Car suspension Skoda Octavia A7 It is a complex engineering system where each element plays a critical role in comfort and handling. Some of the most overburdened, but often overlooked, details are: silent blocks, which are rubber metal hinges connecting the suspension levers to the body or other units.
These elements work in conditions of constant vibration, shocks and temperature changes, which inevitably leads to their gradual destruction. Ignoring signs of wear of Bushings on your Octavia can lead to rapid failure of shock absorbers, hub bearings and even disruption of collapse-convergence.
Owners often face a dilemma: change only the rubber sleeve or the entire lever assembly? We will understand how to correctly diagnose the problem, which spare parts manufacturer is better suited for the Czech sedan and how to perform repairs yourself without damaging the suspension.
Signs of wear and diagnosis of levers
The first signal that front suspension silent blocks They need to be replaced, and the nature of the sounds changes when moving. If you hear thumps, knocks or creaks on irregularities, this is a sure sign of loss of rubber elasticity or destruction of a metal sleeve.
The second important aspect is the behavior of the car on the road. The car may begin to โfloatโ in the lane, especially at high speeds, or feel less responsive when turning the steering wheel. This is because of the fact that lever gets an extra backlash and can not rigidly hold the wheel in a given position.
Do not forget about the uneven wear of tires. If you notice that rubber wears faster on one side or โteethโ appear, check the suspension condition. Often the problem lies in the loosen-up Silent blocks, which do not allow the wheel to keep the correct angle of installation.
- ๐ The appearance of deaf knocks when passing by lying police officers
- ๐ Deterioration of directional stability on the highway
- ๐ Uneven tire tread wear
- ๐ Steering vibration at low speeds
โ ๏ธ Do not delay the diagnosis when the first knocks appear. A destroyed Bushing can lead to jamming of the lever and loss of control in a critical situation.
Manufacturer's choice: original or analogue?
Spare parts market for Skoda Octavia A7 It is full of offers, and choosing a reliable option is not easy. Official original The manufacturer is often unreasonably expensive, as it includes the markup of the dealer and logistics. However, the quality of such parts usually meets high standards.
The alternative is quality analogues from proven brands. Companies like Febi Bilstein, TRW, Lemfรถrder or SWAG They produce products that often exceed the original in resource. It is important to look at the country of production and the availability of quality certificates.
Cheap Chinese products or products of unknown brands are a risk. Rubber in such Bushings can harden after six months, which will lead to a second visit to the service and additional costs for work. Savings here could come out sideways.
| Brand | Country | Quality | Average price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skoda (OEM) | Germany/Czech Republic | Excellent | High |
| Lemfรถrder | Germany | Excellent | Average |
| Febi Bilstein | Germany | good | Average |
| Topran | Germany | Average | Low |
- Original Skoda
- Lemfรถrder
- Febi
- Budget analogue
Design features of the suspension A7
Suspension Octavia A7 It has its own features that need to be taken into account when repairing. The front part is usually made according to the McPherson scheme with longitudinal levers, and the rear is multi-link. In the rear suspension, the number of Bushings is much greater than in the front.
Particular attention should be paid to the rear longitudinal levers, where they are often used. sylent blocks with the ability to adjust. This allows you to change the collapse of the rear wheels without replacing the lever itself. However, with strong wear of rubber, adjustment becomes impossible, and a complete replacement of the unit is required.
When replacing, it is important not to confuse left and right elements, as the design may differ. Also note that some Silent Blocks have an inner sleeve pressed into metal that can not be simply removed โ you need to use a special tool.
- ๐ง Rear multilink suspension requires attention to adjusting sleeves
- ๐ The front lever has two main mounting places with different loads
- โ๏ธ The presence of adjusting bolts in the rear lever simplifies the fall-fall
What is the feature of the rear levers of the A7?
The rear levers often use a design where the Bushing can be replaced separately from the lever, but this requires a powerful press. Many owners change levers to save time, although it is more expensive.
Tools and preparation for work
Before you start, make sure you have the right set of tools. To press old and press new bushings you will need press-setand powerful keys and heads.
Work is better to carry out on the lift or in the hole, as access to the bolts of the levers attachment from below is limited. Donโt forget to stock up on penetrating WD-40 lubricant, as bolts on the suspension often cling to and are difficult to unscrew.
It is important to prepare a place for storing the removed parts, so as not to confuse left and right elements. If you change the silenth blocks in pairs, try to do it simultaneously on both sides of the car.
โ๏ธ Preparing to replace silent blocks
โ ๏ธ Warning: If the bolts of the lever attachment do not unscrew, do not use excessive force so as not to break the thread. Use heat or special penetrating fluids.
Step-by-step replacement instructions
The replacement process begins with the removal of the wheel and the dismantling of the suspension lever. Unscrew the bolts of the Bushing attachment to the body and to the turning fist. If the lever is removed completely, carefully remove it from the seat.
To press the old element, use a hydraulic press or a special remover. Insert the mandrel so that the force falls on the metal clip, and not on the rubber part, so as not to damage the lever.
The new Bushing is pressed to the point, observing the correct position relative to the lever. Often on the body of the part there are marks indicating the direction of installation. Donโt forget to lubricate the sleeve before pressing so that it comes in easier.
1. Remove the wheel and unscrew the lever mount bolts.2. Press the old Bushing.
3. Clean the seat of dirt and rust.
4. Press the new element to the point.
5. Put the lever in place and tighten the bolts.
After installing all the levers, it is necessary to tighten the mounting bolts under load, that is, when the car is on wheels. It is important not to create a pre-stress in rubber elements, which will shorten their service life.
Before pressing the new Bushing, apply a thin layer of soap solution to the rubber part - this will make it easier to install without the use of aggressive lubricants that can damage the rubber.
Tighten the bolts of the lever attachment is necessary only after the car is lowered to the ground to avoid premature wear of rubber.
Important nuances in installation and configuration
After replacing the silent blocks, it is critically important to visit the collapse-descendence stand. Even the slightest shift of the lever can disrupt the angles of the wheels, leading to poor handling and rapid tire wear.
When tightening bolts, use a dynamometer key to apply the correct force. Too strong a puff can deform the rubber element, and a weak one can lead to unwinding and backlash.
Check the condition of all adjacent nodes: anthers of the SRUS, Silent blocks of the stabilizer and shock absorbers. Often, when replacing one element, problems are found in other parts of the suspension, which should be eliminated immediately.
- ๐ Make sure to make a fall-out after replacement
- ๐ฉ Use a torque wrench for precise tightening
- ๐ Check the condition of the anthers and other suspension nodes
โ ๏ธ Attention: Tightening of bolts of suspension levers on the weight of the car is unacceptable and will lead to the rapid failure of new Bushings.
Frequently asked questions from owners
How much does it cost to replace silent blocks at a service station?
The cost of work depends on the region and type of suspension. On average, the replacement of the front silent blocks costs from 1500 to 3000 rubles per axle, and the rear - from 2500 to 4500 rubles. Replacing the levers in the assembly is usually more expensive because of the cost of the part itself.
Can you replace the whole band, not the whole arm?
Yes, this is possible if the lever has no cracks and deformations. However, this requires a special press and stains. Many craftsmen recommend changing the lever assembly, as this saves time and guarantees the quality of the assembly.
How often do I need to change the Silent Blocks on the Octavia A7?
The resource of the original parts is about 80-100 thousand kilometers. Analogues can serve from 40 to 70 thousand kilometers. It all depends on the quality of the roads and the driving style.
Do I need to change silent blocks in pairs?
It is highly recommended to change them in pairs on one axis. This will ensure uniform suspension behavior and avoid distortions that can lead to instability of the car.