DIY VW Lowering Spring Install - 2017 VW Passat R-Line Lowered on H&R Sport Springs and Rotiform KPS

In this episode we lower a 2017 VW Passat R-Line on H&R Sport Springs and 20x8.5 Rotiform KPS! I tried to give you guys a very thorough DIY, and keep in mind this process is almost exactly the same on every single Mk5/6 platform since they all share the same suspension design.
Link to Parts:
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Music - Difigure - Blank (Hylo Remix)
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Instagramz:
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[@F15H3RM4N]

Thank you! Following your instructions I have replaced my wasted oem shocks and struts with koni special activities. Massive improvement. This is the way to go for a nms 2012 Passat. Exactly

[@joshwalling4633]

Love hearing things like this!!! Glad the video helped!

[@F15H3RM4N]

@@joshwalling4633 it is the video for diy Passat nms front suspension! I did this in my driveway. I was LUCKY to have a single 12-point 15/16 long socket that kind of fit the axle bolt without much slop. Could not have done it without this video. h&r rear bar is a recent upgrade too.took a twisty desert road at speeds that would have been impossible yesterday! Thank You

[@cebastienlarochelle8182]

I did the same on my 2011 jetta. Lowering springs are a bit stiffer and rides well but it’s not low enough in my opinion. It’s an « oem plus » mod. I think i might buy a set of coilovers if i decide to lower my next car.

[@garrettmartin6267]

Little FYI, generally those bolts that are torqued to x amount of ft lb and then an additional x° are "torque to yield" and should be replaced. It may never be an issue but those bolts aren't as strong as they were after the very first torque down at the factory. Edit: otherwise loved the vid, have a '12 Passat tdi. Plan on doing those exact springs. Very helpful!

[@joshwalling4633]

I’m aware, not sure why we didn’t mention it here. Thanks for the comment!

[@rubioalejo]

It would be interesting to compare the car before and after with the same wheels!! Those after market wheels are bigger size.

[@Werewolfmage]

Your video just showed me how to replace my struts properly on my 2014 Thank you!

[@joshwalling4633]

No problem!!!!

[@Werewolfmage]

@@joshwalling4633 I never knew there was a tool to spread it apart. That tool has been ordered.

[@joshwalling4633]

Yeah it makes it way easier, you can also make your own in a pink by using a big Allen head socket bit and grinding it down into the shape of the spreader bit.

[@Werewolfmage]

@@joshwalling4633 though yours is clean. I live in the Salt belt. Fluid film helped a little

[@joshwalling4633]

Mate... we live in Wisconsin LOL. His was clean because it was brand new at the time haha

[@mitch9894]

The KPS's look sick!

[@jsweck5809]

Thanks for including the torque specs!

[@WarPigRS]

Great, now I'm going to have to order some black KPS's for my GT. Lmao

[@kyleheron38]

Was he already running spacers? Springs look great!

[@JohnKaufmann]

Great effing video!!! Thx so much for taking the time to do it.

[@joshwalling4633]

Thanks!

[@partizan5811]

Awesome 😎. Is that rims and tires are the same size with OEM R LINE 19 ?!?! Coz I like that OEM wheels ... just want to do it lower 🤟🏼🤟🏼🤟🏼🤟🏼 . Have exactly 2017 R line in white color 😁

[@joshwalling4633]

I can’t remember the wheel specs, might be 20? Not sure

[@OBYourThirst]

Shouldnt you get shorter bumpstops like the golf R or GTI when getting lowering springs like on a passat?

[@gigi19mai1]

Please confirm that the ball joint nuts to control arm (3 nuts) are being torqued to 74ft-lb (per ECS Tuning) or 44ft-lb as you specified. Also, are you replacing drive axle bolt and all nuts? Is it necessary?

[@joshwalling4633]

Replacing the drive axle nut/bolt is definitely one you will want to do. No clue on torque specs man.

[@jb-wranch]

Yeah, I kinda agree with Malcolm

[@spencerclark8734]

Dope video guys! Also, LOVE the We The People tattoo, TRUTH!

[@bachiii0079]

Great video, I have a 2020 Passat R Line, are there special springs or I should get the H&R Sport Springs? Thank you

[@joshwalling4633]

The H&R springs should still lower the car.

[@Malik-jt8hi]

imagine having a clean passat, couldn’t be mine lmaoooo

[@icxcnika555]

I would not forget about that alignment, because if you do you will have inner tire wear or something .. pretty much ruin your new tires

[@joshwalling4633]

Appreciate you looking out, but of course we got it aligned. You just can’t do it right away because your suspension settles over the next week or so - ruining any alignment you got right away.

