Car suspension Skoda Octavia A5 It is a complex system, on the serviceability of which depends not only the comfort of the trip, but also the safety of management. Particular attention should be paid to elements that experience enormous loads when passing irregularities and turns. In the suspension design Octavia A5 (platform PQ35) rear silent blocks of the front levers play the role of a critical damper, quenching vibration and preserving the geometry of the wheels.
Many owners Skoda Octavia A5 face the problem of knocking or creaking in the front suspension, which is often mistaken for wear of shock absorbers or springs. In fact, the main cause of such unpleasant sounds is most often the destruction of rubber metal hinges. Ignoring this problem can lead to accelerated tire wear, break-down-convergence and even the destruction of the lever itself in the worst case.
In this article, we will discuss in detail how to independently identify the malfunction, select quality spare parts and replace the rear silent blocks of the front levers. We will consider the differences between the original parts and analogues, as well as the subtleties of pressing technology, which are often missed during repairs.
The role and design features of rear silent blocks
Rear silent block of the front lever on Octavia A5 performs the function of a movable hinge, allowing the lever to change its position when the suspension is working. Unlike the front Bushing, which is most often a hinge with a pressing sleeve, the rear is a more massive structure that perceives longitudinal and transverse loads. It is he who keeps the lever from shifting during braking and acceleration.
Structurally, this element consists of a metal sleeve pressed into the body of the lever, and an external metal glass, between which there is a layer of rubber or polyurethane. Rubber works on shear and compression, providing the necessary elasticity. Depending on the year of issue Skoda Octavia A5 and the type of suspension (normal or sports), the size and rigidity of these bushings may vary slightly.
The main task of the component is to isolate the body from vibrations transmitted from the road. When the rubber breaks down, the metal body begins to contact the sleeve, causing a characteristic metal knock. This phenomenon is especially noticeable when passing โbull-in policemenโ or pits. Rubber wear It often occurs unevenly, making it difficult to make visual diagnosis without a special tool.
- ๐ง Provides the correct geometry of the front suspension when moving.
- ๐ It extinguishes high-frequency vibrations and noise from the road.
- โ๏ธ Allows the lever to move in a given plane without backlashes.
Do not underestimate the impact of this node on manageability. If the Bushing has a significant backlash, the wheel begins to "float" in corners, which makes the car unstable. Owners Skoda Octavia A5 It is often noted that after replacing worn-out bushings, the steering wheel becomes more informative, and the car stops "scouring" the lane.
โ ๏ธ Warning: Operation of a car with a destroyed front lever salent block can lead to a critical violation of the angles of the wheel installation, which makes driving on the track dangerous due to loss of stability during braking.
Wear symptoms and diagnostic methods
To determine the malfunction of the rear silent block of the front lever can be a number of characteristic features that become noticeable under certain driving conditions. The most obvious symptom is a thunderous metal thud or grinding coming from the front of the car when passing irregularities. The sound is usually repeated in time with the wheels and amplified when passing the pits.
The second important sign is deterioration in controllability. If you feel that Octavia A5 has become less responsive to the steering wheel or there is a backlash of the steering wheel, the problem may lie in the suspension. It is also worth paying attention to the uneven wear of tires, especially along the edges of the tread, which indicates a violation of the collapse-convergence due to the shifting of the lever.
For accurate diagnosis, a lift or observation pit is needed. Visual inspection often allows you to see cracks, rubber ruptures or traces of lubrication leakage (if it is provided by the design). However, many defects are hidden inside the node, so the mechanical method of checking is more reliable.
Use a mount or a special lever to check the backlash. Insert the tool into the gap between the lever and the bracket of the body and try to rock the knot. If you see the lever shifting more than a few millimeters relative to the bracket, or hear a knock inside the Bushing, a replacement is inevitable. Checking for play It should be carried out with care so as not to damage the neighboring elements.
- ๐ The appearance of knocks and grinding in the front suspension on irregularities.
- ๐ Deterioration of course stability and "swimming" of the car.
