[Onoitna]

My two rear tires are starting to have a bit of negative camber and I've been told that it is probably time I replace the rear shocks and front struts. Thing is I don't know if I want to buy them from VW or similar OEM quality. I'm looking to reduce the body roll in my car just a bit, even though I'm not trying to build a track car, simply for better handling. Just looking for some advice on any after market or original parts and what is the best thing to do. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

 

[billymade]

There are a number of VW specific vendors that will sell you a front end "refresh kit"; you might look at those... see if they save you some money. One thing I would do is check the bushings in the rear axle beam bushings and front control arm bushings. The front bushings is a very common fail point; I would go with TT/R32 heavy duty rubber bushings and possibly aftermarket bushings from Black Forest Industries or just the stock rubber ones. The BFI ones I installed; were supposed be "graphite impregnated" but I am experiencing squeaking from them, so... the rubber ones probably don't squeak but probably won't last as long.

Examples; the tt/r32 has full rubber and no air gaps that the original ones did, they will last longer and firm up the performance, feel of the front end. Most people recommmend the tt/r32 bushings, stock rubber or better aftermarket but to stay away from the straight poly bushings, because they are noisy.

http://www.germanautoparts.com/Volkswagen/New Beetle/Suspension/29/1

BFI bushings; seem a little squeaky to me, unless something else is making the noise! They probably will last forever; however!

/MK4 Polyurethene Front Control Arm Bushings - Graphite Impregnated (Pair)

http://store.blackforestindustries.com/pofrcoarnbug.html

The rear axle beam bushings; wear out as well. Mine, the rubber is cracked and in bad cases, the assembly gets loose. For the rear; I think you can get heavier duty ones, possibly from the R32 and the poly are not recommended, as they wear quickly, are noisy and apparently, bind.

GermanAutoParts.com : Volkswagen New Beetle Suspension

Front end rebuild kits:

MJM Autohaus



suspension kits: I can't recommend anything but here are some examples of struts, spring kits.

GermanAutoParts.com : Volkswagen New Beetle Suspension

When it comes to looking at a number of companies selling suspension kits; it is easy to look up at tire rack. www.tirerack.com

Replacing the strut mounts and bearings are probably a good idea and would eliminate any wear and noises.

http://www.germanautoparts.com/Volkswagen/New Beetle/Suspension/198/1

For the camber issues; I have been told you can buy "shims", to try to help with the issues, give your alignment shop more adjustment capability. I haven't bought any or tried them but my car does suffer from cupped tires in the rear; so, maybe they would help.

https://www.google.com/search?q=cam...889,d.aWc&fp=b150e47389858034&biw=853&bih=624


These links; are just examples.. you might try a number of online vendors, to find what you want and the best prices.

 

[jfoj]

I am planning on purchasing this kit for my car soon, it appears to be the most complete kit and a very good price if you do not want to go with more advances struts/shocks.

Vw Beetle Struts - Vw Beetle Shocks - Vw Beetle Strut Shock Kit

I also just purchased this front end kit after a the car ended up with some bent suspension components. Overall a nice kit, no squeaks as of yet. Only thing I would do differently would be to purchase and use the OE front lower control arm bolts directly from VW. The supplied bolts did not have the shoulder near the head of the bolts and I think the shoulder does a better job of positioning the bushing. Minor detail, just my observation.

Volkswagen New Beetle 1.8T > Suspension > Refresh Kits > ES#259954 Suspension Refresh Kit - Stage 3 - 1J0498012

See my thread here - http://newbeetle.org/forums/1-8-liter-turbo/61024-bad-day-nobody-hurt.html

 

[Onoitna]

Ok, great. Thanks for the responses! And quite a lot of different options. I think I might just go for the Bilstein kit and I'll definitely check all my bushing just to make sure they need to be changed and get all this out of the way once and for all. It might be a few weeks still since I have to order the parts and get some free time to do the replacement.

But thanks again!