034 Motorsport ARB - Rear Anti-Roll Bar

[45bvtc]

Been following good reports for a year or more on RS3OC and for a variety of reasons thought I'd get one installed as evaluate it myself.

Ordered from AwesomeGTI at 14.56 yesterday (22nd August) and received, fitted (1-hour), road-tested and evaluated and totally convinced of its benefits by 13.05 today (23rd); it's an amazingly suitable modification for the 8P Audi RS3, tightens the back end up lots without sacrificing comfort..

Only issue were the four M8 x 25 long capscrews provided are they were too short; M6 x 35mm long are needed - and fortunately I had those in stock, and in stainless steel, too.

So just saying here on ASN, it's a handling modification well worth considering for the 8P RS3, we like it...

Excuse the remnants of the plastic bag that got stuck around my exhaust pipe a few years back, it just won't burn off...

OK, having a pit does help...

 

[45bvtc]

Out yesterday three-up in the RS3 and on the twisting, winding, up and down B5103 between Abbots Bromley and Uttoxeter the sharpness in steering from the ARB on 'soft' setting was quite marked - steering is way more precise without affecting the ride - obviously as it's an anti-roll bar and not a spring/damper, tsk... It's a 100% worth while modification for me. Next, must try the 'firm' setting...

 

[45bvtc]

For bobby_S3 and anyone else:

Ok, I have a pit and was able to remove and fit the ARB from underneath with all wheels on the floor and am writing this as if you have the same or similar.

#1: Use a 16mm A/F ring spanner and an M5 Allen key (Allen key hole in the centre of the bolt) and remove both 10mm A/F Nyloc nuts and thro-bolts holding the OEM ARB to the right-hand and left-hand drop-links. Keep safe for re-use.

• Note: use lots of WD40 or similar release agent; see photo.

#2: Use a M10 Torx wrench and remove ALL four M8 Torx bolts holding the OEM ARB mounting-brackets to the chassis cross member.

• Note: use lots of WD40 or similar release agent; see photo.

#3: Remove the OEM ARB

#4: Apply the supplied silicone grease to the inside of the supplied sway bar bushings, and install onto the 034 ARB. Make sure that the grease 'feed' (hole) is pointing down to be in-line with the mounting block grease nipple to be fitted next.

• Note: some have reported this grease quickly drying off resulting in 'squeaks' from the ARB so I used Castrol Heavy Duty Moly Grease and haven't had similar issues

#5: Position the 034 ARB assemblies onto the chassis cross member; see photo.

• Note that the 034 ARB is handed with the offside 'shaped' to go over the exhaust pipe; see photo.

#6: Fit the mounting-brackets to the bushings (with the grease nipple pointing down) and loosely secure the mounting-brackets and 034 ARB to the chassis cross member with the M8 fastenings provided; see photo

• Note: I've fitted 2-different arrangements; some with spacer-plates (between mounting-brackets and chassis) and some without; some with Torx fastenings and some with Allen fastenings, so fit what ever is supplied.

#7: Attach the 034 ARB to the right-hand and left-hand drop-links with the OEM M10 bolts and Nyloc nuts (use NEW Nyloc nuts if possible).

• Note: two holes in each end of the 034 ARB; the front holes have a softer setting than the rears; MOST, as do I, use the rear holes; see photo.

#8: Torque tighten the M10 Nyloc nuts and bolts (034 ARB to drop-links) to 30ft.lbf (40Nm)

#9: Torque tighten the M8 fastenings (034 ARB mounting-brackets to chassis) to 15ft.lbf (20Nm)

#10: If you've a suitable grease gun then fill the grease nipples and 034 ARB mountings with suitable grease until the grease can be seen exuding from the bushes; see photo.

Job done; now go and enjoy your 'new' car as for sure it'll not feel the same as it was...

 

[JayA3sline]

I had my rear 034 ARB re powder coated along with the bush holders as it was looking a bit tatty. Also gave me a good excuse to change the drop links for the uprated 034 ones.

 

[45bvtc]

I had my rear 034 ARB re powder coated along with the bush holders as it was looking a bit tatty. Also gave me a good excuse to change the drop links for the uprated 034 ones.

Looks lovely Jay, can't wait for your on-the-road opinion...

 

[Brickiejon]

Fitted a white line rear arb today, it was a bit of a nightmare as one of the bolts sheared off so that took time to sort out then as I was taking it for a test I noticed a bad rubbing noise. It was only after getting it back on the ramps again I saw that it was touching the osr drive shaft and when my son googled it apparently it's a common problem so the only answer was to grind the bar where it touches. The test drive was good, the car definitely turns in quicker even tho I never had a problem with understeer. I also bought white line rear drop links to go with it but I'll leave that for another day. I have the car booked in for 4 wheel alignment next Saturday so will see if that makes a difference.
My reasons for uprating the rear anti rollbar were down to reading good reviews about the mod and to help stiffen things up since my power upgrade. My suspension is otherwise standard.

