Suspension

[DogDay]

Ok, I have my new rear shocks, front shocks, springs & that stupid slotted tool I was going to get some poly bushes as well but that can wait until later...

I am going to replace all 4 corners next weekend, after all the shops are closed and would prefer not to have any nasty suprises as I need to have the car back on the road by monday am for work.

What have I missed? What is liable to break, need replacing etc. I just want to have everything I will need to hand in advance.

Any other advice appreciated.

DD

[Len]

Bit late leaving it until after 4pm Sunday!

Assume you have some good spring compressors!
Nothing should break but what you cant see is the state of the swivel top mounts on the front struts.

[DogDay]

nah, its 4pm saturday - its a bit quiet down here on the weekend

yes i have coil spring compressors thanks... how likely is it that the top mounts with be FUBAR'd ? - how much are they generally & is it wirth doing them at the same time anyway?

cheers

DD

[Len]

No local halfrauds then!

No hard and fast rules I'm afraid. But you should think of the age and mileage of your car.
Dont know how much as I have only done my Pug so far and they were around £30.

[DogDay]

P reg Mk3 Diesel with 135500 miles... hmmm think i'll replace them as GSF appear to have them at about £10 - assuming I'm looking at the right bit of course 

cheers mate

DD

[Len]

Mines a P reg 16v and done 130k so when I change my springs I'm gonna do the top swivels.
Unless any of the mechanics on here (rubjonny) tell me I'm talking out my arse!

[boneybradley]

Get the top mount's swapped....for about £20 the pair and the hassle of stripping the suspension again tell's me it's worthwhile, also in 10/11 year's the rubber and bearing's will surely have some play in them??

one thing i have thought of...make sure you get the correct 95onward's mount's as they are a different diameter spring (my local factor's tried to say all mk3's had the same mount's!!!)

[DogDay]

one thing i have thought of...make sure you get the correct 95onward's mount's as they are a different diameter spring (my local factor's tried to say all mk3's had the same mount's!!!)

ok so the spring is a different diameter after '95? Is this on all models - bearing in mind mine is a lowly oil burner.

Assuming that the front strut (shock) itself is the same both pre- & post '95 ( the shocks I bought have 1 model number covering from '92 - '98)

If this is the case I have a set of MK2 8v gti springs lying around I was hoping to use, having been assured they will fit the MK3 strut.

Can I simply use the pre- '95 top mount for them with my post '95 car - or am I talking complete danglies here ?

DD

[boneybradley]

The rear shock's on mk2 and mk3 are the same..... It's just the front's that differ and it applies to all model's, never heard anybody fitting early mount's on a later car but I am sure it can be done?..The front spring's are early 80mm later 65mm

[DogDay]

on this note - do the rear suspension mounts tend to rot? I thought they were just a metal cup?

DD