Suspension

Shocks, struts, dampers, springs, etc.

How-To

• Suspension install how-to[vwvortex]

• Another suspension how-to [vwvortex]: installing H&R springs (all four corners) on a 2008 MkV GTI.

• More info on suspension install (B+G Sport Springs install on GLI), using Snap On AST 6300 "VW/Audi/Porsche Socket and Bit Set"[vwvortex]
• Do you have to separate the axle from the hub to get the strut out? (Yes!)[vwvortex]
• Specialty tools for VWs/Audis (MkV strut spreader, strut nut socket, etc.)

• Specialty tools for VWs/Audis (MkV strut spreader, strut nut socket, etc.) from Snap-On [vwvortex]
  

• Do not need to replace front sway bar if using H&R springs[vwvortex]

Info

• "Aftermarket Spring Rates & Lowering FAQ"[vwvortex]: lowering amount, spring rates, etc.

• "Golf-V Aftermarket Suspension Guide", at http://www.golfmkv.com/

• U.S. GTI & GLI have same front spring rate and different rear spring rate[vwvortex]
  

• 2006 Jetta GLI DSG with Eibach springs and stock dampers[vwvortex]

• Part numbers for Euro Jetta sport suspension[vwvortex]:
  • Front
    • 1T0 413 031 DJ: sport shocks
    • 1K0 411 105 EQ: sport springs
  • Rear
    • 1K0 511 115 CE: rear springs, sport suspension
    • 1K0 511 353 P: stop buffer for sport suspension (133 mm), this part is in US catalog
    • 1K0 513 029 MF-: sport shock

• Bilstein PSS9 for GTI/Audi A3/GLI: where, how much, etc.[vwvortex]

• Pics of various suspension set-ups

• Cut-away view of front suspension & steering:
  

• Cut-away view of front suspension:
  

• Cut-away view of rear suspension:
  

• View from below driver's side suspension pieces. [vwvortex]
  

• Info on VW "Sport Springs" from the "VW Designs" brochure [vwvortex], which come with new bumpstops and cost $225/set.

Euro GTI springs

• Euro GTI springs part numbers[vwvortex]:
  • Front: "1K0 411 105 GK, colormarks: 1 blue/1red/2green"
  • Rear (3-Door): "1K0 511 115 EA, colormarks: 1blue/1pink"
  • Rear (3/5Door?): "1K0 511 115 EB, colormarks: 1blue/1pink/1yellow"
  • Rear (Extra load?): "1K0 511 115 EC, colormarks: 1blue/1pink(purple)/2yellow"

• Euro GTI and US GTI have the same strut/shock part numbers[vwvortex]
  • Front: 1T0 413 031 EQ
  • Rear: 1K0 513 029 GP

• Euro GTI bumpstop part numbers[vwvortex]
  • Front: 1K0 412 303 F - Rubber stop for shock absorber
  • Rear: 1K0 511 353 N - Stop buffer

• Euro GTI springs are available from www.parts4vws.com
• Euro GTI springs, from vw.oempl.us

• Alignment specs for MkV GTI with Euro GTI springs [vwvortex]

Problems, Issues

• Dealer forgot to remove spring spacers before delivery![vwvortex]:
  

Alignment: specs, etc.

• Differences in alignment specs between US and Euro MkV GTIs [vwvortex]

• Alignment specs from Bentley manual:

		US	Euro
Front	Camber	-30'   +/- 30'	-44'   +/- 30'
	Toe Out (with steering wheel turned to 20° left and right)	1° 38'   +/- 20'	1° 22'   +/- 20'
	Caster	7° 34'   +/- 30'	7° 47'   +/- 30'
	Front Standing Height	382 mm   +/- 10 mm	360 mm   +/- 10 mm
Rear	Camber	-1° 20'   +/- 30'	-1° 45'   +/- 30'
	Total toe (at prescribed camber)	+10' +/- 12.5'	+10' +/- 12.5'
	Rear Standing Height	380 mm   +/- 10 mm	365 mm   +/- 10 mm
Standing height is measured from the edge of the fender (wheel well) to the center of the hub cap on the wheel.

• PR number for Euro GTI front suspension is G08. Rear is 1JE (3-door).
• PR number for US GTI front suspension is G11. Rear is 1JH.

• Comparison of ride heights [vwvortex]: 2007 MkV GTI, 2008 MkV GTI and 2008 VW Rabbit.

Anti-roll bars ("sway bars"), braces ("stress bars"), etc.

• Great discussion, with cool formulae and stuff, on hollow versus solid anti-roll bars.

• Paper on hollow versus solid swaybars: Hollow_vs_Solid_Swaybar.pdf

• "INTRODUCING: Neuspeed's 25mm Tubular Adjustable Rear Sways Bar Now Available at NA Motorsports"[vwvortex]
  

• An issue with older Auto-Tech sway bars: pics of broken rear Auto-Tech sway bar [vwvortex]:
  

• Stern rear subframe brace [vwvortex], from purems.com.
  Installation instruction (PDF).