Trying to plan out my suspension but I'm an idiot.

[Pook]

tl;dr: am doofus, want sum low, what do?

Got a new-to-me 2012 VW Passat TDI a month ago. Want it to sit slightly lower and not ride awful (slightly stiffer is fine). I'm also pretty sure I don't want coil overs (but feel free to convince me otherwise).

Currently have these parts picked out:

H&R Sport Springs
Neuspeed 25mm Rear Sway Bar
Koni Strut & Shock Kit

I'm aware that people run those sport springs on stock shocks/struts but there's also people saying the stock shocks don't last (I'm already at 55K).

I also hear people talk about replacing bushings/mounts and I've got no idea what bushings/mounts they're talking about (like here where someone mentioned replacing these mysterious bushings with Audi TT bushings).

Anyone able to clarify?

Thanks!

 

[pedroYUL]

These bushings?

2015 NMS lift (suspension upgrade) DIY

Well, after much reading, hesitation, and then waiting for parts I was able to lift and firm up my 2015 Passat SE using: * H&R Tiguan lift springs 29037-1 * Bilstein B4 22-151056 Struts * Audi 81A-407-183 control arm big bushing Control arm bushing before pressing: New bushing in place. This...

forums.tdiclub.com

 

[oilhammer]

The NMS is hard on control arm compliance bushings. I would never lower one of these cars. The geometry is not helpful, it actually makes things worse, and those bushings will fail even faster (not to mention how hard they wear the inside edges of the tires already).

It is not a sports car. It is not even what I would consider a sporty sedan.

 

[Pook]

These bushings?

2015 NMS lift (suspension upgrade) DIY

Well, after much reading, hesitation, and then waiting for parts I was able to lift and firm up my 2015 Passat SE using: * H&R Tiguan lift springs 29037-1 * Bilstein B4 22-151056 Struts * Audi 81A-407-183 control arm big bushing Control arm bushing before pressing: New bushing in place. This...

forums.tdiclub.com

Think so. Just found this thread too shortly after I posted, seems to have a handy little list.

OEM Components

When replacing suspension components, there are several items that can be replaced. The most common is the front upper strut mount and bearing. If you want to replace all components, then here they are:

- Front Upper Strut Mount Bearing: 6N0-412-249-C (MSRP $10.50 each)
- Front Upper Strut Mount: 1K0-412-331-B (MSRP $59.50 each)
- Front Upper Strut Nut: N-910-216-01 (MSRP $2.80 each)
- Front Upper Strut Mount Bolts (three per side): N-101-277-07 (MSRP $1.50 each)
- Front Lower Strut Pinch Bolt: N-909-548-02 (MSRP $3.00 each)
- Front Lower Strut Pinch Bolt Nut: N-101-064-02 (MSRP $0.90 each)
- Rear Upper Shock Nut: N-103-041-02 (MSRP $0.90 each)

I'm assuming I'd just grab a TT control arm bushing instead of the A3/R3/Q3 bushing (Audi 81A-407-183) that you used?

Seems easy enough, thanks!

 

[pedroYUL]

I have heard of that other Audi part that is supposed to be a 100% solid bushing for Passat, but not sure of the part number. The bushing I used is for Audi RS3 and it does have very small slits.

I have used the Audi TT one but in my Jetta mk4, those bushings are aluminum body, while the one for Passat and mk7 are steel sleeved (you can tell just by its weight).

 

[740GLE]

Black forest sells a mk7 golf solid bushing (listed for RS3/R/GTI) that fits in the Passat LCA.

And you can always go poly and enjoy all the headaches they com ewith