[@Mano_on_Point]

I have a very small clunking sound when hitting a bump or doing slow parking maneuvers only. Happens once in a while but it’s annoying when it does so I just need to possibly retorque?? I’ve driven on the new spring for about 250 miles.

[@joshwalling4633]

Sorry mate, super hard to diagnose suspension issues like knocking over the internet. I would start by checking if your swaybar endlinks are in good shape, and the other culprit could be a worn upper strut mount (I usually recommend replacing these with new ones when you do the job). I would also check to ensure the spring is seated properly in the spring cup of the front strut. Just some things that came to mind I guess, but definitely not an exhaustive list of items to check. Worn ball joints could also be a culprit. Lots of options here but either way you need to just get in there and have a look around.

[@Given2Fly7173]

What size are those wheels guys? I have a 2017 Jetta and want to start working on wheel size and possible lowering something similar to this!

[@joshwalling4633]

I can’t remember, check the description to see if I put it in there. Atleast 19”, might be 20”. But on a Jetta, I wouldn’t go any bigger than 19. If you want easy and garanteed fitment, pretty sure 19x8.5 et45 works really well. Double check on the forums to be sure though.

[@Given2Fly7173]

Josh Walling appreciated!!

[@michaeldiggs6653]

I have a 2015 passat. What do I need to do this suspension modification. I also would like to know what tires an rims were used in the video. Where there any problems later on. 🤔

[@joshwalling4633]

No problems later on, I think the wheel and tire size is in the description. You just need springs and you are good to go.

[@akudij]

Any updates on any additional mods ? And if so any videos coming for it

[@joshwalling4633]

Unfortunately not, this was a friends - brothers car haha

[@CaptainBackFat]

You put sport springs on stock dampers? Bad idea. I see so many people make this crappy mistake. Also, what are safety "galsses"?

[@joshwalling4633]

The car drove great, and as far as I know, hasn’t had an issue with the dampers to this day. It clearly isn’t ideal to lower it on stock dampers, but if you are only getting the “sport” springs (as opposed to race, which have a larger drop) I think it’s fine. Also, if your shocks fail, then your springs are still OK and you can upgrade to the better shocks later down the road.

[@caiomoonlight]

Awesome! What is the tires size/dimensions guys?

[@joshwalling4633]

Can’t remember. By the looks of it, maybe a 225/35/19. Wheels where 19x8.5 et No Clue.

[@andresparrow2971]

How low can you go with lower springs on oem struts without blowing them? You put the lower springs on the car but didn't change struts.

[@joshwalling4633]

It is not ideal to use OEM struts, but if the drop is mild then it can be done. What you don’t want to do is lower it to the point where you bottom out the strut. It is always a better idea to change the struts out as well, but in this case it isn’t what the owner wanted to do.

[@RestoJay]

I have a Passat r line estate B8 with this Springset fit?

[@arnoldkevorkov3640]

Sick

[@coldboltz7390]

Wow

[@jaimeestrada1965]

Can you please let us know the list of tools needed? Such as sizes and such? I have the springs however I don’t have an extensive amount of tools. Thanks!

[@joshwalling4633]

You are going to want a full set of tools to tackle a job like this. I made this a while ago so I don’t recall all the tools - but you could always pull the front wheel off and take a look around to see what you’ll need.

[@thomaslingard8292]

I have a 2018 Passat GT that I'm getting the H&R Sport Springs on. Even with the .6" lowering kit from the factory the front end looks like I'm ready to go off road. I hope the H&R's will bring the wheel gap closer and make the ride height respectable.

[@cuckoo4watches]

Thomas Lingard did you ever swap out the springs on your v6 Passat GT? i have the same car and was considering the H&R Sport springs as well. thx

[@joshwalling4633]

The procedure will be the same, if that is what you’re asking.

[@cuckoo4watches]

Josh Walling no, not what i was wondering. i wanted to know if all you did was swap the springs and if so, how did it turn out? any issues with stock shocks or mounts? hows it sit now, hows wheel well gap look? if u can send or upload a pic thatd be awesome. thx 😉

[@joshwalling4633]

Unfortunately this wasn’t my car. I will note that the rear bump stops should be trimmed. Other than that everything worked fine - yes we just swapped the springs out. The drop was the same as reported on their website after a week of settling. Hope that helps, no pictures besides what is in the video when it’s all done.

[@cuckoo4watches]

Josh Walling thanks for the input. so only the rear bump stops need trimmed? and if so, how much or even how to do? did it look much better than the stock lowering on the GT? thx

[@656stan]

What offset for the wheels and what tire size?? Any rub???

[@markuslappalainen7712]

What size tyres did you put in ?