- ๐ Uneven wear of front wheel rubber.
- Deaf knocking on the pits
- Steering wheel play
- Uneven tire wear
- Suspension creaking
Selection of quality spare parts: Original or analogue?
Spare parts market for Skoda Octavia A5 It offers a huge selection of options for replacing the rear bushings. Original from VAG The Volkswagen Audi Group is always a benchmark for quality, but it is quite expensive. The complete set is often full lever assembly, which is not always economically justified if only the rubber element is destroyed.
There are qualitative analogues from proven brands, which often surpass the original in resource. These manufacturers include Febi Bilstein, Mapco, Lemfรถrder and Sasic. These companies use improved varieties of rubber that are resistant to temperature changes and chemical effects of reagents. The choice of a particular brand depends on your preference for suspension stiffness.
If you like a more โdownedโ suspension and a clear reaction to the steering wheel, it is worth considering the option of installing polyurethane bushings. Polyurethane lasts longer than rubber and is less prone to deformation, but can make the ride stiffer and transmit more vibrations to the body. For standard operation, it is better to stay on high-quality rubber.
When buying, be sure to check the catalog numbers. For Octavia A5 There are different items depending on the type of suspension and engine. The wrong part may not fit in diameter or rigidity, which will lead to a quick failure. Catalog number This ensures that the detail is installed correctly.
| Brand | Material type | Approximate price (RUB) | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Original VAG | Rubber | 2500 - 3500 | Perfect compatibility, high price |
| Lemfรถrder | Rubber | 1800 - 2400 | One of the best suppliers, the original supplier |
| Febi Bilstein | Rubber | 1200 - 1600 | Good value for money |
| Polir | Polyurethane | 800 - 1200 | Increased stiffness and resource, requires lubrication |
โ ๏ธ Avoid buying parts from little-known Chinese brands without reviews. Cheap rubber can crack after a couple of months of operation, especially in conditions of winter reagents.
Hidden nuances of choice
Many sellers offer โoriginalโ Bushings, which are actually regurgitated counterparts. Always check the hologram and quality of the casting of the metal part. If the metal has burrs or rubber smells of chemistry, this is an excuse to refuse to buy.
Preparation for repair and necessary tools
Replacing the rear silent blocks of the front arms is a task of medium complexity, requiring the presence of a specialized tool and a certain skill. To perform the work you will need a lift or a reliable overpass, as working from under the car is extremely inconvenient. Also prepare the jack and stands for safety.
The main tool for this work is a hydraulic or screw press. Without it, the pressing of the old sleeve and pressing the new one are almost impossible or involve the risk of damaging the lever. In garage conditions, powerful rods or special mandrels are often used, but this takes time and caution. Hydraulic press It greatly simplifies the process and reduces the risk of injury.
You will also need standard tools: a set of heads (usually 16, 18, 21), a rattle, an extension cord, rattle keys. Do not forget about penetrating lubricant (WD-40 or analog) to unscrew the simmering bolts of the lever attachment to the body. If the bolts do not lend themselves, heat or a percussion tool may be required.
- ๐จ Hydraulic press or a powerful set of mandrels for pressing.
- ๐ง A set of heads and keys for dismantling the lever.
- ๐ข Penetrating lubricant and graphite lubricant for new bushings.
โ๏ธ Tools and materials
Before starting work, be sure to clean the places of attachment of the lever from dirt and rust. This will make it easier to dismantle and build. If you plan to change the lever in the assembly, the process will be easier, but if you change only the Silent blocks, prepare for the fact that the work will take several hours. Cleaning threads The bolts before assembly are critical for the correct delay of moments.
Before starting work, be sure to mark the position of the lever relative to the body with chalk or marker to save the approximate angles of the wheel installation until the collapse-descent.
Silent block replacement technology
The replacement process begins with the removal of the front lever from the car. To do this, you need to loosen the bolt of the lever attachment to the body (rear Bushing) and the bolt of fastening the ball support to the rotary fist. The lever must be suspended on the jack to take the load off the bolts before unscrewing.
