Suspension help for the un-wise..

[Ben Lessani]

Borrowing some spring compressors off a mate for the weekend

Make sure they're on properly - last thing you want is to have a spring break free.

Remove the 2 big bolts on the wheel bearing housing > strut first as these are quite stiff and its easier to free up with the top mount bolted up.
Remove the pinch bolt from the ball joint and ensure the balljoint can slip from the wheel bearing housing.

Depending on the spring compressors  - if they're vice based, then remove the 3 bolts holding the top mount and extract the whole strut/spring, fit the compressors and remove the securing nut.

If they're not vice based - then I'd be inclined to fit them whilst its still on the car - that way if it breaks free, you'll only damage a wing - not a face.

I'm not 100% sure on the Golf, but the securing nut/allen head tend to be a 7mm and 22 deep spanner (on most cars).

[jamie_pyrite]

Thanks very much Ben (and everyone else) very useful info

Going to be doing the job tomorrow, hopefully it goes alright!

[Martz]

I will be using my gun for this. Hopefully tomorrow! 

[Martz]

I have been given a tool for the job, Made In France.




Should be much easier now!

[jamie_pyrite]

Windy guns rule! Took the car down to my mate's to help me with the job, had the whole struts on both sides off in about 2 minutes with the windy!

Only problem is.. we don't have the tool for getting the strut tops off.. it's like a socket with two prongs either side? Tried a few other things but no luck. Lending one off a mate on Monday though

Well at least I know how easy it is!


Martz: That's a cool looking tool

[richard s]

i got my slotted nuts off with a hammer and screwdriver

[sidecarphil]

just wind the spring compressor down , hold the strut with a cloth and mole grips(carefully and as high as you can)

then unwind the bolt with another set of mole grips , shouldn't be too tight but if it is a swift tap with a punch and knocking stick

[Martz]

Used the tool this morning! It was a piece of pis5 fitting them. May need to invest in one!