How To Lower Your Car ~ R32 Lowering Springs Installation

In this video, I will show you how to lower your car. I am installing H&R lowering springs, and Bilstein P8 Shock Absorbers. Lowering your car can give you a better stance, and look. This suspension replacement was done as maintenance and for some slight performance gains. If you are replacing your suspension springs and shock absorbers, be sure to replace related suspension bushings as well #humblemechanic #howto #DIY
Springs and Shock Abs ~ bit.ly/2NL6dSG
Suspension bushings ~ amzn.to/30pFdtl
Spreader Tool ~ amzn.to/2Jt9thj
Proper Suspension Tool ~ bit.ly/2LfbNui
Spring compressor ~ amzn.to/2LMEheq
~~~~ Support the Show ~~~~
Become A CrewMember ~ goo.gl/D7eROI
Patreon ~ www.patreon.co...
Shop Amazon ~ amzn.to/2FQErAm
Audio ONLY Podcasts ~ goo.gl/5XcZxB
~~~~ Other Recommended Tools ~~~~
Impact driver ~ amzn.to/2HsxS2H
Small Impact driver ~ amzn.to/2DZdsMN
Electric ratchet ~ amzn.to/2FydxMS
Magnetic tray ~ amzn.to/2FEpQ6g
Basic hand tools ~ amzn.to/2GnjF7K
Box wrench set ~ amzn.to/2FzoJch
ScrewDriver set ~ amzn.to/2FEjcgd
Shop towels ~ amzn.to/2FC7UgM
Torque Wrench ~ amzn.to/2I7ke5h
Allen Sockets ~ amzn.to/2GlcnAz
Torx Sockets ~ amzn.to/2pL0SfL
~~~~ Playlists ~~~~
Humble Mechanic Podcasts ~ • The Humble Mechanic Po...
Project White Wookie ~ • MK3 VR6 GTI Project Car
Failed VW parts videos ~ • How VW Parts Fail
Tool and Product Reviews ~ • Tool and Product Reviews
How To videos ~ • How To Fix Your Car
MK1 VR6 Swap Videos ~ • VR6 Engine Swap MK1 Ca...
~~~~ Be sure to follow me at ~~~~
humblemechanic.com
INSTAGRAM ~ / humblemechanic
FACEBOOK ~ / humblemechanic
TWITTER ~ / humblemechanic
Amazon Store ~ www.amazon.com...

[@HumbleMechanic]

Thank you guys for watching. I may have not mentioned in the video, but it's always recommenced to get a vehicle alignment after changing the suspension.

[@jamesk3565]

I think you mentioned it when you did the suspension on the white wookie....so your covered lol

[@arnoldkul3827]

Hey Charles Nice work man, can you please make a video on how to lift the R32 on jackstands please, and keep up the good work man :)

[@glennclark4212]

Thanks for posting this.. Very interesting 🤔 I went with coilovers on my mk4 gti & was on a budget.. The ride is ok abit rough at times I’m going to go with the setup u just used if ever I get an issue with these coilovers.. Trouble was I had to make a quick decision at the time so I went with coilovers because I thought well at least I can adjust them but turns out my car doesn’t want to be very low anyway as the front right side arb hits the drive shaft if u go to low 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@briansamuel8044]

If you had the budget to use coilovers, which brand would you have chosen?

[@HumbleMechanic]

Solo Werks or ST

[@braddowns17]

Glad to see you didn't do coil overs and went with more of a budget friendly setup. Every one always shows high end budget breaking projects that the average person cannot afford. Need more things on good upgrades that are average person friendly. We all don't have deeeeep pockets but want to upgrade things.

[@jeepmanxj]

So no spring cutting? You vw guys are stepping up the game from the mkv days.

[@HumbleMechanic]

HAHA No, this car deserves to have mods done right

[@SikConVicTioN]

Cut springs belong no where near a VAG car.. leave that shit too the JDM kids 😂

[@fedor5664]

@@SikConVicTioN shitvic kids*

[@MagnetbergOfficial]

I also installed Billstein B6 at the rear axle on my 06 Eos.To the day I'm very happy with them.I will change the front axle also with the B6 in the winter.Love that you installed the B8 and I'm exited about your ride experince with those.Mine, from ~130k OEM shocks to the B6 we're like day and night.

[@ElectroVeeDub]

Thank God you didn't put a 80mm kit in lol... then you'd be showing us "How to replace your oil-pan" tutorials...

