GolfGTIforum.co.uk
Model specific boards => Golf mk3 => Topic started by: skcollob_ho on 25 August 2009, 09:38
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Hello all.
I drive a Valver and my MOT is due in the next few days, and on my previous one, I was given advisories on both front struts as above. Now, seeing as I only really use my car to go to/from work, I kept putting it off, putting it off, until it dawned on me that I probably needed to get them sorted for its next MOT.
I am assuming that this advisory means that the top mounts & bearing need replacing [he did tell me at the time but can't remember, so please feel free to tell me if otherwise], and I have heard that VR6 ones differ from GTi ones, in that the VR6 ones are stiffer and offer a 10mm drop. Is this true?
I have tried ebay, but only found one guy selling them. I have spoken to him and he says that post '95, all GTi's and VR6 have the VR6 ones fitted, but i'd prefer to be sure by getting advice from you guys.
Also, how much should I be looking at to get the new top mounts fitted?
Your 'help & sarcasm' will be greatly appreciated.
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VR6 ones are stronger but will not lower it that is the top spring plate.
Easy enough to change but you need a spring compressor.
I have used and can recommend these.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/VW-GOLF-MK3-GTI-VR6-CORRADO-SHOCK-TOP-MOUNT-KITS-C358_W0QQitemZ190303140410QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM?hash=item2c4ef37a3a&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14
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Thats the bloke I spoke to, so thats a good start!
Cheers Wayne.
Not sure about trying it myself tbh, so what do you reckon would be the going rate, if I get a garage to do it for me?
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Thats the bloke I spoke to, so thats a good start!
Cheers Wayne.
Not sure about trying it myself tbh, so what do you reckon would be the going rate, if I get a garage to do it for me?
I would say around 1hr a side tops, so whatever they charge in labour, as a guess £80 tops maybe.
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Thanks again Wayne.
Off to make a call!
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Thats the bloke I spoke to, so thats a good start!
Cheers Wayne.
Not sure about trying it myself tbh, so what do you reckon would be the going rate, if I get a garage to do it for me?
I would say around 1hr a side tops, so whatever they charge in labour, as a guess £80 tops maybe.
I agree about the labour time, depends where you are in the country regarding the hourly rate.
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VR6 ones are not stronger than normal MK3 GTI ones, they're identical. The guy is correct in that all all MK3 GTIs and non-GTIs after 96 got the same mounts as the VR6.
They are stronger than ealier non-GTI MK3 ones, as they use MK2 type top mounts
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Jon seems to right again :rolleyes:
ETKA does only list one mount for plus suspension :smiley:
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Well, I spoke to the chap that does all the cars on our fleet, and he says that if he can't put it through on an advisory again [which I think is extremely unlikely], then he'll do both sides for 50 cash.
Very reasonable!
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Well, I spoke to the chap that does all the cars on our fleet, and he says that if he can't put it through on an advisory again [which I think is extremely unlikely], then he'll do both sides for 50 cash.
Very reasonable!
I would be carefull leaving them too long, as if they let go the shock could go through the bonnet.
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Even if it gets through on an advisory, i'll get them changed.
If they're exCessively worn, would that affect the steering?
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yes it would cause vibration through the steering when braking, hard accelerating and going over bumpy surfaces. you might also find the steering makes clunking sounds when turning too
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Problem with Top mounts is that even when new if you jack the car and check for play you will find it cos the rubber is compressed and may take some time to return to shape.
Also the only way to check the bearing properly is to remove it.
Some peoples definition of excesive play depends on how much work they have on given that it is a "well known" Mk3 weakness for failed top mounts.
If you have never changed them then do it but always keep the bills for them and have an idea on your mileage on them :smiley:
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Coincidently, my '97 8 valver is having it's mcpherson struts looked at tommorow, the MOT advisory says the mounts are loose at the top.
When driving in a straight line it pulls to the left, when steering full lock it makes a clunking sound ( but this could be the PAS pump).
Not to mention it goes round corners thinking it should be better then this. :rolleyes:
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I have the dreaded gap at the top of my struts (inside the engine bay) after fitting hottuning coilovers - can anyone provide an ebay link to the top mounts I need ?
Thanks
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I have the dreaded gap at the top of my struts (inside the engine bay) after fitting hottuning coilovers - can anyone provide an ebay link to the top mounts I need ?
Thanks
:smiley:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/VW-GOLF-MK3-GTI-VR6-CORRADO-SHOCK-TOP-MOUNT-KITS-C358_W0QQitemZ190303140410QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM?hash=item2c4ef37a3a&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14
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Cheers Buddy :)
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UPDATE - PROBLEM! :angry:
Over the last day or so, since having new top mounts fitted, i have been experiencing a problem that has been getting progressively worse. I have been getting a grinding/droning noise that doesn't happen under acceleration, only when i take my foot off the accelerator. I can feel this through the steering wheel too. If I apply the brakes, the noise and grinding seem to go away.
I'll be taking my car back to the garage that did the work this morning, as it has only happened since then, but i'd like to show up informed, as this is likely to be a symptom of the work they did, and not just some wild coincidence which i'm sure they'll try saying!
Does anyone have an idea what this could be? How much of the strut assembly would they have to remove to get the top mounts in?