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Model specific boards => Golf mk3 => Topic started by: ChrisDT on 09 October 2009, 19:23

Title: Suspension question
Post by: ChrisDT on 09 October 2009, 19:23
It's probably in the wrong section so don't flame me but it is a specific MK3 question.

I am fitting [ahem] some new springs to the golf tomorrow (now i've never done anything like this before!) is there anything I should look out for when doing this job?
Is it a difficult job?

Also if anyone is bored and wants free tea and coffee feel free to drop me a pm and i'll give you my address, Hopefully I have all the tools I need.  I'll find out sooner or later lol!

Thanks in advance!
Title: Re: Suspension question
Post by: gtigolfthree on 09 October 2009, 19:40
Theres loads of things you need to look out for, have you searched, camber etc. Do you have spring compressors?
Title: Re: Suspension question
Post by: Andy-H on 09 October 2009, 19:43
Are you just replacing the springs?? I assume you have bought lowering springs to go on to your shocks.

It's not too bad of a job unless everything is seized. Also as gtigolfthree says, you have to mark your camber before you take it all apart. But to be honest, if you are just putting the lowering springs on to the standard shocks it might be better holding out until you have bought specific shocks that match the springs while you have it all in bits.

I don't think your shocks will last long if you don't  :undecided:
Title: Re: Suspension question
Post by: ChrisDT on 09 October 2009, 19:44
Yeah have access to spring compressors - changing the rear ABS sensor too whilst it's up in the air too.

(Kind of hopjng my brother will take it to work for me and do it at his workshop - be so much easier in this weather!)

The shocks are only a couple of months old - got a reciept for them in the paperwork. I am not doing it for performance, just stance really and it's only -35mm because it just looks silly at the moment and the springs were very cheap!
Title: Re: Suspension question
Post by: Matty-MK3 on 09 October 2009, 19:56
Give VR6Joe a PM, he lives near you IIRC and would probably do it for a job judging by a couple of his other posts.
Title: Re: Suspension question
Post by: Wayne on 09 October 2009, 20:23
Your shocks might only be a couple of months old however as soon as you fit lowering springs they are working at a lower point so then can and will end up damaged.
Title: Re: Suspension question
Post by: ChrisDT on 09 October 2009, 22:19
Fair comment... Lets see how it goes to start with then i'll eventually fit some coilovers for the desired look (maybe)
Title: Re: Suspension question
Post by: Mikester on 09 October 2009, 23:19
Joe lives no-where near him for a start. lol.

And i would get a lot of wd40, i think its a size 18 socket and a breaker bar, to get the 2 lower bolts off.

Also you are going to have trouble with the top nuts if they have never been undone before.

Its a job where you need to take your time, use the right tools, and if all else fails, i got the top nuts undone at a garage with an impact gun, and i drove the car home with no top nuts/plates etc.... haha
Title: Re: Suspension question
Post by: Matty-MK3 on 09 October 2009, 23:24
Oh yeah, it was Suffolk.

:grin:

I'd go coils straight away TBH.
Title: Re: Suspension question
Post by: Wayne on 09 October 2009, 23:27
To be honest, it is a lot of work to remove, strip and then rebuild your shocks with the new springs, better bet to fit coilovers now and it is done, whatever happens, don't forget to fit all new top mounts and bumpstops (if needed)
Title: Re: Suspension question
Post by: Shady Pioneer on 09 October 2009, 23:33
I personally wouldn't put lowering springs on standard shocks. I'm not totally clued up in this sector but I know that that isn't a good idea lol! As has been said, get a kit like some coilovers or don't do it.
Title: Re: Suspension question
Post by: ChrisDT on 10 October 2009, 15:51
Ok guys, i'll get some new shocks too it does make sense. Can't afford coilovers at the moment though. Where is the best place to get new top mounts too?
Title: Re: Suspension question
Post by: Wayne on 10 October 2009, 20:26
http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=103405.0
Title: Re: Suspension question
Post by: andc1 on 10 October 2009, 20:41
im only in bognor mate so if ya get stuck pm me, ive changed loads of these before, check ya top nuts on the front first to make sure they come undone! if not take it down to ats or somewhere and get the impact gun on em