Whiteline RARB

[Lex 696]

Had it fitted last week on Medium setting and havent noticed a difference at all.

I read from a few posts that its bang for buck the most amazing handling mod but I cant tell a thing in either slow or spirited driving.

Will try the stiffer setting, and also I am on KW V1 coilovers if that makes a difference. If anything I thought that would help too

 

[Crafoo]

Not sure how different the handling of the mk5 is to the mk4 but it transforms the handling of the mk4 remarkably, stiffens up no end even on medium setting.

 

[vroomtshh]

I could never tell the difference with it on my MK4. I personally believe that people just say its good because everyone else says its good.

I've been saying for years that I'd bet money that no1 could tell if it was fitted or not without looking under the car

 

[Crafoo]

I admit I was swayed by opinion to buy one but I certainly didn't feel compelled to give something a good review if I don't believe it's any good. After fitting I went for a quick blast and managed to get the car to behave very differently, where before it would understeer badly it was now more balanced and lift off oversteer was readliy available where before if you pushed too hard it would just understeer. The car certainly felt more balanced and tighter all round.

if you want a mod that makes no real world difference but gets rave reviews you want to but a front top mount strut brace, looks nice under the bonnet but in reality does nothing noticeable for handling.

 

[Joshh]

With coilovers it makes little difference as the suspension as a whole is stiffer!

 

[5509433]

I was thinking about this the other day. Would it still fit, If I had a custom exhaust made? (twin exit).

 

[Nutkin]

With coilovers it makes little difference as the suspension as a whole is stiffer!

what on earth does stiff suspension have to do with chassis flex!

if anything it will make more difference.

The problem with mods like coilovers and arbs, is you will only see the effects driving at the higher limits of the car, and since we rarely do that some will perhaps never see it while others who go to tracks or drive more enthusiasticly will.

 

[Ex-Racer]

Remember, too stiff suspension can be lethal in wet or icy conditions compared to medium to soft. But I assume you know that?

 

[Joshh]

what on earth does stiff suspension have to do with chassis flex!

if anything it will make more difference.

The problem with mods like coilovers and arbs, is you will only see the effects driving at the higher limits of the car, and since we rarely do that some will perhaps never see it while others who go to tracks or drive more enthusiasticly will.

What on earth does an anti roll bar have to do with chassis flex? Is that not addressed with strut braces?

An anti roll bar is designed to prevent body roll, of which there is less in lower, stiffer suspension!

So therefore a rarb should be less noticeable on a lowered car with updated suspension.

 

[Nutkin]

nope

 

[Joshh]

Insightful, explain your train of thought then.

 

[vroomtshh]

Insightful, explain your train of thought then.

I'd like to hear this too. I'm wondering how an item thats not connected to the chassis, can reduce chassis flex

 

[5509433]

Was anybody able to answer my question? I would like to know what the clearance is like if possible

 

[DEAN0]

Was anybody able to answer my question? I would like to know what the clearance is like if possible

The RARB fits under the rear axle - the exhaust needs to go over the rear axle - there should be no fitting issues.

 

[Lex 696]

The RARB fits under the rear axle - the exhaust needs to go over the rear axle - there should be no fitting issues.

Correct. Its bolted on by 2 clamps that do not interfere with the central path of the exhaust pipe.

 

[Lex 696]

Lets read this:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sway_bar

Purpose of my post was to see if it was just me and whether others had experienced similar issues - not to cause a beef. Probably track would be a better test as I do not advocate going across roundabouts like a lunatic on public roads. its about carrying controlled speed and I thought I would notice it more..

In short, I have spent 1300 euros on suspension mods and I thought the end result would mean tighter cornering with a more planted car - not the case - so something to take in to account for future buyers.

 

[Hurdy]

The rear ARB will help under more extreme conditions by reinforcing the back end and cornering flatter. You won't notice any difference under normal driving as the changes will be too subtle...but they will be there.

Even though I have the Whiteline rear ARB on my Polo GTI, I can't really comment on the differences I have felt as the coilovers, alloys, lightening of the car etc. were all done at the same time and changed the characteristics of the car totally anyway.

On my MKV Golf the front and rear ARB's made a great difference and I could tell instantly as they were fitted on their own. Flatter cornering, more stable cornering, more responsive and an all round must do mod.