Mk2 GTi - Trying to remove the front suspension... Car is resisting!

[JaffaGTI]

Morning ladies and gents.  I am in the process of trying to replace/tidy up my the front suspension and am trying to remove the coilovers but the two bottom strut bolts and nuts will just not undo.  Have any of you got any tips please? 

Also, undoing the top but.  How have people got around forking out for the VW "Special tool"?

Your input would be greatly appreciated. 

[pigbladder]

long breaker bar on the lower 2  , they are tight so need a good hoof or small ext pipe to act as a lever

the top one..swan neck spanner or a imapct gun

[rob.043]

VW spares (AVS) do the special slotted nut tool for the top mount. Its only a couple of quid, and makes life easier. Infact they do most of the nuts and bolts if you find the old ones are nackered.

Lower bolts, try soaing threads in varios solvents! Make sure sockets are well seated to avoid damage. Ive got no particular tips im afraid. Are the bolt/nut heads in good condition?

Dont forget you will need to the camber and tracking reset once its back together....

[JaffaGTI]

Cheers guys,  tried using a breaker bar and they just wont shift.  Tempted to split the nut and get new replacements as they are not great in terms of condition but will try soaking them and and give it another go with the breaker before admitting  defeat.

Rob, cheers for the AVS tip.  Will have a look and I will be resetting the camber and tracking. 

Just trying to get some MOT advisories sorted before Jan.  Tie rod end, anti roll bar bushes and a front shock were on the list and need replacing and as the rear coils are knackered and and can't take any weight I figured I would treat it to a new kit.

Will let you know how I get on. 

[lemski]

I find a windy gun works for me most the time. But my suspensions comes of a fair bit.

[clipperjay]

Try the 10ft scafolding bar if that does not budge I'll lend you some body building formula 
Tried a bit of heat?
The other method would be tightining it up before undoing it just might free it up sounds crazy, but enough to loosen it going the other way

[X4MGS]

I have just done this on the Wifes MK2 and I used an Impact driver and all worked fine...

Did it on 2 cars all in the same day Fronts & Backs... (Moved struts from one car to another) But Best To Fit New Bolts IMO...

You don't need the slotted nut unless you are splitting down the struts & Springs as it only holds in the top mount...

[Neo Badness]

Slotted nut, if you're not keeping the old coilovers then just clamp the damper with maul grips and undo. As for tightening them 22mm ish(?) socket clamped in maul grips with an allen key in the top to stop the damper spinning, bit of a fiddle but has served me well on corrados and golfs alike.

Lower bolts as mentioned previously, solid breaker bar with scaff bar extension on it if an impact gun isn't handy, wire brush threads, decent penetrating oil, car solidly supported so you can apply some force.

 It also helps if you have purchased these in advance....

[X4MGS]

You don't need the slotted nut unless you are splitting down the struts & Springs as it only holds in the top mount...

But Very Handy To Have In The Tool Box... I bought a set of 5 for £12.00 plus VAT from Bullseye Fits VW's & Mercs...

HTH

[JaffaGTI]

Thanks guys. 

Have tried heat. 

I will try and get a longer breaker on it tonight.  Pretty sure I can get hold of an impact driver as well.

As for the top bolt, I will have a look into the slotted nuts but as the originals are being made redundant I'll maybe just go for it with maul grips and see how I get on.

Will keep you posted.