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Model specific boards => Golf mk4 => Topic started by: The Dave on 27 December 2010, 17:52

Title: Front suspension, 5mm higher on one side?
Post by: The Dave on 27 December 2010, 17:52

Hi guys. Quickie really.. just wondering what could cause this?

No broken springs or anything... car is a 1999 AGU 1.8 20vt as per my sig.

Lowered on a Jamex kit 45mm-ish, shocks and springs... except my passenger side is 5mm higher at the front.

Everything on the front such as bushes etc are standard, however I am replacing these soon. The car has always sat this way since I've had it, no knocks etc and drives fine... but could anything specifically cause this? The way the top mount is built up or anything? The drivers side sits perfectly, but I'd like the passenger side to match. I'm hoping it's something like the way the top mount is built as I am going to be replacing wishbone bushes, ball joints, track rod ends and top mounts in the next month or so.

Thanks :)

Title: Re: Front suspension, 5mm higher on one side?
Post by: andc1 on 27 December 2010, 19:24

springs can get lazy and drop depending on age of srings, top mounts will squash in time but you would prob here knocking, check the suspension tunnel/top cup to make sure its not cracked(very rare tho), tyres pressure?! i no it sounds silly, could be suspension top munt plate naked( the plate the spring sits on at the top,

Title: Re: Front suspension, 5mm higher on one side?
Post by: The Dave on 27 December 2010, 19:27

The suspension is approx 3 years old, I've owned the car for 16 months but the guy who had it before me only did a couple thousand miles on the suspension. Nothings cracked or broken, no it's been in the garage often enough for me mechanic to notice :D and never had an issue with MOT time... confusing.

I'm hoping new top mounts and rebuild of it all will help and it'll sit level again. The drivers side is perfect but I want the passenger side to match really, would look spot on then as it's quite comfy to drive, no knocking or anything like that.. I'm changing stuff for peace of mind then it's done :)

Title: Re: Front suspension, 5mm higher on one side?
Post by: Purely VAG on 27 December 2010, 22:28

* Remove strut caps, do threads look even for both sides? or has 1 side have less protruding through.....

Title: Re: Front suspension, 5mm higher on one side?
Post by: cullygti on 27 December 2010, 22:48

dave just let the tyre down a lil bit lol  :grin:

Title: Re: Front suspension, 5mm higher on one side?
Post by: The Dave on 28 December 2010, 01:10

Will check that tomorrow Jord, good plan.

Haha another good plan with the tyre pressure trick lol!

Title: Re: Front suspension, 5mm higher on one side?
Post by: houston on 28 December 2010, 20:09

how are you measuring that its 5mm higher? has the strut siezed? spring could have fractured and bent at the end and made it difficult to see.

Title: Re: Front suspension, 5mm higher on one side?
Post by: The Dave on 28 December 2010, 20:12

I am guessing really, visually the passenger side tyre to arch gap is greater without a doubt. Not loads but enough to be noticed.

I will have to check the threads as suggested yesterday and if fine it's going to some experts soon anyways so they can have a look :)

Title: Re: Front suspension, 5mm higher on one side?
Post by: tech1889 on 28 December 2010, 20:14

was you parked on a curb  :grin: :grin:

Title: Re: Front suspension, 5mm higher on one side?
Post by: old_n07 on 28 December 2010, 20:21

Check that both struts are fully down into the hub as if the P\S one isn't fully home then that could be why it is sitting up slightly.

Also the weight in a MK4 engine is distributed more to the drivers side than passenger side, probably not enough to make that much difference.

Neil