Bit of advice please...

H

Hopelessness

OK so I've got 3 days where I can use tools and a jack etc this weekend, need a bit of help.

I've got lowering springs on GTi shocks to fit, and the solid engine mount. I'll need the car on the sunday to get back to uni so I can't fuck it up lol. Oh and Stufa is coming to help me fit some stuff on Sunday so worst comes to worst I'll plead for some help from him but I hope that isn't necessary.

What I want to know is how can I get the shocks and mount in whilst minimising the amount of grief and without risking snapping bolts etc thus rendering the car inert? Bare in mind I'm on 115k and everything has a layer of rust.

Ideas anyone?

Phil
 
start soaking the bolts in WD40 or similar, its a penetrating oil so need time to seem into the threads.
 
^i always find plusgas really good.

also before trying to undo anything, a fair whack (with something in between obviously) may help break the rust seal and make it easier to undo.
 
Springs/shocks combos are easy to do, do you have a front strut brace? If not you'll need some washers to space out the inside bolt. Use a hammer to smack ten bells out of the bottom of the macpherson struts before trying to undo the bolts, and use plenty of WD40. When you put them back in, coat the bolts in copper grease. Do the fronts first!
On the back, all the little bolts that hold down the rear impact/strengthening plates will need to come out, use a spanner to get the ones down behind the seats.
If something doesnt undo at first, dont force it straight away, smack it with a hammer (But dont hit the thread!) to loosen it up, spray the wd40 and jimmy it back and forth a bit at a time. Takes longer but save bolts. Dont worry about snapping the tiny bolts holding the strengthening panels on though, they can be held on by as little as 4 bolts.
Some hammerite and a wire brush wouldnt go amiss I'm sure :)
Happy birthday btw!
 
Cheers guys :)

Paul I'll be in Romsey, loads of space outside the house, if you aren't busy and you wanna head on down an extra pair of hands would be really helpful...
 
The front engine mount will only take you 10mins max so don't worry about that :)
Front shocks are easy also.. Its just a bit fiddly to lift the wishbone and Hub with one hand and slot the bolt through with the other, but I'm sure you'll manage it.
The rear shocks are also pretty simple once you've removed the annoying plates :)
Joe
 
What are the chances of something going horribly wrong? :S Like I say, rusty car and needing it to get to uni lol.

Btw Corbs I've got the strut brace :)
 
Nothing will go wrong mate..
You seemed pretty switched on lol, I'm sure you can figure this out.
Worst case scenario: the bottom of the rear shocks is held on by a nut and bolt.. Which is an bit of a pig to get to, its not too bad, but its just slightly hidden. Its also a rust spot.. Mine wasn't too bad after a WD40 soaking.. But take care of the nut/bolt heads as always.
Joe
 
shaggy_master said:
Front shocks are easy also.. Its just a bit fiddly to lift the wishbone and Hub with one hand and slot the bolt through with the other, but I'm sure you'll manage it.
Click to expand...
For this you can sit down, put a foot under the hub, and use it to push the wishbone up, then ram a screwdriver through one of the holes to hold it in place while you put the bolt in :)

Phil - I couldnt say, anything could go wrong. But, try anyway and come on here if you have problems.
 
thats a good point, good sockets essential for tight bolts, amazing how a socket can slip and round the corners off a bolt when you think hummm yeah that fits good enough. lets see if itll do the job... dammit, angle grinder... lol
 
Yeah, be very gentle on top mount bolts. Good chance the 12mm nuts will go if you dont have the socket on perfectly. If that happens, put an 11mm on and hammer it on, you will be able to get it off and can still use the nut again
 
Using a damaged nut seems pointless to me. Maybe I'm biased as I've got a very good hardware store at the top of my road but seriously.. Replace whatever you can! I always do when I'm working on my motor..
Joe
 
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