Coilover fitting prob.

[jimmyconway]

I'm in the process of fitting new coilovers & I found this great guide:
http://www.vwgolfmk1.org.uk/modules.php ... age&pid=46

Now, the spacer... does it go on top of the top mount (in a ready made slot, logical) as per the above guide, or does it go inside the top mount as described here: http://www.vwgolfmk1.org.uk/modules.php ... c&start=10

Confused? I am.

Those with 4x4 stance need not post in this 'ere thread.

[paul_c]

It depends on the shape of the top of the coilover. If it can sit securely in the top mount without the spacer, then its not needed. If it cannot, then you will need some kind of spacer in there. (Not all coilovers are the same!) You can use the spacer in the top so the nut is closer to the surface, which makes it easier to do up, so long as the nut fully covers the thread of the damper.

[PeteGLi]

I'm in the process of fitting new coilovers & I found this great guide:
http://www.vwgolfmk1.org.uk/modules.php ... age&pid=46

Now, the spacer... does it go on top of the top mount (in a ready made slot, logical) as per the above guide, .

If you are talking about the small 'spacer' (which is actually a small sleeve 13mm long) shown in the third picture down in the above posting thread, then it goes in the top of the top mount to take up any sideways movement from the piston rod in the mount.

You should also have a washer on top of this under the nut.

[jimmyconway]

You should also have a washer on top of this under the nut.

erm no. None supplied with the coilover kit. Does it really matter?

[PeteGLi]

You should also have a washer on top of this under the nut.

erm no. None supplied with the coilover kit. Does it really matter?

It would not have been, because the washer is a standard VW part. You should have had one on the old struts.

[RogerM]

You should also have a washer on top of this under the nut.

erm no. None supplied with the coilover kit. Does it really matter?

Yes, if you don't use it you'll probably struggle to maintain the correct clamping load on the assembly. It acts as a thrust washer and also a provides the correct surface area so that when you torque the nut up to the correct figure you get the correct axial clamping load. In some case I've found that the nut bottoms on the threads before clamping up the assembly, you don't really notice it on teh unfitted assembly but the car will be scary to drive!!!