S3 ARB Question??

[Stepho]

I have a knocking noise coming from the rear of my S3, it sounds like the spring hasn't seated properly, however when I checked it out they both seem fine. I have read that the ARB's on the S3 are easily changed, the only thing I am not sure of is what to upgrade to? I have changed the suspension to Bilsien/Eibach and have been recomended to upgrade the ARB's. I was told to check out MTM ARB's and Golf R32 as they are a good quality upgrade. Has anyone went for any of these? If so what are the benifits, and which is the better option? Also what kind of price?

[DuncS3]

The knocking could just be a arb bush - possible doesnt mean you have to replace the whole ARB. Anyhow, since you asked, I have neuspeed arbs fitted - cant recall the size without checking, but i think its 22mm front and 19 mm rear. The R32 front is 1mm bigger.

R32 bars are cheaper but I didnt want the 1 mm extra on the front but people are happy with them

The new ARBs made a massive difference to the cars handling - I would recommned them 100%

Dunc

[Rusty]

I just replaced the front anti-roll bar bushes to then find that the anti-roll bar was f~*k'd. Even after I replaced the bar it still didn't cure the creaks & squeaks. I then found two other problems.
1) strut top bearing was knackered causing the strut not to turn properly resulting in a "boing" noise. If this is left it will eventually snap the spring.
2) The rear bushes on the front wishbones were knackered which is some steering conditions caused the wishbone to touch the subframe thus giving me creaks & squeaks.

Now that all this work has been carried out I have now a squeak free car again.

P.S. Replacing the front anti-roll bar is a nightmare as you have to drop the front sub-frame.

[Paul-RS3]

i thought i had ARb bushes going, turned out to be a knackered track rod end.

ie play in the track rod. Replaced it and knocking on uneved roads disappeared.