Owners of sedans and liftbacks Skoda Octavia A7 often face the need to change the vehicle's ground clearance. This is due both to the quality of the road surface and to the desire to adapt the car to specific operating conditions. Some of the most popular solutions in this segment are spacer rings, which allow you to carefully lift the body without replacing the main springs.
Installation of such elements requires a careful approach, since the suspension Octavia designed with certain geometric parameters. Incorrect selection of height or stiffness can lead to accelerated wear of shock absorbers and changes in wheel alignment angles. In this article we will analyze in detail all aspects of selection and installation.
Many motorists mistakenly believe that the parking lot is a simple and safe solution that does not affect the dynamics. However, the manufacturer's engineering calculations take into account body weight and load distribution. Any intervention, even as small at first glance as the installation of the polyurethaneIt changes the entire suspension system.
Types of spacer elements for Skoda Octavia A7
On the market of auto parts there are several types of products designed to change the ground clearance. The main difference lies in the material of manufacture and the method of installation. For front-wheel drive versions Octavia A7 Most often use plastic or metal spacers installed in the upper cup of the shock absorber. The rear suspension, which is a beam, requires different approaches, often limited only to adjusting the unloading.
The most common are rubber-stitchwhich are placed between the turns of the spring or under the cup. They provide smooth running, but over time can deform. An alternative is products from polyurethanewhich are characterized by durability and preservation of shape under load, but require more careful installation.
It is important to note that for versions with all-wheel drive 4x4 The requirements for the draws differ due to the presence of the rear differential and crosses of the driveshaft. Increased clearance here should be strictly dosed, so as not to disrupt the transmission. Increase in clearance by more than 20 mm without replacement of shock absorbers is strictly prohibited by the manufacturer.
- π§ Plastic spacesCheap but fragile at low temperatures.
- π§ Metallic spaces: reliable, but can cause corrosion of springs.
- π§ Polyurethane spacers: optimal balance of price, quality and durability.
- Plastic
- Polyurethane
- Metal
- I don't plan to install
Impact on suspension geometry and handling
After installation spacer rings Not only the height of the body changes, but also the geometry of the levers. This leads to a shift in the center of gravity and a change in the angle of inclination of the shock absorber. Owners Skoda Octavia A7 You may notice that the car has become more βspinningβ in corners, but at the same time reacts more rigidly to minor irregularities. Smoothness, for which the Czech brand is so appreciated, can significantly decrease.
Particular attention should be paid to the angles of installation of the wheels. When lifting the body, the parameters of collapse and descent change, which requires a mandatory procedure. wheel alignment Right after the editing. Ignoring this stage will lead to a rapid βeatingβ of rubber and unstable behavior of the car on the track. In some cases, you will need to install adjusting bolts to correct the angles.
The efficiency of the transverse stability stabilizer also changes. The stabilizer levers may be in the non-operating range, which will reduce the resistance to rolls. This is especially important for sports versions. Octavia A7 RSwhere the suspension is already set to high rigidity. Installing pads can turn a car into an uncomfortable βtractorβ on a bad road.
Changing the geometry of the suspension requires mandatory adjustment of the collapse-descend immediately after installing the slots, otherwise the wear of the tires will accelerate at times.
Installation process: step-by-step instructions and nuances
Installation of parser rings is a task that requires the presence of a lift or observation pit, as well as a special tool for compressing springs. Self-installation without experience can be dangerous, as the compressed spring has a huge energy. The process begins with the removal of the wheel and the dismantling of the shock rack in the assembly.
After the spring is removed, it is necessary to carefully install the slot in the upper cup of the shock absorber or between turns, depending on the type of product. It is important to make sure that the prostrate fits tightly to the metal surface and has no gaps. For Octavia A7 Often used by the expanses that are attached by bolts to the upper bearing.
Assembly is carried out in reverse order, but with the observance of the moments of tightening of the bolts. Pay special attention to the nuts of fastening the shock absorber to the body and levers. Use a dynamometer key to avoid stretching or under-dragging, which can cause items to unscrew on the go. Check the shock absorber: it should walk smoothly, without jamming.
βοΈ Preparing to install spacers
What if the cup does not enter the cup?
If the display does not stand in place, do not try to hammer it with a hammer. Check the compatibility of the model with your rack. You may need a different height or type of attachment.
