What shock?

Need new front shocks for the Golf C. ETOS only list a Heavy Duty shock absorber (171 412 031 J). Is the same shock used for a C as a GTI just with different springs?

Cheers

Yep your'e right.

Aparrently there used to be a not so heavy duty one! Its discontinued now.

Cheers,

Ross

Cheers, is it ok to use these shocks on small block golf? Wondering whether would effect the cars balance, make the front to hard and back to soft or make ride height uneven?

Its the springs that are different - I'm using genuine VW front shocks on the front of mine with the "lighter" springs which is the setup any VAG arage will sell you over the counter and I cn report they are fine.

Just rang VAG - said they have none showing as being in stock in the UK, might be up to 6 week wait for re-stock . Have to rethink as was hoping to do it this weekend.

My struts look in good condition, so assume I could just change the inserts. Anyone recommend GSF or Euro Car Parts ones - also should they be oil or gas for 1100? Remember someone saying in that Golf C inserts are slightly smaller ends than other Mk1 ones - does anyone know about this?

Cheers

Nick

Thanks for the

I really should spend less time on the computer and more under the bonnet

i am now conversant with URL'S and the like .
Your shocks [thats the complete strut] according to my local Dealer are available next day part number v171 412 031 j [which is the same as the one you have] ?31.00 each + the vat . Might be worth asking again , part number same for all MK1 Golf's , guess must be South African specials still made in Germany mine had sticker manufactured Nov 2004 ..From experience all the inserts and struts are the same for all Golf's so buy the above and stick on the springs of your choice job done ?  
Hope that helps ….

Also can anyone tell me what the original VAG part number was for a Golf C shock (not the heavy duty one) or where I might find it on current shock? Surely you that one Dubboy :wink:

Cheers

i am now conversant with URL'S and the like .

Chudd - nice one, noticed your tidy links in the last couple of days.

I've heard the heavy duty ones that are now the only ones available and that these are ok to use which was what I was going to do. However, dealer reckoned out of stock at the moment - might try ringing another dealer tommorow.

Regards the inserts, I understand there used to be two types - light weight for small block engines and heavy duty for big block. Problem is, I don't know if my existing struts are original light duty ones or heavy weight duty and therefore which insert to get if I go that route  :dontknow: .

Cheers

Nick
  all inserts are the same size , they have to be as all struts are the same . If you look at say GSF they list inserts for all MK1 cars as the same it just depends what you want to spend and what you want in them eg Gas or Oil .  The Important bit is the spring , fit heavy duty springs to a lightweight 1.1 and you will have a high riding rough riding car that looks like a 4x4 .
So fit what ever insert your happy with or replace the whole strut and find the right springs for your car and you should be well sorted  [ oh and i rearly must get off this pc ]cheers Chudd ..

The Important bit is the spring , fit heavy duty springs to a lightweight 1.1 and you will have a high riding rough riding car that looks like a 4x4 .

  would look like a golf country.

Cheers Chudd, these people list a GTI and a non-GTI mk1 oil insert and a mk1 GTI insert (lists original VAG parts they replace when you click on them) which had been confusing me. Think I will go to GSF to keep things simple, cheers Nick.

Well finally sorted it last weekend. Used Bilstien gas inserts from ECP - ?22 each. Car so much better, amazing how you can get used to worn out parts when they degrade slowly. Car is nice and tight with no clunks or knocks .

I had to remove the two bolts at the bottom of the strut where it joins the wheel bering housing - of which the higher one adjusts the camber. I scribed up the position of the strut aginst the wheel bearing housing and marked the camber bolt. Got all scribes marks spot on when put it back toegther. Is this a reliable method of reatingin camber settings? Car seems to pull stright etc.

Cheers

I think as long as your not lowering that method is as good as you can do without the proper tools

Cheers Phill, no kept suspension standard. Suppose I'll know its out of one half of the front tyre becomes slick