GolfGTIforum.co.uk
Model specific boards => Golf mk3 => Topic started by: ttelracs on 03 February 2013, 08:23
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After not being happy with my first set of lowered suspension, ProSport I think 60/40, it was running way too low for speed humps and it was too crashy for me so I swapped out the fronts for another set which were not as low. Again e-bay and the seller said -30mm drop which I fitted. A definite improvement on the speed humps although I did use the mounts that came with it as they didn't look too bad but still a crashy ride and on some larger bumps and potholes it felt like I had Fred Flintstone suspension ! I also noticed that one of the rears, although firm, had little damping and I suspect was a bit weak.
I picked up another set with new mounts, front and rear again from e-bay and paid £ 20 for the set... but I had to pick them up from Gosport which was a 170 mile round trip. Also picked up an electric impact wrench from e-bay as the seller said it worked but needed new batteries as they didn't hold charge well. Spent about 3 hrs Friday night fitting them until about gone twelve and such a massive improvement. The guy I bought them from had uprated these to coilovers from his VR and had only had them on for about a year and the fronts had new mounts. These made a hell of a difference as one of the mounts on the front had become detached when I removed the strut and was stuck in the hole and the other one was stsreting to perish.
The front shocks and springs were fine in themselves, but the newer mounts have made all the difference. The lesson is to always use new mounts when replacing front shocks as a false economy otherwise.
Finally, the batteries for the impact wrench would take very little charge but on checking the contacts I found they were a bit corroded, so cleaned up a bit and all good. Thank you e-bay.
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I think everyone one on this site advises to fit new top mounts with new front struts (as they are a common issue and more so when very low!)
it's a shame febi don't make the uprated VR front top mounts anymore....they are all the same spec now and I doubt they will last as long
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I think you're right. If I come across some poly ones cheap, I'll snap 'em up.
Before I changed the rears I noticed the brake disc squeakedon the drivers side so I thought the pads were too low as they were mentioned in the previous MOT. I bought VW original and was about to fit after taking the caliper off only to find that they were fine. On further checking, it transpired it was the bearings as it just needed tightening up ever so slightly to stop the play in the rear disc. Before doing so though, I user copper grease on the caliper sliders and rear of the brake pads. Will need to invest in a brake caliper rewind tool as the mole grips, which normally works, didn't.