Installing Springs - advice needed

[Grant]

Hey guys,

well today my brother tried to install my lowering springs. he's done other cars before such as commodores and excels.

anyway, turns out the polo is a much bigger job. he says you have to remove the entire front hub to remove the strut. so he couldn't do it today as he ran out of time.

is he correct in removing the front hubs? or is there a much easier method?

if someone could outline the steps of changing the front springs that would be great.

Cheers
Grant

[MINTpolo]

I did it without taking the subframe off or removing a hub. The RHS is the problem due to the long driveshaft. We compressed the spring while the strut was still in the car and it came out easy. It can be done.

I posted this (post 2)a while ago

http://www.vwwatercooled.org.au/newforum/upload/showthread.php?t=14502&highlight=compress+spring+strut

Search online for guides (with pics) on mk IV golfs and jettas, its the same setup.

Hey guys,

well today my brother tried to install my lowering springs. he's done other cars before such as commodores and excels.

anyway, turns out the polo is a much bigger job. he says you have to remove the entire front hub to remove the strut. so he couldn't do it today as he ran out of time.

is he correct in removing the front hubs? or is there a much easier method?

if someone could outline the steps of changing the front springs that would be great.

Cheers
Grant

[Grant]

thanks Mint.
I've found a DIY for the golf mkIV. lowering the subframe for the right side seems to be the only tricky part

[Mischa]

removing the hub is nothing. takes 10 minutes. why on earth you would drop the subframe i have no idea.

take hub nut off, take ball joint nuts off, undo strut from wheel bearing housing (however its attached on the polo) unhook any brake/sensor lines etc, pull wheel bearing housing off driveshaft, undo strut from the top, take out strut, compress springs, take off top bearing, take off springs, install new springs in reverse order

[MINTpolo]

or just compress the spring on the car and u have do do nothing extra

[Mischa]

or just compress the spring on the car and u have do do nothing extra

yes you could do that too. id prefer to take the hub off though.

dont forget about the strut clamp tool. i'm gonna make myself one tomorrow you're welcome to borrow it after the weekend. will make your life much easier than using a screwdriver or anything else.

[Grant]

thanks for the responses everyone

so is the left hand side much easier? as in no bearing removal/subframe drop

[s1831559]

just got my h&r spring too!
yet to be installed.
as i dont hav access to a struct clamp and time.
i might get someone to do it for me.
how much did u guys pay for installation?
any good place to recommend on the coast?

[RhysQ]

apparently about $150, depending on where you go.