suspension trouble

[sacvwgolf]

when i put new shocks + springs on the car i had trouble tighten the bolt at the top.



I bought a deep offset ratchet thing but could not get it deep enough to do the nut up fully.

tool used:


Any advice on which tools to use?

Also there was a bit of a gap at the top see picture. is this normal?

[VR6_ROB]

bloody hell
my suspension must be knackered

mine sticks up about half a inch

[sacvwgolf]

yeah mines about the same. i don't know why though!!!

[Mew]

Buy a socket (23mm or whatever the nut is) from halfords and then grind off two flats on the outside so you can get a conventional spanner on it. Then just stick your allen key down the middle and tighten up! Well that's how i did it anyway

[sacvwgolf]

that sounds like it could work thanks 

is the gap normal?

[Mew]

Erm, i've got a gap but would say it is only around 5mm or so, maybe a bit more? You may well find that when done up properly that the gap is reduced. A gap is normal though, just not sure about 20mm! Sorry

[filthy]

easiest way is to use a 22mm ring spanner, with a good offset....

[sacvwgolf]

is that what i got? in the picture

[mattp1983]

well that depends... if it fits then yeah, if it doesn't then no.... try and see, you definately need the allen key as well though.

[DarnPB]

The gap is normal although it depends on how much the gap is as to the condition of the strut mount. My old ones had a gap of about 15-20mm. With the car jacked up though, this gap disapeared, although the strut could be moved up and down with ease, indicating the mounts were shot. The new ones have a gap of 5mm or slightly less.
I have heard that G60 mounts are better, (last longer) although they are a different part number, they still fit. (Needs verification!)