HELP getting bottom nut/bolt on suspension undone

been trying for ages, how can i get this done, i really cant afford to take it to a garage at the moment and my car is in bits.
i thought i could fit the coilovers really easy.
its that bottom section on the suspention 'REAR' ones that wont move at all. i need them, if i snap them im in trouble.
getting desperate.

These bolts are a pain as they seize in the metal part of the shock's lower bush.  Problem is when you hit them the rubber absorbs the impact.  You can't get a good swing on them either.

Best bet would probably to cut the bolt on the insides of the shock mount so that the old shock can be removed and a new bolt fitted with some grease fro "next time".

I don't think you'll snap the bolt… You may get the nut off and not be able to get the bolt out though! This is the nightmare bit I mentioned in the other post. I was lucky enough not to have seized bolts!

Couple of ways to get it out, but you will need new bolts whatever…

1.(as per Crazy's post above)
Use a pry bar or something to splay the box section around the shock mount enough to get a hacksaw blade inside. you can then cut the bolt (Both sides of the shock) and remove the unit.

2.
Use a grinder to grind away the bottom of the shock itself (the rounded bit that houses the rubber bush). this will allow you to remove the old shock unit and give you more room to get at the bolt to cut it out.

It's tough however you approach it, but has got to be done!

Before you start this though, see if you can get the nut off the bolt using a scafold tube for extra leverage first. if it comes off, you may be able to knock the bolt out with a LARGE hammer. Don't be scared to hit it as hard as you can - it's gotta come out!

AL.

You could just use a dremel to cut a slot in the side of the nut - this would enable you to split the nut with a screwdriver - then it would definitely come off.

A dremel would also get through the suspension mounting (given time) without needed as much space as a hacksaw would.

Ali

http://www.frost.co.uk/item_Detail.asp?productID=7976

one of them would be handy

 Don't be scared to hit it as hard as you can - it's gotta come out!



But be carfull you do not bend the lower shocker mount , it's part of the rear axle and if damaged you will have to  8O  yes change the lot …….

Best method as above is to cut the bolt out either side of the shocker and just replace it ………. If you have not done the front yet nows the time to buy a VW front strut mounting kit  , it has all the new bolts etc ….

Quote ….from Littlekev……
You would be better off buying the fitting kit from VW its 171498101A and has all the bolts washers and nuts you need for ?12.18 per side




Cheers………….

Rings a bell,the hammer method will bend the rear beam mountings,
I used the hot spanner on mine,moulten rubber was dripping out the shock mount,thick black smoke engulfed me,then heated the tube up and WOLLOP with a copper mallet and the bolt popped through.
Dont forget the coppergrip to reassemble
(coppergrip is coppergrease with the lid left off in a dirty workshop)
Bert

this was a nightmare on mine as well. I think all mk1s will suffer from this due to age etc, i took me 2 hours on one side as after some rather heavy hammering and heating of the bolt. the other side was about 3 and a half hours as the collar on the shock was spining with the bolt this had to be cut at both ends with a junior hacksaw as nothing else would fit in the gap available…….good luck and make sure you've got some goggles!!!

WEYYYYYYY!!!
after over 6hours of hard work, with help with my dad we managed to get old ones off, which ill prob put on evil bay, bilstein streeline (shocks&springs etc).

and the new sexy FK ones on, now i cant even get a finger between the tyre and the arches, i always wanted it low.
just got the fronts to do on sunday.
Handles like a F1 car lol, well ish. the steering is heavy now for some reason, and the bumps make me feel ill, and sometimes cant see where im driving, but its worth it.
thanks to everyone for your posts emails and MSN help.
 
:y: :notworthy:

nice one mate

Cool! Glad you got it sorted!

my front bolts were so tight I started to think someone had welded them on! WD40 them up now if you haven't already

de3660 said

Handles like a F1 car lol, well ish.

Wait - you are saying it handles like an F1 car and you have only done the rears?

Wait till you get the fronts on - you won't believe it!
I'm still surprised how quickly I can take roundabouts sometimes!

yeh seriously, its weird, never been in a car like it.
no one told me they where this good.
will get the fronts on and sorted on sunday when hopefully it isnt RAINING!!!