Shock & Strut Mounts

I'm putting my shopping list for a suspension overhaul to my '02 Jetta wagon. What's the prevailing thought (or at least your opinion) on whether to go with genuine VW parts vs aftermarket such as Sachs or Meyle?

I am buying Koni red shocks and OEM mounting hardware except for the audi tt rear control arm bushing.

Really...why not use the TT lower control arm bushing? I'll be going with the TT LCA bushing and subframe bushings. I have these on my Golf and love the way it handles.

I'll be using Koni FSD shocks & struts. I noticed that the IDParts.com FSD kit comes with Sachs strut mounts and bearings and Meyle shock mounts. I'm just wondering if the genuine VW counterparts are better, worse or no different.

I think he meant he WAS using the tt bushings

I have about 50K miles on my FSDs and sachs mounts. No complaints yet. I think Herm has advised to keep the OEM strut nuts and toss the Koni ones in the garbage, though.

Beuhler...?
Beuhler...?
Beuhler...?

Dunno about the indiviual parts but just picked up some 034 track density strut mount bushings from idparts.com, typical strut mounts might last 30-60k miles so at $45 a piece this might keep the alignment in spec longer.

Also DO upgrade to the AudiTT/R32 LCA rear bushing, much more rubber than stock and last longer as well. If your rear axle bushings are still centered I wouldn't worry about replacing them, they are a PAIN! But if they aren't in great shape you have many choices that are around.

I am not sure if your planning on it but I have some Meyle replacement inner/outer tie rod assemblies but haven't installed them due to some threads about them wearing out much quicker than OEM. So do some research before shopping.

I was saying I WAS replacing the rear control arm bushings with audit TT.

I believe Sachs makes strut and shock mounts for VW (although there may be other makers, too). We carry those mounts only, and control arm bushings from CRP (Meistersatz) and Lemforder, also OE suppliers. Figuring out what is original equipment is a bit byzantine, as you need to consider manufacturer, who packages the products for the aftermarket, and manufacturing location. To get exactly the same product as came on your car would be a challenge.

I've had good luck with Sachs mounts on my wagon, although I'm a bit of a suspension slut so they get changed often. The ones that are in there now are coming up on two years (about 35-40K) and I'll probably replace them this spring and have the car aligned, although I don't have any symptoms of wear yet.

Another vote for the 034MS strut mounts / TT control arm bushings. I was seriously impressed (till a strut started leaking & sidelined the car) at how solid yet comfortable the strut mounts were. No regrets here.

IndigoBlueWagon said:

... I'm a bit of a suspension slut ...

Click to expand...

PLEASE put that in your signature, Peter!

Seven setups in 8 years or thereabouts? I think that qualifies.

Hey Peter, how long are you keeping the special on the FSD shocks and springs combo? That's a killer price and exactly what I'm looking for in the coming weeks.

End of May, I believe.