A car's suspension is a complex system, the condition of which directly affects the safety and comfort of movement. For owners Skoda Octavia A5 One of the most common problems is wear on the front silent blocks of the control arms. These rubber-to-metal joints dampen vibrations and allow the wheels to move relative to the body, but over time the rubber ages, cracks and deteriorates.
Ignoring problems with silent blocks can lead to accelerated wear of other suspension elements, wheel alignment problems, and even loss of controllability at high speed. In this article we will look in detail at how to independently diagnose a malfunction, select suitable spare parts and perform a high-quality replacement without contacting service.
Diagnosis of wear and characteristic symptoms
Realize that it's time to change front silent blocks, is possible based on a number of specific characteristics. The most obvious symptom is the appearance of knocking noises in the front part of the suspension when driving over bumps, especially at low speeds. This sound is often confused with the knock of ball joints or stabilizer, but it has a duller and deeper character.
The second important sign is deterioration in controllability. The car may begin to โfloatโ on the road, especially on straight sections, require constant steering adjustments, or respond with a delay when cornering. This is due to the fact that the destroyed silent block cannot provide rigid fixation of the lever, and the suspension geometry is constantly violated.
It is also worth paying attention to uneven tire wear. If you notice that the rubber is wearing away on the inside or outside faster than usual, this is a direct signal of problems with the wheel alignment angles caused by play in the tires. rubber lever connections. Do not forget to check the condition of the blocks themselves visually when inspecting them on a lift.
Selection of spare parts: original or analogues
When selecting new parts for Skoda Octavia A5 A dilemma arises: to install original spare parts or high-quality analogues. The original from the VAG concern usually costs much more, but offers guaranteed quality of the rubber compound and geometry accuracy. However, even original parts can fail prematurely if they are made on outdated equipment.
There are many proven analogue manufacturers on the market, which often exceed the original in terms of service life. Such brands include Febi Bilstein, Sasic, SWAG and Lemfรถrder. It is important to choose products with markings that correspond specifically to your type of suspension, since Octavia A5 Different lever configurations were installed depending on the year of manufacture and configuration.
You should not save on the cheapest Chinese analogues. Low-quality rubber quickly hardens in the cold or, conversely, leaks in the heat, which leads to repeated repairs after just a few thousand kilometers. Rubber-metal hinge - This is a part that operates under conditions of high dynamic loads, so the choice of manufacturer must be approached carefully.
- Original VAG
- Febi/SWAG
- Lemfรถrder
- The cheapest analogues
Necessary tools and preparation
For a successful replacement front silent blocks You will need a specialised tool set. A conventional jack and keys will not be enough, since dismantling and pressing hinges require considerable effort and special devices. You will definitely need a removable for Bushings or a powerful hydraulic press.
Also prepare a set of cap and end keys, hammer, chisel, WD-40 or similar penetrating lubricant. If the bolts of the lever attachment are boiling, you can not do without penetrating lubricant. Donโt forget about a can of brake cleaner to degrease the seats before installing new parts.
โ๏ธ Preparing to replace silent blocks
If you work on jacks, be sure to use insurance stands, because Skoda Octavia A5 It has a fairly heavy front part.
What is dangerous about working without the press?
Attempting to knock out the Bushing with a hammer can lead to damage to the lever, failure of the thread on the bolts or injury due to flying parts of the metal.
Step-by-step replacement instructions
Start the process by removing the wheel. Weaken the bolts of the lever attachment, but do not unscrew them completely while the car is still on the ground so that the lever does not turn. After lifting the car on the jack or lift, finally unscrew the mounting bolts. front control arm to the subframe.
Next, you need to remove the lever in the collection from the car. This will allow you to work with him on the floor. If you plan to change only the Bushing, and not the entire lever, then you will need a skipper. Install the lever in the vise or on special stands so that it is securely fixed.
The process of pressing the old hinge requires accuracy. Use a removable that presses the inner sleeve and pushes the Bushing body out of the nest. Do not attempt to knock out the part by hitting the outer body with a hammer - this can deform the aluminum lever. Pressing out It should go smoothly, without distortion.
