UK-POLOS.NET - THE VW Polo Forum

Right, need to lower my car. Did my bro's Fiesta in 2 hours. The Polo however, is a different story!! What is this about a strut tool? Haynes seem to think you need one.

Do you have to take the driveshafts out, or can you just knock/prise them off the hub with say a hammer?

Is it difficult with the mk3 polo, all iam doing is changing the springs.

Steve

I've heard that the rear wheels are a doddle, but the fronts are a right pig and you may well need that tool (or a mock-up) and remove the shafts....... other than that i'm clueless and will step aside

The front suspension is the hardest part. The whole strut assembly need to be removed which requires the driveshafts, brakes and steering taking off.

The strut tool is for the top mounts when you have compressed the spring, the nut has two notches which the tool fits into (like a key). This tool makes it easier to do compared to making something.

Give yourself a day to do it, as something will cause you grief.

Ahhh typical VW, complicating everything! Right, my brother isn't going to want to hear this, ive been convincing him it won't take all day. Knowing our luck it will be two weeks. Is there no way around this problem, i mean do they all HAVE to come out? Plus ive heard a 13mm long reach socket can be cut into this tool. Does this work? The actual tool itself costs £20 from A.R.E, my local motor spares shop!

Steve

oohh they joys of taking off mk3 suspension!! as ppl have said the rear is easy, shodnt have any real probs (take off 2 bolts & it all drops down)

The front is a whole diff situation. 1stly yeah you have to take off the full strut. Good old haynes says you can "easily" make the required tool from a 13" socket. If you can get the tool i prob wood, saves the hassle. It mite not seem too hard but ther main prob i found was that the 12yr old nuts & bolts has rusted.

But as othr ppl have said, give yourself a day& that shoul b fine!!

to butt in, would it be ok ever to replace the rear suspension for something with a different response (stiffer) while leaving the front alone?
I'd like to tighten the back up a little (as it already sits a bit lower than it should, reckon the springs are a bit fatigued) but can't stand the thought of the front after hearing that description... bet most garages would charge a bomb in labour, too!

My local garage quoted me £160 to change all 4 standard springs for my g40 ones. Sounds expensive but think of the hassle you've saved!

Steve

It took me and a mate of mine a day to do the front suspension... while doing the front another mate came and did the rears in about 20 minutes.

Second time around (weekend before Inters) 2 of us changed the lot in 4 hours!

The rears were a b***h the second time as the top nut seemed to have welded itself on, and thepiston just span round and wouldnt undo.

I used a 'modded' deep reach socket like Haynes recommends. Took 5 minutes to cut it to fit. You WON'T be able to do it without it...

I recommend that you soke EVERYTHING with WD40 the night before, and the morning of the swap.. will make things easier for you.

Good luck, and may the force be with you!

suspension swaps... fun times..

i got the garage to do mine, i'm lazy n didn't have the time!

by they way, my car is now lowered!