Sent from my SM-T810 using Tapatalk

 

[45bvtc]

The test drive was good, the car definitely turns in quicker even tho I never had a problem with understeer.

Sent from my SM-T810 using Tapatalk

I 100% agree. I've mine set in the MAX positon and found, for me, an improvement in ride also. I sure wish I'd have listened to other advocates and fitted one years ago...

 

[Arkious]

I was holding out for 'Awesome' black Friday but they seem to have ran out!

 

[Arkious]

scratch that... they are back in stock woooo!

 

[PaulRS3]

Do it, one of the best mods out there.

 

[45bvtc]

Do it, one of the best mods out there.

I've told him, I've told him, I've told him, Paul. And he'll be shouting "YES" when he's done it...

 

[Arkious]

Now that the car is running as it should have been, it WILL be purchased this month.

Mind, you guys have set extreme standards for this thing haha! I am half expecting autonomous driving... ohh wait who wants that crap

 

[Arkious]

£40 off in awesome Black Friday

Ordered and so will be joining the RARB crew haha

 

[45bvtc]

£40 off in awesome Black Friday

Ordered and so will be joining the RARB crew haha

Cannot wait to get your feedback and review, Jay, you're gonna love it...

Having more power is one thing but being able to apply better what you already have is something else - as any Lotus car will demonstrate.

 

[Arkious]

So! I set about installing the RARB today and before I did so, I sprayed the hell out of the bolts with WD40... yeah you can see where this story is going.

So actually it’s not a hard job at all to get on and off. I did it outside using a jack and two bricks to push the wheels up a bit to let me under whilst taking off the tension. So yeah 2 link bushes off, piece of cake, 2 RHS bolts loosened, champion! LHS bolts, one then snap...



In the most awkward of places too, so unfortunatly it calls for an unwanted trip to the garage to get it in the air. However I’ve fit the bar, with it on 3 of the 4 bolts and will be driving with care in the mean time. Car goes in Monday PM.

Here’s some photos of a bar comparison for others, and a crappy fitted pic as I was in huff by this point haha.

 

[45bvtc]

Hope you re-fitted with stainless steel capscrews, Jay:

And use this to lubricate:

 

[Arkious]

Yeah stainless bolts are in well 3 of 4 anyways haha.

Not full of grease yet as it’s on it’s way still and I wanted to take advantage of the dry day

 

[bobby_s3]

So! I set about installing the RARB today and before I did so, I sprayed the hell out of the bolts with WD40... yeah you can see where this story is going.

So actually it’s not a hard job at all to get on and off. I did it outside using a jack and two bricks to push the wheels up a bit to let me under whilst taking off the tension. So yeah 2 link bushes off, piece of cake, 2 RHS bolts loosened, champion! LHS bolts, one then snap...

View attachment 143365

In the most awkward of places too, so unfortunatly it calls for an unwanted trip to the garage to get it in the air. However I’ve fit the bar, with it on 3 of the 4 bolts and will be driving with care in the mean time. Car goes in Monday PM.

Here’s some photos of a bar comparison for others, and a crappy fitted pic as I was in huff by this point haha.

View attachment 143366 View attachment 143367

Great job I still need to fit mine! Did you keep your wheels on whilst fitting it?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[45bvtc]

Great job I still need to fit mine! Did you keep your wheels on whilst fitting it?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I did, no problem. Ok, I do have a pit. Just make sure both wheels are at the same position height-wise - I know that's obvious but hey...

 

[Arkious]

I didn’t have a pit, so I tried to jack the car up but the wheels pulled down on the bar and this made it impossible. So I got 2 bricks on either side and dropped the car down onto them, this compressed the springs back to normal and relaxed the tension on the links and therefore the bar. So I had enough space to get under the car and the bolts just popped right out (other than Mrs Stubborn).

It’s in the garage tomorrow to get the other one fitted as I’ve had to corner like poof since fitting it haha. But I can tell how much stiffer it is even like that, so can’t wait to feel it driving it properly :-D

 

[Arkious]

Well the poor bloke struggled for an hour to get the bolt out, but he managed and the final bolt is in it's all lubed up including the front bushes as I had a bit creaking there too.