After removing the old part, clean the seat of rust, dirt and rubber residues. Apply a thin layer of silicone lubricant or soap solution to a new one silent blockto facilitate its installation. Use a press or a removable to press a new part strictly on the axis, without distortions.
Before pressing a new Bushing, be sure to check its orientation. Some models have labels or a specific shape indicating the correct position.
Installation and adjustment of angles
Set the lever back on the car, but do not tighten the mount bolts to the point. Final tightening It should be produced only after the car is lowered on the wheels and the suspension is loaded with the weight of the body. If you tighten the bolts in suspension, the rubber of the Bushings will be twisted, which will lead to their rapid destruction.
Lower the car to the ground, make sure it stands evenly, and tighten all the bolt joints of the levers with effort. The puff time for subframe bolts is usually around 100-120 Nm, but it is better to clarify the exact data in the service documentation for your specific modification.
After replacing the silent blocks, be sure to perform a collapse-descend. Changing the geometry of the suspension inevitably violates the angles of installation of the wheels. Operating the car without correcting these parameters will lead to rapid wear of tires and deterioration of handling.
Tighten the bolts of lever attachment can only be under load (on a lowered car), otherwise the rubber of the Bushing will be twisted and quickly destroyed.
Typical mistakes and repair nuances
One of the most common mistakes is to try to replace only one Bushing on one side. The suspension works symmetrically, and if one part was worn, then the second is in a similar state. Recommended change fire-block immediately to avoid imbalance and revisit the service.
Also, many craftsmen forget to clean the threaded connections before installation. If the bolts are inserted into a dirty or rusty thread, they may burst when puffed or not provide the right moment. Use a metal brush and cleaner for all threaded pairs.
Another mistake is the use of the wrong lubricants. It is strictly impossible to use graphite lubricants or solidol for rubber parts, as they can cause swelling and destruction of rubber. Use only special silicone lubricants or soap solution.
| Parameter | Original (VAG) | Analogue (Febi/SWAG) | Analogue (Lemfรถrder) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average price (pieces) | 2500-3500 rub. | 1200-1800 rub. | 2000-2800 rubles. |
| Resource (km) | 80 000 - 100 000 | 60 000 - 80 000 | 90 000 - 120 000 |
| Material | High-quality rubber | Rubber/Polyurethane | Premium rubber |
| Delivery time | 3-7 days | 1-2 days | 1-3 days |
โ ๏ธ Warning: Do not attempt to press the Bushing using a sledgehammer. Shock loads can damage the aluminum structure of the lever, which will make it unsuitable for further use and require replacing the entire lever in the assembly.
โ ๏ธ Note: If the lever has cracks in the welding sites or severe corrosion, replacing the silent blocks does not make sense. In this case, it is necessary to change the lever entirely, since it is impossible to restore its strength.
Remember that the quality of the suspension assembly directly affects your safety. Skoda Octavia A5 A reliable car, but its suspension requires regular attention. Timely replacement of the Silent blocks prevents the destruction of other units and keeps the car's handling at a high level.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
How long does it take to replace silent blocks?
If you have a special tenant and experience, replacing one Bushing takes about 40-60 minutes. If you change the levers in the assembly, the process can take 2-3 hours on both wheels, including the removal and installation of the subframe.
Can I drive with a crack on the Bushing?
A small surface crack is not critical yet, but requires control. If the crack is deep, the rubber has detached from the metal or there is a visible backlash, operation of the car is prohibited, as this can lead to rupture of the hinge on the go.
Do I need to change the whole levers or just the bushings?
Replacing only the bushings (bushings) is cheaper, but requires a press and time. Replacing the lever assembly is quicker and easier, especially if the lever is old and has traces of corrosion. For Octavia A5 It is often more profitable to put high-quality levers in the assembly with already pressed blocks.
How often do silent blocks need to be changed?
The resource of the original Bushings is about 80-100 thousand kilometers. However, on our roads, the real service life may be less โ 60-70 thousand km. It is recommended to check their condition at each planned maintenance after 50,000 km of run.