DIY installing coilovers & drop links

[anth]

this top nut you guys are referring to, is it to remove the struts from the car, or to dismantle the springs/shocks from each other?

[gavs]

Anth, it's easy peasy really.

The reason you need spring compressors is to compress the driver's side strut assembly so you can get it out of the car without a) lowering/removing the sub-frame or b) removing the drive shaft.

I have now removed and refit front and rear struts and shocks 3 times in a golf, the last time took me 2 hrs to replace both front and rear shocks and springs.

Look on the vw vortex Mk4 How-to thread, there is a how-to for the H&R coilover install done by a guy called Noah, I have it bookmarked and it is by far the easiest to understand and has great pics too. Just remember that it was done on a US car.

[dylan8]

this top nut you guys are referring to, is it to remove the struts from the car, or to dismantle the springs/shocks from each other?

Both? or atleast the 2nd one! Cant think if they hold the struts etc in at the top sorry...

[anth]

Anth, it's easy peasy really.

The reason you need spring compressors is to compress the driver's side strut assembly so you can get it out of the car without a) lowering/removing the sub-frame or b) removing the drive shaft.

I have now removed and refit front and rear struts and shocks 3 times in a golf, the last time took me 2 hrs to replace both front and rear shocks and springs.

Look on the vw vortex Mk4 How-to thread, there is a how-to for the H&R coilover install done by a guy called Noah, I have it bookmarked and it is by far the easiest to understand and has great pics too. Just remember that it was done on a US car.

cheers mate, just what I wanted to hear

[anth]

Just had a read through the tutorial, and you can use an impact/rattle gun for the top nut. sweet!

Now my only concern is the "spreader tool" used to open up the gap in the lower strut mount. It says you can use a screwdriver bit in a rachet, anyone done this? gavs?

[gavs]

Yeah mate, this is how I did it, you need a 1/4" flat head screw driver bit, approx 15mm long. Just as easy as using the "$20 bit of metal"

Where in Melb are you located, might be able to give you a hand if you like....

[anth]

awesome, got plenty of screwdrivers at home, I'm sure I'll figure it out

im in greensborough. if i get stuck ill post up an SOS to all VWW melbournians haha

[gavs]

This is the kind of screw driver bit you need.



There isn't enough room to get a screwdriver in there and be able to exert enough force to rotate it. Put one of these in a 1/4" socket and turn it using your ratchet handle 90 degrees and pop she opens

[anth]

gotcha! I'll check tonight, make sure I've got one (99% sure), coilovers arent here yet anyway

[Manaz]

Now my only concern is the "spreader tool" used to open up the gap in the lower strut mount. It says you can use a screwdriver bit in a rachet, anyone done this? gavs?

Basically, you just need to open up the spindle housing to release the strut. You do this by inserting something long but narrow enough into the gap and turning it to force the spindle open. A flat-head screwdriver will do in a pinch, but the spreader tool is oval shaped to make the process smoother.