Specifications and Compatibility
When choosing the pads, it is necessary to focus on a specific modification of the engine and the type of suspension. Skoda Octavia A7 It was available with different chassis configurations, including the version Combi (wagon), which has a reinforced rear suspension. Sprays for the sedan may not be suitable for a station wagon due to the different length of springs and loads.
Below is a table with indicative data on the compatibility of parcels for different versions of the car. Please note that these values may vary depending on the manufacturer of the parts.
| Suspension model | Spacer type | Recommended height | Material |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard (fore) | Ring in a cup | 20-25 mm | Polyurethane |
| Standard (back) | Between turns | 15-20 mm | Rubber/PVC |
| Comfort (front) | Ring under a cup | 30 mm | Metal/PVC |
| 4x4 (front) | Ring in a cup | 15-20 mm | Polyurethane |
The condition of shock absorbers must also be taken into account. Installation of pads on worn racks will lead to their rapid failure. The shock absorber will work at the limit of its stroke, which will cause breakdown and damage to the body. If the vehicleβs mileage exceeds 100,000 kmIt is highly recommended to replace the racks in pair with the expanses.
β οΈ Warning: Installing pads will cancel the suspension warranty if the car is still under warranty. Manufacturers do not cover the costs of repairing elements associated with unauthorized clearance changes.
Durability and Maintenance
The service life of the supply rings depends on the material and operating conditions. Polyurethane products last longer than rubber products and are better able to resist the effects of reagents and moisture. However, over time, any material loses its elastic properties and can begin to crumble or crack.
Regularly inspect the suspension for the integrity of the pads. If you notice cracks or severe deformation, the element must be replaced. Ignoring defects can lead to the fact that the liner will fall out of the seat, which will cause a sharp change in clearance and damage to the body when hitting a bump.
It is also worth paying attention to the condition of the anthers of shock absorbers and breakers. With increased clearance, they can work in a more rigid mode. It is recommended to check their condition at each change of oil in the engine. Pushbacks. They must be whole and elastic so that the shock absorber does not penetrate.
- π Check the condition of the paddles every 10,000 km of run.
- π Clean the elements from dirt and reagents when washing the car.
- π Replace worn suspension parts in a timely manner.
When purchasing spacers, choose products with factory markings and a quality certificate. Cheap analogues made of low-quality plastic may crack already in the first winter.
Alternative methods to increase clearance
If installing spacers seems like a risky move, there are other ways to increase ride height. One of the most reliable methods is to replace the standard springs with reinforced springs from other versions of the model or tuning companies. This is a more expensive option, but it maintains the correct suspension geometry.
Another option is to install a higher profile tire, but there are restrictions on wheel diameter and arches. Increasing the wheel diameter can cause the wheel to hit the body elements when the suspension is fully compressed. The speedometer and odometer readings will also change, which will require adjustments.
The most correct, but also the most expensive solution is to replace the entire strut assembly with an extended version or install air suspension. The air suspension allows you to change the ground clearance depending on the situation, which is ideal for Octavia A7, but requires complex installation and regular maintenance of the compressor and air cylinders.
Installing reinforced springs instead of spacers is a safer and more correct solution from an engineering point of view for increasing ground clearance.
Frequently asked questions and answers
Do spacers affect fuel consumption?
They can influence indirectly. Changes in aerodynamics and increased engine load due to changes in wheel ratio may slightly increase consumption. However, the main factor remains driving style and the technical condition of the engine.
Is it possible to install spacers on the rear beam?
On the rear beam Octavia A7 installing spacers only makes sense in the form of rubber inserts for the springs. Metal spacers under the cup of the rear beam can disrupt the operation of the brake mechanism and ABS due to changes in the length of the handbrake cables and sensors.
Do I need to do an alignment after installation?
Yes, this is a prerequisite. Changing the body height inevitably changes the wheel alignment angles. Without wheel alignment correction, you will quickly ruin the tires and worsen the car's handling.
What is the maximum ground clearance you can get?
An increase of 20-30 mm is considered a safe limit. More significant changes require replacing springs and shock absorbers, as well as adjusting the operation of stabilizers and body level sensors.
β οΈ Attention: Do not attempt to install spacers thicker than 30mm on stock shock absorbers. This will lead to their destruction and complete loss of controllability at high speeds.
Does installing spacers affect the performance of driver assistance systems?
Problems may arise with ESP and ABS systems if they use body angle or suspension level sensors. If the ground clearance changes significantly, the control units may generate errors, since the real indicators will not coincide with the reference values.