Removing Front Springs without removing the hub??

[GrayMK5GTI]

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  )

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 

Thanks in advance for your help.

Graeme

[Matto]

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.

[GrayMK5GTI]

Cheers Matto 

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 

[Nodz]

What you swapping to mate? Didn't you have h&r's on yours?

[GrayMK5GTI]

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  )

The GTI is going next week 

in its place. . . A Scirocco 

[Nodz]

You kept that one quiet, look forward to see what your gonna do with the Rocco

[Tortaruga]

Is it a Scirocco .:R?? 

[GrayMK5GTI]

 

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

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

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  

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  

[Sir_dave]

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 

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.

[GrayMK5GTI]

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 

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 

I'll give that a go, cheers 

[Sir_dave]

No problem 

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'.

[biffobear]

remove the brake caliper, use a length of scaffolding about 6ft to lever down on the hub, easy.

[GrayMK5GTI]

Well, I've managed it 

Ended up taking the driveshaft out and sliding the strut out that way, took 3hrs