of rubber and the appearance of backlash. This will cause knocking, driving the car aside and, ultimately, can lead to breakage of the lever or damage to the body elements. It will also accelerate tire wear.
What tools are needed for DIY replacement?
You will need: a dynamometer key, a set of heads, jacks and stands, penetrating lubricant. To replace the silent blocks separately from the levers will also require a hydraulic press or set of mandrels.