GolfGTIforum.co.uk
Model specific boards => Golf mk2 => Topic started by: jamie_pyrite on 02 March 2009, 18:18
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Hi all, so my Jetta needs the suspension swapped over to my Bilstein set. It's got some cheap chinese rubbish + chopped springs on at the moment and the ride is dangerously bouncy. I want to try and do this job myself and save on garage costs as this car is all about keeping things as cheap as possible :)
So I've read a guide in the maintenance section here which basically said it's as easy as un-doing the top mounts in the engine bay, then removing those two bolts on the bottom of the strut that connect it to the hub, then it should come straight out!
Is this completely correct? My dad was under the impression there was balljoints to be removed, etc.
I'm trying to gain more hands-on experience with working on cars and performing my own maintenance so any advice is greatly appreciated! :)
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Nah its very easy. Like you say undo topmounts and then two bolts at bottom on the front and one on the back. Breaker bar is handy for undoing the bottom bolts as they get all the road grime on them. hope that helps
Dan
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Thanks Dan :) A job for the weekend! I just thought, I better replace the top-mounts while I'm at it. Which top mounts is it I need and what parts?
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I would go for g60 top mounts as they are the most robust i think, as for tools i think the bolts are 17mm IIRC.
Dan
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Just done this myself a couple of weekends ago. Bolts holding the strut are 19mm, doubt I could have done them without a breaker bar.
Used spring comressors myself, I'm guessing you'd have to remove balljoints and so on without them.
Undoing the top plates without the right tools can be a right pain, you have to use a 7mm allen key to hold the rod whilst undoing the nut. I used a spark plug socket (13/16?) with mole grips, the allen key and the lever from my trolley jack to undo them.
(http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i199/SteveB007/DSC00113.jpg)
For peace of mind, I used some threadlock on the strut bolts and top plate nuts.
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Very helpful, thanks Steve!
Borrowing some spring compressors off a mate for the weekend :)
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No worries. Just remembered you need to get the camber checked afterwards, and tracking as well I think. Haven't got round to it yet myself as the car isn't a daily (that's my excuse anyway :wink: )
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totally forgot about the topmount fitment lol glad someone sed something
Dan
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if you have access to an impact gun (available cheap from machine mart i believe) its easier to get that top nut off
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18v snapon buzz gun
FTW
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Borrowing some spring compressors off a mate for the weekend :)
Make sure they're on properly - last thing you want is to have a spring break free.
Remove the 2 big bolts on the wheel bearing housing > strut first as these are quite stiff and its easier to free up with the top mount bolted up.
Remove the pinch bolt from the ball joint and ensure the balljoint can slip from the wheel bearing housing.
Depending on the spring compressors - if they're vice based, then remove the 3 bolts holding the top mount and extract the whole strut/spring, fit the compressors and remove the securing nut.
If they're not vice based - then I'd be inclined to fit them whilst its still on the car - that way if it breaks free, you'll only damage a wing - not a face.
I'm not 100% sure on the Golf, but the securing nut/allen head tend to be a 7mm and 22 deep spanner (on most cars).
(http://www.spanners-handtools.com/pcat-gifs/products-small/spanners-wrenches4.jpg)
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Thanks very much Ben (and everyone else) very useful info :)
Going to be doing the job tomorrow, hopefully it goes alright!
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I will be using my gun for this. Hopefully tomorrow! :grin:
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I have been given a tool for the job, Made In France.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v291/Martz/VWTool001.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v291/Martz/VWTool002.jpg)
Should be much easier now!
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Windy guns rule! Took the car down to my mate's to help me with the job, had the whole struts on both sides off in about 2 minutes with the windy!
Only problem is.. we don't have the tool for getting the strut tops off.. it's like a socket with two prongs either side? Tried a few other things but no luck. Lending one off a mate on Monday though :)
Well at least I know how easy it is!
Martz: That's a cool looking tool :)
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i got my slotted nuts off with a hammer and screwdriver
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just wind the spring compressor down , hold the strut with a cloth and mole grips(carefully and as high as you can)
then unwind the bolt with another set of mole grips , shouldn't be too tight but if it is a swift tap with a punch and knocking stick
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Used the tool this morning! It was a piece of pis5 fitting them. May need to invest in one! :cool: