Replace Shocks with Coils?

AdrianC

You say 2010 VW diesel, but you don't actually say which model...

Assuming a Golf 2.0TDi, then...
https://www.mister-auto.co.uk/front-shock-absorber/volkswagen/golf/golf-vi-5k1-2-0-tdi-136hp-2008-2012/
Out of that lot, Monroe/KYB/Sachs/Bilstein/Koni are all OEM quality.
Never heard of Mapco. Bolk are own-brand cheap and nasty.
You can also see the number of different parts that could be fitted.

ECP only seem to list Sachs (good) or Anschler (own-brand).

tangotonyb

It's a 1.6 TDI Bluemotion
Ah - hadn't realised that it worked that way - I thought OEM items would be marked OEM.

I've found a very clear video on autodoc here- also reading Haynes - The main difference is that Autodoc removed the calipers, while Haynes seems to have left them in place - I guess for 2 bolts it's probably worth removing as it takes the brake hose out of the way.
The main possible sticking points I've found are
1) separation of the lower arm from the wheel bearing assembly - autodoc uses a special tool to prise it open - haynes makes no mention
2) Separation of the strut from the wheel bearing assembly - Autodoc uses a chisel and a hammer - Haynes suggests may need a puller if tight - watching other videos it looks like this bit could be the patience tester
3) Refitting - May need to get clever with a trolley jack to lift everything back into position on the strut - how much of the strut should extend through the clamp at this point and is it critical?

Finally while I'm doing all this is there anything else I should be checking for renewal? I'm probably going to do the brakes at the same time because I'll be 80% of the way there and my old discs are very corroded (never been changed) - just need to get the caliper holder and the old discs off. But things like the control arm - going to do a visual inspection of both sides shortly to see if I can spot any extra work but helpful to know what to look for.

AdrianC

tangotonyb wrote: »

It's a 1.6 TDI Bluemotion

But... WHAT? A Golf? A Polo? A Beetle? A Touran? A Passat...?

Ah - hadn't realised that it worked that way - I thought OEM items would be marked OEM.

OEM isn't a brand - it just means Original Equipment Manufacturer - made by the same people who made the ones that VW fitted when new.

If you want VW-badged boxes, then go to the VW dealer. VW won't make the bits themselves - I don't know who they will have used, but they'll be one of the big names. So is <say> a Sachs damper in a Sachs box any different to a Sachs damper in a VW box?

tangotonyb

Oop - sorry I thought I'd said Golf earlier haha

Golf VI Estate 1.6TDI Bluemotion (2010)
I think 105BHP

Of course - it makes sense what you say regarding parts - just never thought about it, and slightly confused by someone on another forum saying they ONLY used OEM or Sachs parts.

wgl2014

If you are going for Sachs shocks I recommend here: http://autopartstechnik.co.uk/
You may need to use the Sachs online parts catalogue to find the correct part number first.

tangotonyb

Strangely enough the shocks that are on are Sachs it turns out! So I can get the part number of the old parts!

Just been hunting around to see if anything else needs changing - the suspension arm is pretty rusty, but can't see any damage.

tangotonyb

Just looking at that link you sent me wgl2014 and comparing prices with ECP.

On the shocks they are comparable with the extra 1/3 off ECP gives this w/e. The nice thing about ECP is I can have the parts tomorrow!
But ECP's price for Coils is ridiculous - £94 each for their Sachs coil springs, while the same part elsewhere is around £35!!
Will ring them in the morning and see if they'll price match!

AdrianC

That disk is very grotty indeed. At the very least, go round the outside with a hammer and get all that scale off - but I'll bet it's below minimum thickness.

fred990

tangotonyb wrote: »

So now I'm looking at parts - I had thought ECP, but I've been advised to avoid after-market parts on the front - where can I get OEM parts - everywhere I look just shows me lists of branded products?

Go to Volkswagen.7zap.com (it's effectively ETKA online), you can get the OEM part numbers (Meyle, Bosch, Febi Bilstein etc..) and then avoid pattern parts. I still get parts from my local TPS but the odd google search with the OEM number has found some pretty close prices to trade at TPS.

tangotonyb

Hmm - tried that site (thanks for the link) - it doesn't accept my VIN though - although the number is correct I've checked that.
I do have the part numbers though - the shocks I got off the old part, the coils someone gave to me based on the reg