Tuning Additional adjustments required for front suspension.

[Bepaalikzelfwel]

Hi there,

I recently bought the ‘cheapest of them all’ adjustable suspension kit for my 500. However, I wish I had read the additional information in the description.



The strut rod has a width of 14mm, but the new strut mount bearing I bought (Febi Bilstein 28222, strut mounting with ball bearing) has a diameter of 12mm. Since the top nuts (and washers?) will also be 12mm in diameter, I’m concerned about compatibility.

Has anyone encountered this issue before? If so, how did you resolve it? I’m quite pressed for time, as the suspension kit should be ready for installation later this afternoon.

I know I should have opted for the more expensive suspension kits. However, due to circumstances, I’m now driving this emergency backup car daily over the winter. And yes, this was even a cheaper option than regular aftermarket shock struts front-rear and the springs. I definitely needed to replace the strut bearing/mount, as these are likely the main cause of this issue.

Also, the link rod on the passenger side still needs to be replaced. The driver’s side was done this summer, but at what cost? My mental health for sure.

So, any advice on how to prepare this kit combo for fitting my 500 would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Mike1alike]

Wow, you really amazed me!
I think you just got the wrong part and you need to exchange it for the correct part.
Ther is ePER link here on forum, you can enter your VIN number there and select yor car, then search for parts number. That way, you'll get the compatible part, even if cheaper, other make.
Fiat does this. Put different sized parts to the same model. If you jump to first part you find, you need to be really lucky for it to be the correct one.

 

[Mike1alike]

PS: Febi Bilstein is not a bad make.

 

[Bepaalikzelfwel]

Well, it is China made, so I suspected some adjustments. I renumbered the OE to a Ford Ka number and searched from there, since I work for a Ford / Mazda dealer and that was more accessible.

 

[Mike1alike]

Or you could try a local parts store, instead of searching in ePER. They usually have all kind of part search programs and can find the correct part number most of the times.

 

[Mike1alike]

Well, it is China

Well, lots of things are China made. That doesn't make them bad to begin with. Some are good, some are bad. Other are amazing...

 

[Bepaalikzelfwel]

PS: Febi Bilstein is not a bad make.

Hahaha I know, it is still one of the best budget friendly options

Or you could try a local parts store, instead of searching in ePER. They usually have all kind of part search programs and can find the correct part number most of the times.

I did, at my job. I’m continuously searching for the lowest pricing vs estimated delivery (in case of a hurry)

 

[Mike1alike]

But the part should be the same size, same specs. I think you got it wrong there, unfortunately.

 

[Bepaalikzelfwel]

Or you could try a local parts store, instead of searching in ePER. They usually have all kind of part search programs and can find the correct part number most of the times.

The issue with auto parts shops in my region is that they can only locate parts based on your VIN. For instance, when I request a transmission fluid compatible with LSD differential, most of them would go in a total error mode because they won’t be able to find it using the VIN.

But the part should be the same size, same specs. I think you got it wrong there, unfortunately.

 

[Mike1alike]

Well... it has listed the 14 mm rod.
So you might have just got worried with no reason and it should work just fine.

 

[Mike1alike]

Oh, I read again what you worried about. And you really shouldn't, I think. The mount bearing only goes on the threaded part and it all should work fine.
Can you take some pictures with them put together? Is something not coming to place?

 

[Bepaalikzelfwel]

Well... it has listed the 14 mm rod.
So you might have just got worried with no reason and it should work just fine.

It does mention that the OE strut mounts require modification. The bearing I purchased is a complete one, including the rubber top mount, all in one piece with a 12mm inner dimension.

 

[Mike1alike]

Isn't the rod thread 12 mm on top?

 

[chevychase]

It is pretty shocking a company can make this product and claim compatibility, but say modification will be needed and provide no instructions. Luckily someone else has always been there before. See the attached picture.
Pull the metal bearing piece out of the mount, it comes out easy, and install bearing part from MK4 VW Golf PT no. 1J0412249

If you have access to Febi parts it's 01111.

You will need the M14 spacer bush from VW as well to hold the top mount onto the strut, and you will possibly have to widen the hole in the top cup to fit as well.

Job done!

Might be better to return and purchase FK coilover kit with less hassle.

 

[Mike1alike]

It is pretty shocking a company can make this product and claim compatibility, but say modification will be needed and provide no instructions.

That really is amazing!
You find out something new every day!