axle bolt removal for coilovers?

[nandoz_211]

Hi guys,

I'm attempting to install coilovers myself on my polo and I've run into a problem. I have managed to install the the front passenger side with no problems at all., however when trying to remove the front divers side shock there doesn't seem to be enough space to remove it. I've read that you need to take the axle bot off in some VW's but since i managed to do the passenger side is this really necessary? and if not does anyone know why I cant remove the shock or how to make the suspension droop more so that i have space to remove it?

any help would be greatly appreciated

[h100vw]

You need to compress the spring on the strut and then it will lift out.

[LunchboxVRS]

I did mine without removing the drive shaft. Trick is to put on the spring compressors while the cars on the ground. If you can't manage that then pull off the wheel then place a jack under the lower ball joint to compress the spring up and then put the spring compressors on. You will also need to push the shock up as even with the spring compressed the shock will still only go so far.

[nandoz_211]

Thanks for the reply guys, managed to get it out with both of your suggestions. pushing down the strut after compressing the spring helped heaps. Still trying to wrap my head around how I got the first one out so easily

[LunchboxVRS]

I'm guessing the passenger side was the first on you did. It's easier because the shaft drops down further due to its length.

[trive2]

Well this answers a lot of questions.

We couldn't figure out why one side was so easy and the other side nearly resulted in us burning the car down. My partner ended up removing the strut with brute force.