[@Smallyardguy]

What did he do with the other rims? I’m interested

[@BSxyKrazy]

Do you have a list of all the tools needed to install the springs?

[@spawntohell]

24mm bi hex onlyfor front axle shaft bolt; other sockets 21mm, 18mm, 17mm, 16mm, 13mm , hex bits 4 mm for counter holding drop link knucle and 7mm for strut shaft, swan(dog) neck 21mm ring spanner for top nut of the strut shaft; 21mm, 18mm, 13mm combination ring spanner; triple square (spline) M14 and M10 (for 4 wheel drive only); spring compressors and vw spreader 3424 or a 1/4 ratchet to release the bottom of the strut; 1/2 ratchet; torque wrench; axle stands and a car jack. VW says the bolts and nuts cannot be reused...and supposed to use new ones... new ones come with pre applied thread lock. Do not undo the drive shaft bolt more than 90 degrees if the wheel is on the ground...as bearing damage can happen.

[@joshwalling4633]

Thanks for the solid reply!!!

[@gerardogonzalez9322]

Quick question. How does it ride with this spring? Compare if you get coilovers ?

[@joshwalling4633]

Coilovers would be more stiff. The springs are best for wanting a firmer ride than stock, while getting a mild drop.

[@gerardogonzalez9322]

@@joshwalling4633 thanks I drive a lot so I get spring with bilstein would be fine ? What you think ?

[@joshwalling4633]

It’s a classic combo, you can’t go wrong

[@JC-wr2tp]

Hi, what kit did you use and what difference did It make over an above stock. I have DCC and struggling to find anyone that can help. I’m based in the UK. Thanks

[@joshwalling4633]

These were the H&R spring kit. This car didn’t have DCC, but the companies should say if it will work or not. Check to see if KW, Eibach, or H&R offer a kit for your car. Lowering springs do just that, lower without much added harshness. The car is a little stiffer, sure, but still very compliant.

[@maveric0738]

You don’t need to remove the axle bolt and control arm bolts.

[@Pancho4dummies]

You don't but it's a lot easier with it removed, specially when dealing with stock struts, they are pretty long.

[@joshwalling4633]

There are alternative methods, but I’ve found it to be a massive pain because the stock springs decompress to a very long length and make it hard to get the shock out of the knuckle. Probably done this job like 20 times and it’s what has worked the best for me.

[@ERJones-hm4sz]

I have 2016 Passat Rline. I installed the exact same springs and upgraded to 20in rims (mine are 1in wider than the factory 19x8in rim). After the springs settled the factory shocks became way too soft, started to bottom out constantly & my car only has 30k miles! Do you have any recommendations on shock upgrades to fix the problem? Id rather not do struts.

[@ElOhGeeAyEn42]

E. R. Jones did you ever find a fix to your problem? I was looking at getting 20’s but want to avoid tire rub and bottoming out as well

[@joshwalling4633]

You have to trim the bump stops on the stock shocks or upgrade your shocks.

[@ElOhGeeAyEn42]

Josh Walling what shocks did you guys use then? I thought you left the stock ones

[@joshwalling4633]

We did use the stock ones, like I said you can trim the bump stops to prevent from bottoming out. I should note that lowering with just springs isn’t the most ideal solution since stock shocks aren’t really meant to go low. A nice spring and shock combo will provide a much better ride.

[@ElOhGeeAyEn42]

Josh Walling any recommended shocks for the Passat?

[@HALAMADRIDCR7]

I really want to do it in my car , same as your car , but it’s blue , I don’t know how to do it

[@joshwalling4633]

Well this video teaches you how! It’s a DIY after all.

[@Darylrb1983]

hmm. looks good

[@VdubG]

What is the tire size?

[@martindelgadillo8620]

Would this spring damage my suspension or wear it out .?

[@joshwalling4633]

No, not significantly, but from what I hear you have to trim the bump stops in the rear. It should be said, that it is always better to get shocks paired with springs instead of using the OEM springs. That being said, I’d do this mod in a heart beat to get a little bit lower without sacrificing much ride quality.

[@martindelgadillo8620]

@@joshwalling4633 so you think is a good idea and safe mod .? does it ride the same , or is it more bumpier

[@renaldosimpson8755]

You thinkthis the same process for the jetta?

[@joshwalling4633]

For the fronts I know for a fact it is essentially the same process. For the rear the answer is “it depends.” Some Jetta’s do not have independent rear suspension, and in that case, the process will be slightly different, but nothing you can’t handle if this video made sense to you.

[@rickpena75]

What size was the hex size for the pinch bolt for the knuckle

[@joshwalling4633]

Somewhere between 17 mm and 19mm, can’t remember.

