Broken spring!!!

[RUM4MO]

The second video shows the correct way to do this job, I'd be steering clear of using the first video method to get round the driveshaft problem on the RHS - and that is from experience, but always replace that nut on the of the drive shaft. The only thing he missed out was swopping over the cage that locates the dust cover.

I've never used any cable ties on these cars to keep the dust cover/gaitor in place, once the car is back down and on the floor, the springs have compressed enough so that there is no strain on the lower end of the dust cover/gaitor.

The sparkplug socket I was talking about is what the autodoc guy used to remove and fit the lower piston nut - ie a deep socket with a hex on its upper end.

[wolfie]

The second video shows the correct way to do this job, I'd be steering clear of using the first video method to get round the driveshaft problem on the RHS - and that is from experience, but always replace that nut on the of the drive shaft. The only thing he missed out was swopping over the cage that locates the dust cover.

I've never used any cable ties on these cars to keep the dust cover/gaitor in place, once the car is back down and on the floor, the springs have compressed enough so that there is no strain on the lower end of the dust cover/gaitor.

The sparkplug socket I was talking about is what the autodoc guy used to remove and fit the lower piston nut - ie a deep socket with a hex on its upper end.

Yup, there's a fair contrast between those two little video's. The second one makes it all look very easy, but it makes a huge difference having the car up on a proper lift for access, then having all the correct tools to hand that the job requires. Likewise, it's from AutoDoc who want to sell you the parts. They don't want it all to look like a fight from start to finnish and just how heavy some of those parts are. Plus it helps when you've tackled the job dozens of times instead of finding you way with the first one.

Now having not done one for years I thought that there was a little ABS ring attached to the driveshaft that you have to be careful not to disturb of damage???

I would have thought even if you are careful with marking-up the lower ball joint, with disturbing both sides there is a fair chance that you are going to need to get the tracking checked/adjusted following it all being in bits? I've ordered a strut splitting tool and hub nut socket. Even if I end up not doing it, those couple of bits won't break the bank. I happened to notice GSF have new hub locking nuts on offer at the moment, so will pick up a couple of those. My mate has a set of spring compressors and an electric impact driver I can borrow.

From the DIY perspective the car will be on the ground sitting on axle stands. While my garage is a fair size it's not as well lit as it could be and all these little things make life potentially more difficult/troublesome. I'll have the wheel off later today and see if I can still read the original part number label.

I'll give everyone an hour or two to start their day and start ringing around to get some quotes for the work. Likewise price the parts up should I choose to go down the DIY route. (I'll post up later so you can have a giggle at the prices. )

Edit:- Quick question. I tend to use ECP for parts, but thought I'd have a look at AutoDoc for prices too. Anyone used em?

[veteran]

Yes, indeed, there's sometimes more to these jobs than Youtube videos convey. Often, it's the little things that count.

On Polos, and in your shoes, I'd definitely be having second thoughts as to whether to do the job myself. Although it can be jolly useful and informative to find out from YouTube, Haynes, EasyManual, or wherever how the job's done, this particular replacement job seems to be suited only to the fit and healthy. Maybe, after getting some quotes from 'the professionals', it'd be better in the end to splash the cash and let somebody else do it. Your health is surely more important than saving a few tens of pounds, or maybe more, on your costs. (I guess it depends also on your bank balance). No matter what our skills, we all get old and infirm in the end.

Keep us informed of the project.

[wolfie]

Cheers. If I can get a reasonable price from a garage I trust I will probably end up getting it done. Just out of curiosity I rang VW parts to get a "level" for the price of parts.

Front shocks £129
Springs £92

So £284 a side just for parts.

I would imagine the chap behind the parts counter would be wearing a mask this morning. Probably the same style a Dick Turpin wore. No wonder VDub spend all their days in court!!

[RUM4MO]

There is almost no danger of damaging the ABS ring, I think that it is built into the hub bearing - I've forgotten, and if so it remains in the car.

On the subject of getting new drive shaft nuts, only the RHS needs the driveshaft removing, I played safe and bought 2 first time round with my wife's previous 2002 Polo, so when I repeated that job on my older daughter's late 2009 Ibiza, I used that second nut as quite a lot of parts have been carried through from the original Skoda Fabia which was the basis for the 2002 9N Polo - and the reason in mind for too many of the materials issues with earlier Polos!

Genuine VW Group prices, yes sometimes, or too often crazy prices when compared with exactly the same item from their factory suppliers and in the case of the road springs, I'd aim to buy the brand I mentioned earlier in this thread though maybe they supply VW Group. The mark up on the prices of some steering parts are also crazy especially the track rod assemblies - even when buying genuine TRW parts which is VW Group's supplier for Polo.