So the verdict... it felt absolutely amazing in the bends and corners driving it home last night, and that was in the snow as it came down. Obviously I wasn't driving it like a prat as I didn't how it would feel and the conditions weren't great, but it felt like it had more grip even in the crappy conditions. I am looking forward to a dry weekend to see what it really feels like but top marks from me!

 

[45bvtc]

GREAT, but not unsurprising news/result/feedback, Jay, just transforms the car, doesn't it. I was darn sure you'd like it straight away.

 

[45bvtc]

Well the poor bloke struggled for an hour to get the bolt out, but he managed and the final bolt is in it's all lubed up including the front bushes as I had a bit creaking there too.

So the verdict... it felt absolutely amazing in the bends and corners driving it home last night, and that was in the snow as it came down. Obviously I wasn't driving it like a prat as I didn't how it would feel and the conditions weren't great, but it felt like it had more grip even in the crappy conditions. I am looking forward to a dry weekend to see what it really feels like but top marks from me!

Now going KW Variant 3 Coilovers, Jay, with the ARB of course.




These won't lower the car (much) but will allow me some options for improved ride and should be on before Xmas.

My neighbour just purchased an 8V with mag-ride which I liked - having tested it over the same Chase roads we regularly use BLUEY. Having had the conversation of whether to change to an 8V and quickly decided (just too much we don't like - for us) I decided to give these KW bits a try.

We've KW Street Comfort (not available for the 8P RS3) on our A1 and they've made a huge difference to ride quality - the black edition rides a tad firm - so lets see what these do.

Only had BLUEY for 6-years now and it was always going to be a 10-year (see Audi Magazine Winter 2013) keeper - just need to play a little more...

 

[Arkious]

I was actually looking at the adjustable version of those for myself, but at almost twice the price of those (£2.5k) they aren't next on my list of dreams that's for sure haha. I had planned to purchase the mag ride button (8P0 927 123) and hook up the adaption button that it came with so that it looked as 'OEM' as possible.

They should make a great change to the car, id love to be able to switch from comfort to sport suspension!

 

[45bvtc]

Where do you get £2.5K from? £1.6K more like, fitted...

 

[Arkious]

https://www.awesomegti.com/shop-by-car/audi/rs3/kw-ddc-coilovers-audi-rs3-8p/

£2580 :O

 

[Arkious]

maybe I just like stupidly expensive things haha

 

[45bvtc]

https://www.awesomegti.com/shop-by-car/audi/rs3/kw-ddc-coilovers-audi-rs3-8p/

£2580 :O

I did consider those, jay, but the Variant 3 allows me more 'play' time and 'adjustability' and having discussed my objectives with KW they agree that I should go for the Variant 3. I can always go DDC later and sell on the Variant 3. I'm now past the 3-score years and 10 to worry about the £s, just need the playtime a little bit longer. Might sell the lot yet and go Q7, but where's the fun in that.

 

[Arkious]

:O Q7!? just wait for the RS Q5

but yeah I know what you mean, I just fancied being able to do it on the fly

 

[45bvtc]

You are not wrong, Jay. I've enjoyed a couple of 'em and seriously considered the swap - but I've still too much hair for the cloth cap for now. Good machine, mind. Well planted and goes well. But. Lots of toys out there that I might one day go for, but nothing yet. You'd be amazed the number of time we spot a Bentley Continental GT and say that's nice, I/we could live with that. And then we rip out with the A1 (just have) and/or RS3 and say, nah... And on a nice day the TT sans roof takes some beatin'. Still looking for that TTRS ragtop mind. Too many options for now, way too many options.

Enjoy that ARB.

My RS3 KW's in the New Year, and a little tweaking here and there to evaluate, enjoy, and have fun.

Problem with the 100% package is that there's nowhere else to go and where's the fun in that.

 

[DW81]

Hi lads read this thread with interest and am looking to do this mod on my car. Now I know I’m on the 8p section I have the 8v PFL rs3 but would this be the same procedure on my model of car to fit? Cheers.

 

[45bvtc]

Hi lads read this thread with interest and am looking to do this mod on my car. Now I know I’m on the 8p section I have the 8v PFL rs3 but would this be the same procedure on my model of car to fit? Cheers.

Yes, I see little or no difference between the two cars that would make the procedure any different - and for sure the results will be similarly impressive.

 

[DW81]

Thanks for your reply mate, will look at doing this mod then and try and get the secondary decats done at the same time.

 

[45bvtc]

Thanks for your reply mate, will look at doing this mod then and try and get the secondary decats done at the same time.

The beauty of both is you can do the change and evaluate and if you're not content then revert and sell the bits on...