[@HALAMADRIDCR7]

Please advise me , what to do

[@tommymazura4395]

I have this same car but can’t find anything on how to put in coilovers... HELP?? I got BC Racing BR Type coilovers because that’s what was recommended by them but I’m scared of fucking up the install Bc I can’t find a video anywhere

[@joshwalling4633]

The steps for installing coilovers is very much the same as this video, it’s even easier because you don’t have to reuse the old front strut mounts - I believe BC could have camber plates

[@tsharabi4]

Check out my r line !

[@martindelgadillo8620]

More vids with passat!

[@joshwalling4633]

Sorry to disappoint you man, but this was a friends car haha. Probably won’t have any more on this car.

[@caphicks]

What are the specs on the lowering springs used?

[@joshwalling4633]

Specs? Not sure what you mean, I think the link is in the description on the parts used

[@TheShootingBrake]

I just wish the damn car came that height from factory.

[@joshwalling4633]

Agreed!

[@TheShootingBrake]

@@joshwalling4633 do you feel this all applies to a 2020 R-line Passat? I’ve heard it was just a facelift, so I’m wondering if all the steps to lowering it will be the same.

[@joshwalling4633]

I don’t know the answer exactly, but VW doesn’t change the suspension very much even in new models, so the steps should be dang near identical.

[@zacm4706]

Would these springs work well with the stock rims?

[@joshwalling4633]

Yup

[@tinobarnabei1988]

@@joshwalling4633 do the tires rub at all?

[@joshwalling4633]

Not if you do the fender screw mod mentioned in the video.

[@martindelgadillo8620]

What size were does springs .?

[@joshwalling4633]

I don’t recall, sorry man

[@JustinAndJoshBroDown]

Noice

[@mauriciogarcia-pr9qe]

Whats the size of the axle?

[@joshwalling4633]

The axle or the axle nut? If you mean the nut I can’t remember.

[@mauriciogarcia-pr9qe]

Axle nut

[@seansmile]

Wish those came in manual

[@joshwalling4633]

Right?!

[@malcolmisk00l]

Thats a whole lotta BS to remove the front suspension

[@malcolmisk00l]

But that car looks sick, just a shame the R line doesnt even come with projectors and LEDs or even fogs :(

[@derrickforeal]

I'd rather do aftermarket or custom lights then have every car out there with the same lights. Just my opinion plus vw would have raised msrp by $2000 for led xeons. It's like my God unit they bump the tag almost $3000 when alpine makes a way better and bigger unit with better camera for $1100. I personally like how they are tame which makes it easier to customize and make your own.

[@chadbro1799]

I have LED headlights in my 2018 R Line.

[@BucsVarsitygolf4]

Chad Gustafson same. I have the LED package on my R-Line and love it. The appearance of the car got a lot better front to back with the $1k package

[@DJTEDDY507]

Nice video, however it is not a DIY job if you have a shop

[@joshwalling4633]

Having a shop only makes showing you the process easier. I have installed many many many coilovers, air ride, and spring kits in my driveway, so yes, it is “DIYable”.

[@joshwalling4633]

Also, if I replaced a battery in a shop, is it also no longer a DIY? I don’t quite understand your point of view. Nothing about this job requires a lift, only a jack and jack stands.

[@DJTEDDY507]

@@joshwalling4633 it requires more than just jack stands.

[@joshwalling4633]

Idk man, having done it many times on jack stands in my driveway, I disagree with you

[@luisalbertovaldezayala390]

@@joshwalling4633you are right, I mean, to be disagree ahahaha.

[@dedualexandru8987]

I really like the lines and overall design of the American Passat, the European one looks like a cockroach...

[@dedualexandru8987]

Joshua Walling yeah, that's my opinion, look for one from 2015-2018, and you'll see what I'm talking about, it's a lot different, I actually own a 2014 Passat, that for me looks kinda better, and it's a lot similar to the US one, I think the back is pretty much the only visible difference...

[@andyczarny1]

Euro passat b8 i so much better

[@hawktuahdeeznutz]

Specs on the wheel/tire combo used? How's the ride? Any real benefit for a daily driver for shock/strut replacement at the same time?

[@hawktuahdeeznutz]

I appreciate your response. It's a brand new 2018 Passat SEL so perhaps I'll just go springs. Now the decision is H&R sport or Eibach Pro kit. Thanks for the info!

[@romie6466]

Liked the video.. Didn't like the music

[@recklessmedia3084]

Wheel offset?

[@jacobseymour2720]

what tires were used?

[@joshwalling4633]

Can’t recall, sorry. Probably Nitto Neogen