Ambient lighting levels, yes unfortunately as you age, your eye's ability to make best use of any available light drops off, even worse I find is if you working in the garage when it is blue sky outside and some glare gets in and brightens things up, but shuts down your eyes so you(I) end up almost blind in normal light for a while!!!

Edit:- the liberal use of a light oil or even WD-40 helps in getting the strut out of and back into the hub carrier, though I normally never use ordinary WD-40 as a release oil, WD-40, I think, do market a release branded by them but in a different coloured spray can.

[wolfie]

Well I've just given a local Vdub independent a ring for a price. He came back with £348 + Vat, so £417 all in. That also includes two new top mounts. That is using 'like for like' parts, so SACHS in my case.

Seemed decent enough on the phone. Said as far as he is concerned the labour is all the same regardless of the bits that go back on. He can source most manufacturers without too much trouble. Said SACHS shockers come in at about £76, Monroe around the £135 mark. Parts price wise he doesn't appear to be too far off the mark compared to ECP.

That sounds reasonable to me. Obviously not as cheap as doing it myself, but not milking it for every penny. If I'm honest I was expecting it to be more.

[RUM4MO]

Sounds like a fair enough price to avoid any messing around yourself.

[wolfie]

Sounds like a fair enough price to avoid any messing around yourself.

Aye I agree.

Having had some discussions with the family and mates about "doing too much!" Cars been booked in for Thursday morning. I'll post up when it's done, good or bad.
At least I've leaned a little from you kind chaps.

[SimonPoole]

I'm just waiting for my TRW shocks and SKF top mounts to arrive from Germany. Parts and delivery came to just under £90 in total for both sides. I'll have a think about whether I do them myself or pass the job to my trusted indie while I'm changing the rear springs on SWMBO's TT.

[RUM4MO]

A bit less of a challenge unless that TT is a quattro.

[SimonPoole]

A bit less of a challenge unless that TT is a quattro.

It is

Second time I've had it to do. Went for OEM springs last time, but they've only lasted about 6 years, so I've gone for the Sachs ones this time.

[wolfie]

Got the car back from having broken spring replaced and shockers done. Pleasantly surprised, car feels quite a bit more supple and compliant. I guess you don't notice the gradual degrading of suspension parts over time. Can't see any evidence at all of where they lifted the car, so I guess the car was on the lift pads, not the seams. Can't find anything to moan about regards the work done and the price was to the penny what they quoted over the phone.

Retrospectively, I'm glad I had it done rather than battling with it myself. Reading back through this thread I stressed enough about it without actually doing it. The mind is willing but the body is knackered...

Thanks all for the advice/sounding board.

[RUM4MO]

I need to man up and get out to my garage, Polo needs its wheels/tyres swop Winter>Summer, brake fluid replaced and brakes cleaned up, charge pipes seals replaced and an oil change followed soon after by an MOT. My car, a 2011 Audi S4 needs its front taken off and a couple of belts replaced followed by Winter>Summer wheels/tyres change, brake fluid replaced and its oil change.

[veteran]

I'm pleased for you, wolfie. Sometimes, it's just better to splash the dosh, rather than struggling to do it yourself.

So, have I understood correctly, this was as from your "local Vdub independent"? What did the job cost you at the end of it all - the £417 you got quoted?

[wolfie]

So, have I understood correctly, this was as from your "local Vdub independent"? What did the job cost you at the end of it all - the £417 you got quoted?

Yeah, I used a local VW indie. (i've not named them, I'm not sure what the forum rules are on naming businesses.) I have used them before, but quite a few years back when I had my 9N Polo.

They were absolutely to the penny of their telephone quote £417 (£348+VAT) which was quite refreshing, there are some many garages that seem to magic up another £20 or so for "Sundry items" when it's time to pay the bill. I'll take the car out for a little shakedown run later today just to check for gremlins. But on the run home last night it felt like new again.

I need to man up and get out to my garage, Polo needs its wheels/tyres swop Winter>Summer, brake fluid replaced and brakes cleaned up, charge pipes seals replaced and an oil change followed soon after by an MOT. My car, a 2011 Audi S4 needs its front taken off and a couple of belts replaced followed by Winter>Summer wheels/tyres change, brake fluid replaced and its oil change.

I'd actually splurged on a Gunson Eezibleed, just before my spring went twang! Mine is due a brake fluid change this year so I'm going to give it a go. If I don't get on with that, it will be a mate on the peddle when and if all the social shielding/distancing eases up. Yesterday was the first time I've ventured out, bar hospital appointments and a run round in the car for close to 4 months. That was because I had no alternative. My glove box is like a mini pharmacy with masks, hand gel and anti-bacterial wipes.

Anyway, touch-wood the Polo should be good to go for a few more miles. At some point I do intend to have the timing chain/tensioner updated but that will have to wait until my wallet comes out of intensive care..