Changing the Shock Absorbers (Struts) on my VW T5.1

[@steve61098]

Impressed - well done for tackling a job like that...👍

[@ccuk]

Thanks Steve. It was worth doing too.

[@stefanoslover]

Great job thanks mate

[@ccuk]

These made a huge difference. I have since reinstalled the standard springs and I cannot say how good the ride is now. It is a magic carpet ride almost.

[@justineknight3580]

You mentioned the top few coils of rear spring have been hitting together which is why the paint has scrubbed off, did you ever get any coil slap ? You hear the spring rattle when there is no weight in the back of van ?

[@ccuk]

I have never heard any chatter. I do get the occasional 'crack' noise from the spring when parking. It is barely detectable though.

[@13thdukeofwybourne69]

Have a T5 camper conversion fitted with the H&R -40 mm kit. Wanting a soft comfortable ride and not knowing any better I got the soft (F) and soft (R) kit. Ran this for a while and noticed just this issue, top 3 coils of rear springs permanently compressed together. I found could buy Hard rear springs separately, and upgraded when I changed the stock dampers out for Bilstein B8's, very happy with the current setup, was worried about a crashy ride but found the opposite to be true. Currently on B8's, H&R -40mm: - Soft front Hard rear. Stock anti roll bars.

[@hewyn1]

Thanks! Another great video. I haven’t lowered my t5 but I definitely need to do the shocks. If you were to choose again, would you recommend the konis? Amazing instruction booklet! Whatever happened to real, helpful actual words, I wonder? Many thanks and cheers! Nick

[@ccuk]

Hi Nick. My verdict is I. My next video. Tomorrow I think. But yes they are certainly much better than my original shocks. My opinion is they are a worthwhile upgrade for anything lowered up to 40 mm and also standard ride height. That being said my experience is from a 2015 T5.1. these had cheaper shocks fitted as standard compared to earlier years.

[@andybryan3106]

Im looking at doing mine i have h&r 40mm springs fitted but the ride is so harsh great video will give these koni a try where did you purchase yours from??

[@ccuk]

Hi I got them from DC Performance. They were the cheapest I found but they had to order them. About 2 to 3 weeks wait I think.

[@B_Dog_Supreme]

Loving the channel, thanks Car Crush. About to fit Koni Special Actives to my van and wondering if you ended up requiring and impact wrench for any of the work or just stuck with a good breaker bar + penetrating oil? Cheers!

[@ccuk]

Thanks Brian. Most of the work was with breaker bars. My impact wrench was too bulky for most of the access.

[@B_Dog_Supreme]

@@ccuk That's what I have decides after a quick look on mine this afternoon. But I've not got a proper impact wrench so wasn't sure whether it was worth buying one for the job or not. Cheers!

[@B_Dog_Supreme]

@@ccuk And where did you find these for £600?!

[@ccuk]

@@B_Dog_Supremewww.carnoisseur.com but they look like they have gone up in price. DC performance might be worth a look.

[@vwtransportersandmotorcycl3729]

Are they the blue H and R springs you fitted and not happy with?

[@ccuk]

Yes they are blue. In my opinion they are too firm and give a sporty ride. They give very little comfort.

[@vwtransportersandmotorcycl3729]

@@ccuk Ive taken coilovers off and then bought springs with a 40mm drop but kept standard struts and shocks. I find the ride awful so looking for alternatives and not sure if to just change struts and dampers or to buy the whole set again from different suppliers😏

[@yahsintobintobin7177]

@@vwtransportersandmotorcycl3729 Hey, I’m about to do what you have done. 40mm drop on standard shocks. What’s so awful?

[@vwtransportersandmotorcycl3729]

@@yahsintobintobin7177 Hi, I put 40mm drop with standard shocks however the van had done over a 100k so the shocks where probably past it. I spent loads on this Bilstein kit but wish I had just bought new shocks all round with the 40mm lowering spring as I find it makes my van sound like its falling apart lol. On a smooth road its ok though, so just dont think our roads are compatible with the B14’s. However it depends on a lot of factors like what your used too, how long your drives are, wheel size, tyre size and what brand will all have an impact. Let us know how you get on👍

[@keanMechanic]

All of the fixings should be renewed and torqued and stretched to manufactures spec.

[@petermcgrath1830]

Nasty crack in your RR disc