Broken Front Suspension Spring N/S

[RayD]

2001 I.0Litre E ... 51 Reg

Broken front suspension spring this morning ....

I know about the need to scribe around the strut bracket to make sure it goes back in the same place.

On the face of it seems to only need disconnecting at the top then remove the two bottom bolts and the complete strut and spring unit will lift out.

A few questions …

What’s the procedure for disconnecting the top end?
Does the plastic dome come off first, from the top?
Does the dome just want levering off?
Are the three bolts holding the top of the strut onto the bodyshell?
Or, is there a top nut on the spindle under the dome holding it to the shell as on the previous model?
Is there a distinct difference between the spring price at VW and elsewhere?
Does anyone have a recent labour price for having one fitted?

Thanks
Ray

[alexperkins]

Id recommend getting a haynes manual - its very good for suspension removal.

In a nutshell though

jack up remove the necessary wheel

remove the three top bolts from the top mount in the engine bay side (13mm)

remove the two bolts that go through the suspension into the hub (18mm)

Drop the strut out

Remove the top plastic cap

Put the strut back in and do the bolts up at the top just tight enough

Undo the center bolt on the strut - use a 6mm (i think) allen socket in the middle with an swan necked 18mm spanner to get the bolt loose

Undo the 3 13mm bolts again

remove strut from car

compress the spring with spring compressors (use two)

then undo the strut top bolt completely and remove top mount

Remove spring and put new one in then reassemble in reverse

You need to tigthen the strut bolt up, then drop it out and put the cap back on otherwise it wont fit properly



I do have a spare set of 1.0 springs lying around off my old car, so if you need just one, Im more than happy to sort you out with it!

Youd be looking at about £50 upwards to have it done at a garage.

[RayD]

Thank you very much again Alex, that’s perfect – I have the previous model’s Haynes manual - it differs only by the top three bolts – now you’ve explained the plastic dome comes out with the strut it will be straightforward.

You have a PM

Ray

[red6n2]

i have my standard suspencion from my 1.4 still aswell its in the garage collecting dust...

[RayD]

Following Alex’s instruction the job is straightforward.

Mine differed only in the plastic dome being immovable – had to cut it out in the finish.

Also held the strut in the bench vice rather than replace it to tighten the top nut.

As much as the manual makes reference to a special box spanner to remove the top nut while holding the spindle with an Allen key it can easily be done using a ring spanner.

Various prices …
VW £58.97 Colour Code Brown and Grey
GSF £33.25
Bullseye … our local motor factor £25.18

Ray

[RayD]

An additional tip … as soon as the wheel has been removed cover the drive shaft gaiter to stop it from getting damaged with the strut.

I used a piece of 1” thick foam rubber in a plastic bag.

Ray