I have a 6R GTI (2012) and after a rather expensive labour quote to fit some lowering springs I'm considering doing it myself. I have fitted springs to cars in the past (mainly 90's Escorts) so I do have some experience, but I'm just wondering if anyone has done it themselves on here and how easy/hard was it, any special tools required, how long should it take etc.? Also, where can I get a workshop manual for this car as I don't think the Haynes manual coveres my model.
Thanks in advance.
Fitting Lowering Springs
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Tooks
- Bronze Member
- Posts: 186
- Joined: Wed Jul 16, 2014 9:59 am
- Drives: 2011 Polo GTI
- Location: Leics/Lincs
Re: Fitting Lowering Springs
Rear springs are a doddle, just need to jack the car up, compress the springs and swap out.
Fronts are a bit more involved, you basically need to remove the suspension strut complete with spring and then compress it, disassemble the top mount, slip on the new compressed spring and then reassemble the top mounts and replace.
Tools wise, a good sockets set, jack and axle stands, fine chisel to spread the lower strut hub mount a bit, and spring compressors. You can fashion a top mount nut removal tool from a spark plug socket, spanner and hex key, but it helps enormously if you have access to an impact driver (electric, battery or air) then you can just whizz them off.
The drivers side suspension is more difficult to get out for some reason, so you might want to disconnect the ball joint to make it easier.
You will need a wheel alignment afterwards too.
If you google for a guide on changing the springs/suspension on a MkIV Golf, that will show you all you need to do, as the Polo V is the same setup.
Haynes manual for the Polo V should show suspension changes relevant to your GTI, they're no different to work on.
Fronts are a bit more involved, you basically need to remove the suspension strut complete with spring and then compress it, disassemble the top mount, slip on the new compressed spring and then reassemble the top mounts and replace.
Tools wise, a good sockets set, jack and axle stands, fine chisel to spread the lower strut hub mount a bit, and spring compressors. You can fashion a top mount nut removal tool from a spark plug socket, spanner and hex key, but it helps enormously if you have access to an impact driver (electric, battery or air) then you can just whizz them off.
The drivers side suspension is more difficult to get out for some reason, so you might want to disconnect the ball joint to make it easier.
You will need a wheel alignment afterwards too.
If you google for a guide on changing the springs/suspension on a MkIV Golf, that will show you all you need to do, as the Polo V is the same setup.
Haynes manual for the Polo V should show suspension changes relevant to your GTI, they're no different to work on.
Re: Fitting Lowering Springs
Thanks for the detailed info Tooks, much appreciated. Based on the fact that I'll need wheel alignment I may still go for the garage doing the work as they included this in the quote.
Can I just ask, is it easy enough to access the front strut top mounts as they seem caged in under plastic grills (in the engine bay)?
thanks
Can I just ask, is it easy enough to access the front strut top mounts as they seem caged in under plastic grills (in the engine bay)?
thanks
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Tooks
- Bronze Member
- Posts: 186
- Joined: Wed Jul 16, 2014 9:59 am
- Drives: 2011 Polo GTI
- Location: Leics/Lincs
Re: Fitting Lowering Springs
The strut top mounts are under the plastic mesh/scuttle cover on the Polo 6R.
Pull the rubber seal off the front of the plastic panel, remove the windscreen wipers, then carefully pull the panel out of the base of the windscreen. It just clips in.
Then you should have access to the strut top mount nuts under the plastic covers.
Pull the rubber seal off the front of the plastic panel, remove the windscreen wipers, then carefully pull the panel out of the base of the windscreen. It just clips in.
Then you should have access to the strut top mount nuts under the plastic covers.