Time to get some work done..

[Greg_S]

Im gonna be doing some work on the coupe in the next few weeks and need to source a few parts and wondered where I am best to go with the demise of vagparts and who will be the best to try.

Jobs to do:

1. Fit Stock Springs back on to soften ride (have these already) - May need top mounts too
2. Replace cambelt, tensioner and waterpump
3. Replace front inner CV joints

So my question is what sort of money am I looking at for the cambelt kit of parts, cv joints and top mounts? And where am I best to get these from?

I had a quick look on ECP yesterday for CV joints which were £38 each, I havent spoken to pete yet though.

[lind4hl]

Inner CV joints?

they dont break often, a friend of mine has worked on VAG in 10years, and never chanced an inner CV joint ( if the rubber piece over isnt broken of course)

[S2central.net]

You have three main options Greg...

Ben @ TPS in Coventry
Pete @ QuattroCorner
ECP

Ahh four - I forgot GSF !

Worth getting some quotes alright - prices vary from time to time from different suppliers, but I'd say TPS is your best bet for proper OEM stuff on the cambelt kit.

[Greg_S]

Yeah I was thinking that on the cambelt side too. Forgot the other part, giving the coupe a service too. Shall start getting some quotes this week.

[s2driveruk]

certainly does create a holw doesn't it now that the vagparts boys have gone (RIP) but Ben can definately do some good prices

[Greg_S]

Well I started on the car yesterday and got to work on the front end to start with.

As expected the front top mounts were shot, and I think its probably time to try the 034 street density mounts instead because im sure I will need to change the fronts again in a couple of months.

What did surprise me once I got the drivers side off though was that the spring had snapped , and I expected better of the H&R's TBH. I had planned to sell the 4 springs but with only 3 im not sure if you can get a 4th direct from H&R?

Also I fitted the new front drivers wishbone since the alignment on full adjustment was just off on the front, so hopefully the new wishbone will rectify it. Checking the old with new you couldnt see any obvious difference in the wishbone, or any kinks so I will wait and see when I get the alignment done.

Then onto the rear, and it surprised me how quickly I managed to get the carpets moved and everything undone in the boot to get to the top mounts. Ive definetly had that suspension apart too often in the past!!

Another surprise was in store, even the rear top mounts were shot! I didnt expect that because they get alot less wear than the front both in terms of turning and weight, but there you go. So two new top mounts will be going on there later today.

Also spent a little time looking at brake ducts too, but didnt have all the bits with me so will finish that at home.

Once the rear suspension is back on the cambelt is next so I will start dismantling the front end while I wait for the top mounts to arrive.

Looking forward to getting her back on the road with the stock springs and hopefully some comfort back because with poly subframe and wishbone bushes, H&R's and KONI's its just too hard. Was fine before the subframe ones too.

[s2driveruk]

sounds like you've been busy there Greg...I have the street denisty mounts to go on the fronts on mine and while I'm at it I'll give my H&R's the once over. Snapping a spring is crap when you think about the approvals H&R get (TUV etc) you'd have thought they would have lasted longer than that, i'd be tempted to contact H&R and see what can be done if anything?

[dest]

You have to replace springs in pairs I thought, so Id guess you will have to buy a new set of four

[Greg_S]

thats a bit of a shame if it is the case with set of four, a pair wouldnt be so bad to replace. Gonna replace the top o ring on PAS pump while im doing the cambelt too. Got the front end all dismantled now anyway so just goto fit new belt and refit then.

Will get in touch with H&R and see what they have to say, def not what I expected from them since should be decent quality kit.

[Error404]

My mate at worked had a snappedd spring on his 8 month old 1 series - probably a manfacturing defect.

[Greg_S]

Well windscreen is booked in for the morning now, not using the monkeys at national windscreen ala insurance, instead using bob from All Shropshire Windscreens who has plenty of experience with changing them in the past. And just finished fighting with the boot carpet and seat adjustment in the boot.

[mcandmar]

What did surprise me once I got the drivers side off though was that the spring had snapped , and I expected better of the H&R's TBH. I had planned to sell the 4 springs but with only 3 im not sure if you can get a 4th direct from H&R?

I had exactly the same issue, drivers side front too. Unfortunately you can only buy them in sets of four

[Greg_S]

thats typical. Dont suppose you still have your three left over? Could make up a set and half then. lol.

Had a minor setback, the cambelt is S2 cambelt, but fitting rs2 water pump so goto wait for that to arrive in morning. Been getting a few niggles and odds and sods sorted.

Fixed the throttle cable on inlet manifold, the plastic cam had broken so some superglue and a cable tie has sorted that, and adjusted the damper with the 5.5mm drill bit.

Also tightened up the water feed to turbo which was weeping a little coolant. Tightened all of the boost hoses up and fixed my boot light switch which hasnt worked for a while too.

[pixsaudisex2]

Its always good to get the little jobs out of the way

[johne]

Well I started on the car yesterday and got to work on the front end to start with.

As expected the front top mounts were shot, and I think its probably time to try the 034 street density mounts instead because im sure I will need to change the fronts again in a couple of months.

Another surprise was in store, even the rear top mounts were shot! I didnt expect that because they get alot less wear than the front both in terms of turning and weight, but there you go. So two new top mounts will be going on there later today.

Sounds like I'm too late but I've got a set of 034 street density top mounts if you want them.

John