[@gpcirillo]

Nice to see the front done without removing the axle and knuckle. I've seen other videos that do all that, and it makes it a much bigger job.

[@theadventuresofjavier8698]

I remember my old chevy impala days when we would cut the spring or torch them to lower our cars...you come along way baby😁

[@billynguyen710]

Awesome DIY video.. dude needs a show on the motor trend network for real!

[@HumbleMechanic]

Thank you! 💙💛💙💛💙

[@91rss]

1/2" drive 13/16 spark plug socket works great and has provision for a wrench also for the front nut,

[@retrog66]

Awesome video my nephew has a Mk4 R32 here in South Florida nice set up Bilstein and H&R spring combo.👍

[@crazyferonie]

#Bilstein are always a must have i put them on all my VW's with ST lowering springs or KW Lowering springs 40mm/40mm with 18"s Nice video.

[@JosePerez-zu3bo]

Thanks for your videos. I have learned a lot with you. I am close to 70 and with plenty of time to play around my B5.5. I want to take this opportunity to ask you about lifting the suspension. Many years back, a friend of mine did it to his pickup and in a week he had a roll-over (big accident). Yet, I find instances when I would like to lift my old baby (with prudence). Now redoing the apparently popular (for VW owners) replacement of the upholstery for the 4 doors. Thanks again. JP

[@mikef3300]

I feel lucky to have access to you VW videos. They are so informative and very thorough which helps immensely when doing DIY maintenance on my Golf R. I am about to change my suspension but the roads are horrible in Maryland so I don't want to lower the car. Great to see options other then coil overs. Great channel

[@HumbleMechanic]

Thanks!!!

[@alexmorangelli3319]

i have a very similar setup on my mk5. H&R lowering springs and shocks as well as powerflex bushings. couldn’t be happier

[@Runeracing888]

Yes soooo good, lowe Bilstein and H&R springes. I have Bilstein B8 and H&R low springes on My car.

[@LuisGomez-ut9zb]

Your videos always remind me of all the maintenance my mk 4 needs 🤦🏽‍♂️😂

[@jamesk3565]

Honestly prolly any if not all mk4 need lol. I see it too often on them

[@jegg9349]

ho! my god today i just watch this video where saabkyle is. i am fan of kyle like 5 years ago. i'm sorry for not watch this video. wow! the world is not so big. we are connected some how. i follow all of you long time ago. car are something else that connect us. all of you are my hero. thanks! golf r rocks!

[@bendude6748]

Damn that’s a beefy spring compressor, I do it the medium safe way with some dodgy spring compressors that look like they might bend 😂

[@therealderjett]

When I had my 02 Jetta the rear was the worst part of the job. Ohio rust requires new nuts and bolts as standard maintenance parts for anything done under the car. My dad saw me fighting with removing the rear shocks and he just went into the garage and grabbed the torch and a breaker bar. Handed me his keys and said to go get the replacement hardware for anything being taken off because it isn't worth the time to try and save the old parts.

[@HumbleMechanic]

Yep. For y'all in the rusty rusty, gotta have that blue wrench

[@jimtoney7810]

Us folks in corn land have the hardest time when it comes to anything underneath the car. And people ask me why I drive 7 hours for 2k cars.

[@MR-lq4zv]

Bro thanks for the in depth video. All the newby information and basics are so cool for the new generation great Job.

[@Westyy5493]

Another fantastic humble video from the one and only Humble Mechanic! Watching these videos eases my fear of tackling it myself sometime soon 😎 as I'm looking to remove all underside components to be powder coated etc. on my MK4 R32. Looking forward to more videos on suspension you mentioned 😁🎈

[@chrstphrr]

Charles, instead of recommending the 1/4" ratchet... a 3/8" to 1/4" adapter works better, and can be had for cheap by itself, or as part of an adapter set. The one I visit up here in Canuckistan will put the adapter or the set on sale for $3-$5, so I buy a spare one/set so I'm guaranteed to have one in the tool kit.

[@HumbleMechanic]

That’s a great idea!!!

[@drew10981]

Those new coils are gonna settle in nicely. Great video overall. Super helpful with the little details on a Mk4 suspension upgrade & refresh.

[@postal2600]

Awesome video as always! It would have been nice to see a before & after picture regarding the ride height.

