Front Suspension spring broken

[bmouthboyo]

Hello all,

Just found that my FOS suspension spring has the top 2 inches snapped off. MY car is a 96 Mk3 Gti Anniversary Edition.  It drives OK but makes a bit of a noise if I turn the wheel full lock either way when not moving (vibrations in steering wheel and makes a kinda tension noise). Will need to be replaced.

My question is:

A) Can I just replace one sides spring?
B) Where would be the cheapest place to get this part? (2nd hand ones OK from fleabay?)
C) Would I have to replace the top mounts etc. at same time?
D) Is this fairly straight forward job? (undo 2 top bolts joining to hub, undo top bolt in engine bay and lower?)

To be honest the car has done 170000 and I hope to upgrade in year or so but need it to get through MOT.

Thanks

[mark-mk3gti]

Hi mate

Ideally I'd replace as a pair from a handling point of view,  (my opinion) but if u just want it to get through mot and are getting rid in the near future a second hand spring would do.

Shouldn't need to change top mounts, but you will need spring compressors to change over otherwise it's gonna be very difficult,

I'm a novice but just fitted a lowering kit, reckon I could do one in 30-45 mins which is probably a bit slow..

Just try and mark on the strut where the bolts are to try and avoid havin to get camber set again...

Good luck!

[Wayne]

A) Can I just replace one sides spring?
B) Where would be the cheapest place to get this part? (2nd hand ones OK from fleabay?)
C) Would I have to replace the top mounts etc. at same time?
D) Is this fairly straight forward job? (undo 2 top bolts joining to hub, undo top bolt in engine bay and lower?)


A) Better to fit a pair
B) Ebay etc but make sure they are 100% GTI spec.
C) Yes it would be wise to fit new top mounts
D) Allow around 1 1/2 hours and you should be fine, maybe a little longer, you will need spring compressors.

[dom]

Hello all,

Just found that my FOS suspension spring has the top 2 inches snapped off. MY car is a 96 Mk3 Gti Anniversary Edition.  It drives OK but makes a bit of a noise if I turn the wheel full lock either way when not moving (vibrations in steering wheel and makes a kinda tension noise). Will need to be replaced.

My question is:

A) Can I just replace one sides spring?
B) Where would be the cheapest place to get this part? (2nd hand ones OK from fleabay?)
C) Would I have to replace the top mounts etc. at same time?
D) Is this fairly straight forward job? (undo 2 top bolts joining to hub, undo top bolt in engine bay and lower?)

To be honest the car has done 170000 and I hope to upgrade in year or so but need it to get through MOT.

Thanks

As already said:

A) Replace all suspension parts in pairs.
B) eBay is ok, but I wouldn't buy 2nd hand tbh. As Wayne has mentioned ensure that they are for a Gti.
C) Yes replace the top mounts but make sure you get decent ones.
D) Reasonably easy job, I'd get the geometry checked once completed.

[bmouthboyo]

Thanks for feedback guys. I'll replace just the broken spring as I'll be getting another motor soon anyway.

Is there a special tool for the top nut? I remember it Needing a spanner bunt it's countersunk into the dish thing

[CJA321]

Just use a deep socket. half inch. gun it off if you have a gun. if not put  a pair of vice grips on he shocker. rough but gets it done.