Rear suspensions creaks - Skoda Scala

[tim0409]

Hi,

I've owned a Skoda Scala 1.0 Tsi since 2019 purchased as an ex demo with 3k miles just before the covid shut down and it's now just passed 70k miles. In that time I've serviced/repaired it myself and a apart from discs/pads/front wheel bearing it's been excellent, and it's now at the stage that we may as well keep it indefinitely (I also have a van).

The only issue (apart from a failing DMF, which I've bought a replacement for and clutch kit), is that the rear beam suspension has creaked for a few years and I now want to tackle that. I've tried spraying lubricant around the bushes but this doesn't really work. Given we are planning on keeping the car, I want to do a refresh on the suspension and to that end I've bought replacement shocks and top mounts but I suspect the noise is coming from the rear beam bushes. Apparently cutting the old bushes out is straightforward(ish) but installing them can be more of a challenge without the proper tool. I had thought about poly bushes, which seem to be much easier to install, but I am worried about them altering the ride significantly, making it too firm.

I just wondered if anyone has any views on poly bushes or replacing VAG beam bushes in general. I have lost my use of a garage at the moment so the other option may be to take it to a garage to do the work.

Thanks in advance.

[Kawasicki]

The bushes in your torsion beam suspension are really (really) influential on ride, steering and handling performance. They are tuned to stabilise (calm down) the car and to have some give to soften impact sharpness and road texture isolation, including acoustics.

My advice, don’t swap them for anything other than original parts.

Obviously I haven’t seen your car, but I would also doubt that they are the source of the noise. Damper bushes, upper or lower, and anti roll bar bushes (if you have a rear anti roll bar?) would be my first guess.

[tim0409]

Many thanks for the helpful reply; I think I will definitely stick with OEM bushes. I suspect (and hope) that it is the rear damper top mount. I bought a couple of replacements and there is a rubber bush contained within the mount. Thankfully thy are easy to replace.

Here is a diagram for the Kamiq, which is essentially the same car -

[Kawasicki]

tim0409 said:

Many thanks for the helpful reply; I think I will definitely stick with OEM bushes. I suspect (and hope) that it is the rear damper top mount. I bought a couple of replacements and there is a rubber bush contained within the mount. Thankfully thy are easy to replace.

Here is a diagram for the Kamiq, which is essentially the same car -

You’re welcome. Good luck.