Coil Over Installation Advice for Novice

[odessa.filez]

I've done the 2 x 4 method 3 times on my 19. No issues. Come at me.

you should patent your magic 2x4

 

[JJ_MK7]

I'm trying to gather all the necessary torque specs on a cheat sheet. Can you guys helped me verify it to see if I'm missing something?

 

[jay745]

I've done the 2 x 4 method 3 times on my 19. No issues. Come at me.

^ this is why you don't buy modded cars folks.

 

[GTIfan99]

Be right there with a 2 x 4.

That's your cane, Jim. Don't make me take it from you.

 

[GTIfan99]

^ this is why you don't buy modded cars folks.

Which would include cars with coilovers that removed the axles too.

Other than the risk to my fingers, what exactly are you worried about with the 2 x 4 method?

 

[El_bigote_AJ]

Everyone Always want to be so caution about deloading the spring pressure when doing the top mounts yet 50% of member feel perfectly comfortable with loading the shit out of spring with a 2x4 and wiggling their spindle out of the way to get it off.

I tired it 1 time on the mk7 and as I was getting the spindle off the 2x4 slipped from the stock… full pucker moment. I don’t see the difficulty in buying (2) 3 dollar axle bolts and just getting the spindles completely out of the way.

 

[jay745]

Which would include cars with coilovers that removed the axles too.

Other than the risk to my fingers, what exactly are you worried about with the 2 x 4 method?

Yep, you never know if the install was done correctly or not.

You're compressing the spring by applying force to one side of the perch on the strut and that can very easily damage the strut, not to mention it's completely unsafe.

It's 6 bolts to remove the axle from the trans. I could probably get them all out in 90 seconds, I don't see how it saves any time. It may win you a Darwin award though

 

[GTIfan99]

Yep, you never know if the install was done correctly or not.

You're compressing the spring by applying force to one side of the perch on the strut and that can very easily damage the strut, not to mention it's completely unsafe.

It's 6 bolts to remove the axle from the trans. I could probably get them all out in 90 seconds, I don't see how it saves any time. It may win you a Darwin award though

Completely unsafe, 100%.

Reinstalling if you're lowering the car an inch or so is pretty easy. I'm not seeing how you could damage the strut unless you're completely blind.

 

[jimlloyd40]

That's your cane, Jim. Don't make me take it from you.

I use a 4x4 sharpened on one end to a point for a cane.

 

[GTIfan99]

I use a 4x4 sharpened on one end to a point for a cane.

Damn, man. You impaling your enemies for fun or just over compensating.

 

[jimlloyd40]

Damn, man. You impaling your enemies for fun or just over compensating.

Yes.

 

[GTIfan99]

Everyone Always want to be so caution about deloading the spring pressure when doing the top mounts yet 50% of member feel perfectly comfortable with loading the shit out of spring with a 2x4 and wiggling their spindle out of the way to get it off.

I tired it 1 time on the mk7 and as I was getting the spindle off the 2x4 slipped from the stock… full pucker moment. I don’t see the difficulty in buying (2) 3 dollar axle bolts and just getting the spindles completely out of the way.

It's impossible for the 2 x 4 to "slip" if you do it correctly and have set up the 2 x 4 correctly. I have a hole drilled in the 2 x 4 on one end that's offset. I have 2 large washers, a long bolt and a nut, the 2 x 4 doesn't just rest on and push up on the strut, mine is bolted to the sway bar mount on the strut. Can't slip.

It's still sketchy, but it isn't that bad if you do it right. Takes me 10 min a corner (first time Konis are inserted in the knuckle not included in that time frame, fuck Koni and the guy that puts paint 3 inches thick on their struts, what a pain in the ass).

 

[jay745]

It's impossible for the 2 x 4 to "slip" if you do it correctly and have set up the 2 x 4 correctly. I have a hole drilled in the 2 x 4 on one end that's offset. I have 2 large washers, a long bolt and a nut, the 2 x 4 doesn't just rest on and push up on the strut, mine is bolted to the sway bar mount on the strut. Can't slip.

It's still sketchy, but it isn't that bad if you do it right. Takes me 10 min a corner (first time Konis are inserted in the knuckle not included in that time frame, fuck Koni and the guy that puts paint 3 inches thick on their struts, what a pain in the ass).

Explaining how to perform an incorrect process correctly..... SMH.

 

[krs]

To take this a step further, pull the axles at the hub & replace the hardware.

Full DIY video

Write up (for springs, but same process)

https://www.golfmk7.com/forums/inde...pring-install-diy-tips-tools-and-pics.337350/

OEM torque spec references

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/f99kqqmv66pryib/AAA5LM_C4H6x4l56StzU9YO9a?dl=0&lst=

As a professional technician (aircraft mechanic with a decade at a major airline) I cannot tell you how many people have screwed up these installations due to horrible advice. I’m not going to point fingers, but please do not use an impact for installation of anything, especially the strut mounts. Take the time to properly torque new hardware to spec and it’ll be done in a afternoon…if you slam it together carelessly it’ll have clunks, creaks, rattles or worse. For those reading this who’ve already made those mistakes here’s a link for that too.

https://www.golfmk7.com/forums/inde...issues-noises-advice-click-here-first.354148/

Having a torque wrench that goes to 150ft lb might be a limiting factor for a lot of people. My snap on 3/8” drive maxes out at 75ft lbs, and has served me well for 15+ years. Buying a 1/2” drive for essentially a single use is not something I’d rather do.

 

[jimlloyd40]

Having a torque wrench that goes to 150ft lb might be a limiting factor for a lot of people. My snap on 3/8” drive maxes out at 75ft lbs, and has served me well for 15+ years. Buying a 1/2” drive for essentially a single use is not something I’d rather do.

So someone else torques your lug bolts if necessary?