Make sure you purchase "best" bits as they're always the "most" saleable, just sayin'...

have FUN and enjoy...

 

[DW81]

The beauty of both is you can do the change and evaluate and if you're not content then revert and sell the bits on...

Make sure you purchase "best" bits as they're always the "most" saleable, just sayin'...

have FUN and enjoy...

Hi there mate, I plan on buying the 034 motorsport rear arb as this one seems to be the one to get, and I’ve discovered that Audi now make genuine secondary decat pipes that fit the 8v model and work out cheaper than the miltek and scorpion ones, so like you said if no likey I can move them on for sure.

 

[45bvtc]

Hi there mate, I plan on buying the 034 motorsport rear arb as this one seems to be the one to get, and I’ve discovered that Audi now make genuine secondary decat pipes that fit the 8v model and work out cheaper than the miltek and scorpion ones, so like you said if no likey I can move them on for sure.

OK, I really don't want to get into this again, and again, and again, but......

I've not seen "Audi genuine secondary de-cat pipes" if they exist at all; and even "if" they do exist and are available then unless Audi UK/GmbH have homologated the 8V RS3 with "Audi genuine secondary de-cat pipes" here in the UK then I'd be cautious where you take you car to for an MOT: i.e., NOT an Audi dealer garage!

For UK emissions the car will easily pass current measurement regs with secondary cats deleted, I've been doing this from 2012. But, an Audi MOT tester needs also to 'count' the number of catalytic converters installed irrespective of gas measurement.

I don't take my own secondary de-cat (since 2012) RS3 to an Audi garage for MOT; I take it elsewhere, to others who can't count the number of cats - and it ALWAYS passes...

Don't care what others do or get away with, just go read the legal requirements.

I'll continue sans secondary cats with an MOT tester I know that can't count....

 

[DW81]

OK, I really don't want to get into this again, and again, and again, but......

I've not seen "Audi genuine secondary de-cat pipes" if they exist at all; and even "if" they do exist and are available then unless Audi UK/GmbH have homologated the 8V RS3 with "Audi genuine secondary de-cat pipes" here in the UK then I'd be cautious where you take you car to for an MOT: i.e., NOT an Audi dealer garage!

For UK emissions the car will easily pass current measurement regs with secondary cats deleted, I've been doing this from 2012. But, an Audi MOT tester needs also to 'count' the number of catalytic converters installed irrespective of gas measurement.

I don't take my own secondary de-cat (since 2012) RS3 to an Audi garage for MOT; I take it elsewhere, to others who can't count the number of cats - and it ALWAYS passes...

Don't care what others do or get away with, just go read the legal requirements.

I'll continue sans secondary cats with an MOT tester I know that can't count....

If I can help it the car will never go to an Audi dealer for anything as I like to do my own service work but anything too complicated will be given to a vw Audi specialist who is worth his salt. All my cars are taken to a local mot place that I trust and confident with. There is a thread on the 8v section about the genuine Audi de cat pipes with associated part numbers and I’m sure one of the members on here works for Audi and confirmed these parts. Ok so they are specific to the FL 8v but someone decided to use them on the PFL model and was a perfect fit. Wether there warranty is valid I don’t know but this again will not bother me as warranty forms in my opinion are only good for one thing especially if you run out of loo roll.

 

[45bvtc]

If I can help it the car will never go to an Audi dealer for anything as I like to do my own service work but anything too complicated will be given to a vw Audi specialist who is worth his salt. All my cars are taken to a local mot place that I trust and confident with. There is a thread on the 8v section about the genuine Audi de cat pipes with associated part numbers and I’m sure one of the members on here works for Audi and confirmed these parts. Ok so they are specific to the FL 8v but someone decided to use them on the PFL model and was a perfect fit. Wether there warranty is valid I don’t know but this again will not bother me as warranty forms in my opinion are only good for one thing especially if you run out of loo roll.

Sounds like you have it sorted, some don't. I'm running secondary cat by-pass pipes on my own RS3 - and I and used to be responsible for 91/441 EEC motor vehicle type approval testing and documentation - so understand the legislation. My own car, sans secondary cats, easily passes MOT emissions testing - but NOT at my local Audi dealer! Enjoy.

 

[hussy]

hi 45bvtc,

unfortunately its not allowing me to pm however from other threads ive noticed you have access to the ... 2011/12 Sales and Specification 8P RS3 brochure ... could you please send over a copy?

thanks

 

[45bvtc]

hi 45bvtc,

unfortunately its not allowing me to pm however from other threads ive noticed you have access to the ... 2011/12 Sales and Specification 8P RS3 brochure ... could you please send over a copy?

thanks

PM sent...