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Author Topic: Removing Front Springs without removing the hub??  (Read 3504 times)

Offline GrayMK5GTI

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Removing Front Springs without removing the hub??
« on: December 13, 2012, 10:18:35 am »
Hi Guys,

I'm swapping my springs tonight. In the past, I had to remove the hub to get the strut out to get enough clearance to remove the springs (using spring compressors too  :scared: )

Is there an easier way to swap the front springs on your driveway?

I managed the rears last night easily, not looking forward to doing this in the cold either  :sad1:

Thanks in advance for your help.

Graeme
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Offline Matto

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Re: Removing Front Springs without removing the hub??
« Reply #1 on: December 13, 2012, 10:28:08 am »
You can buy these which help to spread the back of the strut once you've removed the pinch bolt. I watched Alex at AKS do mine and on the passenger side he disconnected the driveshaft too, to allow the hub to drop lower and give more room. It can probably be done without doing this but as your are on your drive in the freezing cold you want as little hassle as possible I imagine.

« Last Edit: December 13, 2012, 10:47:50 am by Matto »

Offline GrayMK5GTI

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Re: Removing Front Springs without removing the hub??
« Reply #2 on: December 13, 2012, 10:45:41 am »
Cheers Matto  :drinking:

I'm sure someone on here said it was possible to get the hub low enough to remove the strut without actually having to remove the driveshaft. Would love to know how  :confused:
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Offline Nodz

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Re: Removing Front Springs without removing the hub??
« Reply #3 on: December 13, 2012, 11:15:19 am »
What you swapping to mate? Didn't you have h&r's on yours?

Offline GrayMK5GTI

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Re: Removing Front Springs without removing the hub??
« Reply #4 on: December 13, 2012, 11:18:32 am »
What you swapping to mate? Didn't you have h&r's on yours?

Swapping for standard springs mate (sold already before the vultures ask  :P)

The GTI is going next week  :sad1:

in its place. . . A Scirocco  :party:
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Offline Nodz

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Re: Removing Front Springs without removing the hub??
« Reply #5 on: December 13, 2012, 11:22:29 am »
You kept that one quiet, look forward to see what your gonna do with the Rocco

Offline Tortaruga

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Re: Removing Front Springs without removing the hub??
« Reply #6 on: December 13, 2012, 11:39:56 am »
Is it a Scirocco .:R??  :drool:
'07 Red manual

Offline GrayMK5GTI

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Re: Removing Front Springs without removing the hub??
« Reply #7 on: December 13, 2012, 11:43:34 am »
 :grin:

Only made the purchase on Tuesday, dont collect until next Thursday  :party:

Its the 170bhp TDI - much better for the trip to Somerset im doing every 5 weeks  :smiley:

I didnt advertise it on here as I dont have a build thread or anything, will probably bring it down to the next JKM dyno day just to check its running fine  :happy2:

it will be standard for a while, then may get it mapped, DPF removed, and eventually Hybrid turbo (250bhp) or big turbo (300bhp+) with 60mpg  :grin:
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Offline Sir_dave

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Re: Removing Front Springs without removing the hub??
« Reply #8 on: December 13, 2012, 11:50:13 am »
I'm sure someone on here said it was possible to get the hub low enough to remove the strut without actually having to remove the driveshaft. Would love to know how  :confused:

After using the hub spreader tool and covering the lower half of the strut in WD40, simply stand on the brake disc. With a bit of force the hub will drop down and you can pull the damper out.

Offline GrayMK5GTI

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Re: Removing Front Springs without removing the hub??
« Reply #9 on: December 13, 2012, 12:00:27 pm »
I'm sure someone on here said it was possible to get the hub low enough to remove the strut without actually having to remove the driveshaft. Would love to know how  :confused:

After using the hub spreader tool and covering the lower half of the strut in WD40, simply stand on the brake disc. With a bit of force the hub will drop down and you can pull the damper out.

Your a star  :notworthy:

I'll give that a go, cheers  :happy2:
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Offline Sir_dave

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Re: Removing Front Springs without removing the hub??
« Reply #10 on: December 13, 2012, 02:09:01 pm »
No problem  :happy2:

Just remember to disconnect the xenon adjuster on the passenger side wishbone before you stand on the disc - if you have them of course.

Makes it easier if you undo the ARB droplinks/Balljoints as well btw. Makes everything a little more 'slack'.

Offline biffobear

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Re: Removing Front Springs without removing the hub??
« Reply #11 on: December 13, 2012, 09:34:42 pm »
remove the brake caliper, use a length of scaffolding about 6ft to lever down on the hub, easy. :star:

Offline GrayMK5GTI

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Re: Removing Front Springs without removing the hub??
« Reply #12 on: December 13, 2012, 10:25:19 pm »
Well, I've managed it  :smiley:

Ended up taking the driveshaft out and sliding the strut out that way, took 3hrs  :sad1:
NOW: 2015 Golf R DSG 5 Door, Lapiz Blue, 19s, Discover Nav, Reversing Camera
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