fitting lowering springs

[Stooey]

I have ordered some h&r lowering springs for my gti that's dine 97k, what I'm wondering is is there anything I should also get replaced at the same time? Like top mounts or bearings?

Also do I need shortened tie rods?

Any advice would be great, thanks

[howie1987]

if the top mounts aren't broke then i would leave them. and you shouldn't need to change anything else if its just springs.

[jedi-knight83]

If its done 97k and your taking the suspension off anyway I'd look at changing the dampers... even if you replace with OEM ones again... at 97k the ones on the car will be well past their best.

[Jarre]

Don't want to steal a thread, but my car is on 60k and I too am going to fit h&r springs. I was going to change the top mounts and bearings as the parts are £90 for genuine from TPS. Is it worth it or am I just wasting money?

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[Stooey]

Well if its recomended to change shocks aswell what would be recommended? I can get a set of brand new bilstein b4 dampers or 5000mile old dampers from a b12 kit for the same price, what would be the best option?

[jedi-knight83]

Well if its recomended to change shocks aswell what would be recommended? I can get a set of brand new bilstein b4 dampers or 5000mile old dampers from a b12 kit for the same price, or for an extra £200 get a set or bilstein b14 coilovers, what's the best option?

Not sure whats the BEST option.. I'm trying to work out a similar thing myself TBH.

But if your stripping it all down to fit springs you may as well change the dampers too unless they've been changed already recently... in which case just keep the OEM ones if they aren't that old.

[Stooey]

Well if its recomended to change shocks aswell what would be recommended? I can get a set of brand new bilstein b4 dampers or 5000mile old dampers from a b12 kit for the same price, or for an extra £200 get a set or bilstein b14 coilovers, what's the best option?

Not sure whats the BEST option.. I'm trying to work out a similar thing myself TBH.

But if your stripping it all down to fit springs you may as well change the dampers too unless they've been changed already recently... in which case just keep the OEM ones if they aren't that old.

As far as I'm aware there all the original dampers and its prob worth changing them as I do around 15k a year so mileage goes up quickly

[graham-gti]

I've just fitted some h&r spring and I've changed nothing. just had a quick check off all the components before putting the car back together.

 

[Stooey]

I might as well replace my shocks but would I be better off with bilstein b4 non uprated shocks or the shortened pi shocks I have seen on ebay, works out the same price

[Panthera]

When I had my dampers and springs replaced as they where tired at 75K I also had the top mounts and bearings replaced at VAG Specialists advice.   

I would say, if you can budget it, replace the dampers with the new H&R springs and top mounts and bearings.   Whilst you are at it look at the suspension bushes etc....

[Stooey]

That's what I'm thinking, might as well renew it all whilst its all off anyways, thing in struggling with is finding a top mount kit

[Redemption]

That's what I'm thinking, might as well renew it all whilst its all off anyways, thing in struggling with is finding a top mount kit

Have a look at Febi 32645 Top Mounts and SKF VKD 35025 T Bearings.

If you also need to replace the Strut Nuts and Bolts these are the P/N's:-

Strut Nuts: N 910 216 01 (x2)
Top Mount Bolts: N 101 277 07 (x6)

[biffobear]

You might find that when you try to remove the top mount bolts, the captive nuts they screw into start turning and you have to chisel the bolts off

[Lyons]

Knowing nothing about mechanicals, can someone explain if the top mounts and bearings can actually go as such? Or what symptoms can they show when well worn?

I too will be adding springs shortly and would consider replacing the oem dampers (70k), but don't want to get carried away and replacing the whole suspension set up!

Does anyone also know how much the OE dampers are, and who makes them?

[Redemption]

Knowing nothing about mechanicals, can someone explain if the top mounts and bearings can actually go as such? Or what symptoms can they show when well worn?

I too will be adding springs shortly and would consider replacing the oem dampers (70k), but don't want to get carried away and replacing the whole suspension set up!

Does anyone also know how much the OE dampers are, and who makes them?

One sign of the bearings going is a 'twanging' sound as you turn the steering wheel when stationary.  If bearings are being replaced you may as well do the mounts at the same time, especially if you're also fitting new springs. 

OEM  Dampers are made by Sachs. I recently bought both front and rears from Euro Car Parts for just under £200.