Im fitting AP coilovers to my ibiza this sunday and wounderd if it makes much diference spraying WD40 on to the strut base where its clamped in so it might help with it freeing up on removal or do they budge valy easily also same for the drop link top bolt which is conected to the strut. Or is it a waist of time?
Always helps a touch, best to do it the day before.
The best advice would be to get the hub splitter tool to remove to the strut. However I used a very large hammer and it took ages !
The best advice would be to get the hub splitter tool to remove to the strut. However I used a very large hammer and it took ages !
I take it this hub splitter is a tool that spreads the clamping part at the bottom of the strut.I think if this is correct ive used a crow bar or bar with flat end to prise open the bottom area where the strut sits and its always worked .WHere can you get these and how much are they?
It is so much easier to remove the drive shaft, as you'll need spring clamps to compress the spring, and it's not easy to get them in place while the struts still on the car. It is definitely possible without removing the drive shaft, just more time consuming. I chose not to remove the driveshaft and regretted it after as it too quite a bit longer for me. Below is a link to the guide I used.
http://www.seat-ibiza-mk4.co.uk/ibiza_front_shock_absorber_change.htm
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I did each side in turn on mine and it was fairly easy to get the strut out once I had put the spring compressor on it without removing drive shafts etc.
Its worth buying / making a hub spread though, I found grinding down a 10mm allen key did the job perfectly
Its worth buying / making a hub spread though, I found grinding down a 10mm allen key did the job perfectly
you really do not need to remove the drive shaft, i have change the fronts suspension on 2 mk4 now and have never removed a drive shaft.
if you do not have or dont want to buy a hub splitter you can just use a pry bar to spread the hub
if you do not have or dont want to buy a hub splitter you can just use a pry bar to spread the hub
I can vouch for the "the tool" - ie something like the Laser Tools copy of the VAG one, I did one side (broken spring) using things like screwdriver bits but they "rise" too quickly and if you do get lucky and they open the clamp up then they do tend to annoy you by jumping out! The correct tool is far more managable and trustworthy - just remember to remove it before reclamping as it will still be in there!!
One thing that I would add to the above guide is, do the initial slackening of the strut top<>top mounting nyloc nut, before removing anything and do the final tightening of the new nut after refitting everything - as it might save chasingthe strut around the garage floor!
One thing that I would add to the above guide is, do the initial slackening of the strut top<>top mounting nyloc nut, before removing anything and do the final tightening of the new nut after refitting everything - as it might save chasingthe strut around the garage floor!
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But seriously... im removing my front AP Coilovers tommorow to fit new top mounts & bearings. Do you have to remove the tie rod end ? I've found a tutorial for a fabia where the guy removes a tie rod end :/ I cant see much benefit other than maybe having a bit more room to slide the strut out ?
see HERE
In another tutorial there is no mention of removing the tie rod.
Also my car is lowered already will i have to still compress the spring ?
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