MK4 Suspension

[Kane]

Re: MK4 Suspension

i believe its 6 or 7 mm for the allen key.

[Tiki]

Re: MK4 Suspension

what size was the allen key, all mine didnt fit? and what size is the socket ill go buy one tomorrow.

[nismodrifter]

Re: MK4 Suspension

Full suspension install write up with pictures: http://nclh.org/car/coilover_howto/

See step 21.

I used an impact to take it apart, and then regular tools to put it back together (to avoid over torquing).

Use a spark plug socket + crescent wrench + allen key.
That is what I did to put it back together:
- Put spark plug socket on the nut
- Put your wrench onto the socket
- Hold the allen key
- Loosen/tighten.

[Tiki]

Re: MK4 Suspension

how did you guys get the nuts off the top of the struts? i tried a socket and it just kept spinning. then i thought ok a allen wrench and a wrench, but i cant find a allen wrench that fits and a normal wrench wont fit either cause its recessed.

[Tiki]

Re: MK4 Suspension

ok nvm tried the 1/4 ext and it slid right out wow SWEET!

[Tiki]

Re: MK4 Suspension

doing this as week speak and tomorrow. i have the front left off but the front right i can only move down a bit. how did you use the 1/4 extention? wedge it in the back where the bolt goes?

[dubCanuck1]

Re: MK4 Suspension

I just did mine today. They can be a *****, just so you don't feel over confident.

In my case, there was a fair amount of corrosion on the bearing housing (quebec car originally) and the spreader tool worked OK for the passenger side, but not so much for the driver's side. the slot where the spreader tool goes was worn. The 1/4" reducer worked to get the old strut out when I put it in from the bottom of the "slot".

To put it back in....that was a lot more fuss. After realizing that the housing wasn't spreading as much as I'd hoped, I grabbed one of my wife's forks and put it in the slot with the spreader. that gave it enough room to do what I wanted.

There's a tool in the Vortex fabrication forum that, if you could get fabricated, would help you out and eliminate the need for a spring compressor when putting the struts back in.

I'll be doing the rears this week or next weekend. I anticipate they'll be much easier to do. I've done the fronts twice and they were a pain both times on this car.

If you've got a wire hand brush (like from Princess auto), I'd recommend running into through the bearing housing a few times to clear out the crud.

Anyone use antiseize on the strut housing to act as a lubricant and make removal easier? I was thinking about that as I was patching myself up tonight.

[calgarydub]

Re: MK4 Suspension

Really? What springs lower 2 inches thats pretty good?

[Tiki]

Re: MK4 Suspension

haha i noticed that too

[stefan]

Re: MK4 Suspension

No ****** around with hammers and chisels.

you will fucking love it lowered!

I so don't understand the swear filter on here...

[Tiki]

Re: MK4 Suspension

2 inches, i dont want it too slammed. im running fairly beefy tires and my votex bumper is going to be too low as it is

[calgarydub]

Re: MK4 Suspension

you will fucking love it lowered!

How much lower will it be?

I'm slammed on Konis and its not enough :(

I have the spreader tool from concept-1 cost like $5 or $10 I think.
When I installed my coils i never needed the clamp or anything, but I think that's because I also replaced the bushings and strut mounts. ?

[vee_dubbin]

Re: MK4 Suspension

Instead of the spreader tool I used a 1/4" ratchet extension and it worked way better.

I was just about to suggest the 1/4 extension.....and you beat me too it...haha
This is the best way though. No ****** around with hammers and chisels.

[Compton]

Re: MK4 Suspension

you will fucking love it lowered!

[Tiki]

Re: MK4 Suspension

sweet well it's worth a try! ill make sure i have the whole day to do it