After removing the lever, you need to press the old Bushing. To do this, a lever is installed in the press, and with the help of a mandrel of a suitable diameter, the sleeve is squeezed outward. It is important to apply the force exactly so as not to damage the seat in the aluminum lever. If the sleeve sits very tightly, you can carefully cut the rubber part with a knife, leaving only a metal glass.
Installing a new sleeve requires lubrication. Use a soap solution or a special silicone lubricant. It is strictly forbidden to use oil or gasoline to lubricate rubber, as they destroy the material. Pressing a new part with a mandrel that presses on a metal glass, not on the rubber part.
After pressing, the lever is installed on the car. Bolts of fastening are tightened, but the final delay of the moment is made only under load. This means that the car should be on wheels, and the lever should be in the working position. Tightening under load prevents premature rupture of rubber during operation.
Tighten the bolts of the lever mounting is necessary only when the car is on the ground and the suspension is loaded, otherwise the rubber sleeve can twist and quickly collapse.
Common repair mistakes
One of the most common mistakes is tightening the bolts of the lever "on weight". When the machine is on jacks and the wheels do not touch the ground, the lever is in a last position. If you tighten the bolts in this state, when lowering the car, the rubber sleeve will be twisted. This leads to its rapid rupture after several thousand kilometers of run.
Another mistake is using the wrong lubricant. Some craftsmen lubricate rubber bushes with oil or solidol to facilitate pressing. The oil corrodes the rubber, making it soft and porous. As a result, the Bushing loses its elasticity and is destroyed in the shortest possible time. Use only soap solution or special silicone sprays.
Also, the condition of other suspension elements is often ignored. Replacing the Silent blocks, it is worthwhile to check the state of the ball supports, the bushing of the stabilizer and shock absorbers. Savings on comprehensive diagnostics can lead to the fact that the new part will fail due to problems in neighboring nodes. Comprehensive inspection will save you money in the future.
Sometimes masters try to โreviveโ the old Bushing, cutting out cracked rubber from it and pouring polyurethane or epoxy there. This is a temporary solution that does not guarantee reliability. Such repairs do not withstand high dynamic loads and often lead to the destruction of the lever itself. A complete replacement of the sleeve is the only reliable way to repair.
- ๐ซ Tightening suspension bolts when the car is hanging on jacks.
- ๐ซ Use oil or gasoline to lubricate rubber elements.
- ๐ซ Ignoring the check of adjacent suspension units when replacing.
โ ๏ธ Warning: Do not try to press the Bushing with a hammer or sledgehammer strike โ this is almost guaranteed to lead to deformation of the aluminum body of the lever and its subsequent replacement.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to replace the rear silenticle blocks of the front arms?
On average, replacing silent blocks on one lever takes from 1 to 2 hours if you have the necessary press. If you change both levers, then with preparation and diagnostics the process can take about 3-4 hours. Pressing in the bushings is the most labor-intensive part of the job.
Do I need to do a wheel alignment after replacement?
Yes, definitely. Replacing silent blocks changes the suspension geometry, even if you tried to maintain the angles. Without wheel alignment, you risk uneven tire wear and poor handling.
Is it possible to replace only one silent block or do both need to be replaced?
It is recommended to replace silent blocks in pairs on both levers. If one is worn out, it means that the life of the second is also coming to an end. Replacing only one side can lead to suspension imbalance and a repeat service visit after a short time.
Which is better: rubber or polyurethane bushings?
Rubber bushings provide better comfort and vibration damping, which is preferable for normal operation. Polyurethane is more durable and stiffer, but transfers more impacts to the body. The choice depends on the driving style and preferences of the owner Skoda Octavia A5.
Is it possible to drive with a cracked silent block?
Short term - yes, but not recommended. The crack will quickly grow, leading to complete destruction of the bushing. This may cause you to lose control of the vehicle when making sudden maneuvers or braking. It is better to replace the part as soon as possible.