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Scared of pot holes

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I would replace those tops mounts. Don't scrimp - get the Febi ones. You'll have to take the strut out and use spring compressors. Once out, you can check the dampers and bump stop height etc.

Whip
/wip/
Noun - Car

When the steering wheel was first put into use in automobiles, it was called the whip. The term has now been generalised to classify any automobile.

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As the others have said, top mounts want changing, those are goosed.

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If the standard dampers were never replaced when the lowered springs were put in, they'll be in "the wrong place" and the ride will be harsh. You need to replace the damper (inserts) too, when fitting lowering springs. Or complete strut units, or coilovers (which are basically the same design as original, but with a ride height adjustment and slimmer springs).

And the top mounts are gone. Top mounts won't affect ride quality in themselves but they do lower the car which means there's more chance of tyre-body contact. And will affect the steering, making it hard and/or vague.

                                

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Thanks guys so from whats been said' i can leave the front springs and change everything else>

dont suppose you could send me a shopping list of the parts i will require, as soon as i understand what i need i can start to get them together.

thanks again guys

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Parts list, tool list, or both?

If you haven't done it before, I would watch this:
VW Mk1 Golf/Rabbit front coil spring swap in 10 minutes. - YouTube
The chalk is to mark where camber was set. Note use of a spanner with a dog leg + allen key for removing the top nut. You can also use a socket with a grove cut in it. I have had 21mm & 22mm, so it's worth checking what you have.
Not saying you should use that particular guide, but it will give you a quick overview of what's involved.

Off the top of my head… you'll need 2 top mounts. If you want to change the shock, there are a few options…
Refurb the current ones with new pistons/get insert dampers/replace entire strut.

I would take a look at what's in there first. You could have a nasty bolt or worn eccentric bolt, but there's no point buying everything before you know if you need it.

 

Whip
/wip/
Noun - Car

When the steering wheel was first put into use in automobiles, it was called the whip. The term has now been generalised to classify any automobile.

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For the Camber, I use a Magnetic Angle Finder on the rotor, then in "Sharpie" I write the angle on the rotor.

The angle of Camber is different when you have the car in the air with the Wheel off, than when you are on the ground.

Screen Shot 2020-06-29 at 8.12.48 AM.png

Also when removing the strut, if you remove the Caliper, and instead of breaking the Camber bolts loose you separate it by the lower ball joint, you don't break the alignment of the car.  :)


What do Divorces, Great Coffee, and Car Electrics all have in common?

They all start with GOOD Grounds.

Where are my DIY Links?

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the_whip said

Parts list, tool list, or both?

If you haven't done it before, I would watch this:
VW Mk1 Golf/Rabbit front coil spring swap in 10 minutes. - YouTube
The chalk is to mark where camber was set. Note use of a spanner with a dog leg + allen key for removing the top nut. You can also use a socket with a grove cut in it. I have had 21mm & 22mm, so it's worth checking what you have.
Not saying you should use that particular guide, but it will give you a quick overview of what's involved.

Off the top of my head… you'll need 2 top mounts. If you want to change the shock, there are a few options…
Refurb the current ones with new pistons/get insert dampers/replace entire strut.

I would take a look at what's in there first. You could have a nasty bolt or worn eccentric bolt, but there's no point buying everything before you know if you need it.

 

thanks the whip

Just watched the clip very informative although that was just for a spring , I reckon i would change the top mounts and shock or is the shock part of the strut need to get on ebay and have a look

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I replaced mine with standard kit all round 3 years ago. The ride is comfy and the standard tyres give a decent enough ride. 
It all depends if you want "show and go" or an enjoyable ride with the banging, crashing and harsher ride that comes with lowered, larger wheeled and smaller rubber set ups. 

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okmate said

Just watched the clip very informative although that was just for a spring

At 4:13 he gets the top mount off. At that point you just swop in the new one. Once the top mount is off you can exchange the strut for a new one or modify the existing one.

At the price you are looking at it might make more sense to buy an insert damper instead of a whole new strut.

If you look at Dano's first picture you can see the empty strut housing. This is basically what you have, but with the top undone and the guts taken out. You slide the insert damper inside and do it up.

Whip
/wip/
Noun - Car

When the steering wheel was first put into use in automobiles, it was called the whip. The term has now been generalised to classify any automobile.

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the_whip said

okmate said

Just watched the clip very informative although that was just for a spring

At 4:13 he gets the top mount off. At that point you just swop in the new one. Once the top mount is off you can exchange the strut for a new one or modify the existing one.

At the price you are looking at it might make more sense to buy an insert damper instead of a whole new strut.

If you look at Dano's first picture you can see the empty strut housing. This is basically what you have, but with the top undone and the guts taken out. You slide the insert damper inside and do it up.

thanks pal' well ive looked at plenty of videos now and can confirm that i'm going to change the top mounts and new struts i'm going to leave the struts and springs and see how i go, hopefully this will make a difference to the ride and the pot holes

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wheres the best place to buy these parts guys

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Lots for places sell them..

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VW-GOLF-Mk1-Top-Strut-Mounting-Front-1-6-1-6D-75-to-84-171412329AMH-175412329AMH/333577314435?hash=item4daac1e083:g:GK4AAOSwR7RemVTN

Might be worth looking at your bump stops as if the cars been lowered you could be driving on them, check to see if the plastic dust cover on the end of the bump stop is damaged for cracked, if it is the replace them and shorten your bump stops.

1988 Mk1 Golf GTi Cabriolet 1.8cc DX, K-jet. Daily drive. 317,000 miles and counting
1978 Mk1 Scirocco GLS 1.6cc FR, Webber carb. Weekend toy.

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VW heritage and classic VW all showing no stock....

1988 Mk1 Golf GTi Cabriolet 1.8cc DX, K-jet. Daily drive. 317,000 miles and counting
1978 Mk1 Scirocco GLS 1.6cc FR, Webber carb. Weekend toy.

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Plenty of Febi ones on eBay.

                                

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mark1gls said

Lots for places sell them..

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VW-GOLF-Mk1-Top-Strut-Mounting-Front-1-6-1-6D-75-to-84-171412329AMH-175412329AMH/333577314435?hash=item4daac1e083:g:GK4AAOSwR7RemVTN

Might be worth looking at your bump stops as if the cars been lowered you could be driving on them, check to see if the plastic dust cover on the end of the bump stop is damaged for cracked, if it is the replace them and shorten your bump stops.

Thanks mark, I'm bamboozled now, ive seen lots of Vids on you tube but i'm unsure as to what bump stops even look like lol, i thought i would have a strut mount shock and top mount, i also recal someone saying get the febi and not any other shite' or is this just for the shocks ?

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