[@HumbleMechanic]

I tried. You really couldn’t tell in the pics. Lol

[@winking2928]

Great video thanks. Today I raised my rear coilovers half an inch. The rears have individual adjustable springs and adjustable struts. I only adjusted the springs for ride height and not the strut. It was my first time, so I hope I did right.

[@mineaim7066]

13/16" spark plug socket will work on those top strut nuts as well and they have the hex drive on top.

[@HumbleMechanic]

Yessss!!! I’ve had to use that too

[@ironfistscientist]

I want to apologize in advance if this has been addressed before. I do see some parts that were used listed in the description but is it possible to give a detailed breakdown of everything used and or replaced? Such as your Bilstein B8 struts both front rear. Part number to the powerflex bushings, also strut bearings, I'm assuming only for front? Top hat for the rear? I apologize about the newbieness of it, just looking to do this as well prepared as possible and with all the right parts and part numbers needed. Thanks a lot as watching this gave me more confidence to do it

[@aquaticasmr184]

I just put koni yellows on my mk2 golf with h and r springs too

[@marcinpasnicki248]

Identical setup with TT MK1. It is easier to use the spreader tool horizontally. I always take the wheel off, use the weight of the car to compress the spring and install spring compression tool on the spring while on a 🚙. Take off the whole thing off a car. The best and quickest way if you just replace a strut.

[@dondrap513]

Dunno if this was mentioned but Harbor freight sells something called "Shower Valve Socket Wrench Set" which is 12 bucks and can be used to tighten the shock top nut. It's sized in imperial but one of them is close enough and is a better option than twisting a Socket.

[@hristianmihailov1782]

Love your videos. I was thinking about getting that setup, now I'm sure that I'm going for it! Love your R32, best color for it aswell!

[@HumbleMechanic]

You will love it if you are looking for a factory like ride. :)

[@03amp]

Nice guy doing stuff just in case we dont have the tools.

[@basithph8958]

Love the R32!

[@HumbleMechanic]

ME too. Might be my fav car I have owned.

[@coolissimo69]

Hey Charles, great tutorial as always, thanks for sharing

[@jamesk3565]

Finally, I kno I kept asking about this vid lol. My buddy has the bilsteins with the h&r oe sport so its a slight drop on his 20th ae. I love the look!!!!!!!!

[@HumbleMechanic]

It’s a great OEM like combo. I’d gladly do it the same way again

[@abeltonsautohaus7439]

I had the same mk4 R and color love the DBP!! Awesome tutorial also.

[@HumbleMechanic]

Yessss. So much awesome. 🙏

[@PRO4XKEV]

R32 is a COOL ride, looking good.

[@evanquigley8964]

I need that spring compressor! That's by far the sturdiest looking one I've seen. Some of the ones I see for sale I just dont trust!

[@HumbleMechanic]

Yeah it’s aweosme

[@jamesphilpott4241]

I'd all way recommend get drop link when doing this job. I've had lose not come undone because of rust or snap

[@quinny318]

Love the vids! I've been working on a VW as well

[@HumbleMechanic]

Awesome!

[@fdante87]

Can you install the stock damper's bump stop, I suppose no, hence is there any aftermarket solution?

[@joaolucala7275]

Awesome...what if i don't make alignment, after changed d suspension, what will happened???

[@dickyyrrep1383]

You can use a spark plug socket which has a hex on the outside instead of using grips. Great video, by the way is there another type of set up for an r32 plus which allows you to change the top bearing without compressing the spring ?

[@byranc5129]

Great video! I was looking at the H&R sport cup kit for my mk4 GTI but I might consider going with this setup instead. Thoughts?

[@realengineaddict]

Cv boot split left side? Love the content as usual btw!!

[@michaelw6277]

Aren’t the strut cup bolts one use only stretch bolts? Also, while I fully accept this as “not recommended”, I like to use an electric impact with a variable torque trigger to snug the strut top bolts. On my Mk6 there’s just enough room for a torque wrench to properly fasten them when the assembly is on the car.

[@eddiemartinez5727]

Was there not a rubber pad between the spring and strut and if so don’t you have to swap it over to the new assembly.

[@HumbleMechanic]

No, the spring sat right on the shock abs.

[@mbk1487]

My H&R Sports sit directly on the metal, too (A3 8P)- do you also heat the annoying popping noise when turning at slow speeds? I’m convinced that’s the springs moving ever so slightly...suggestions to get rid of said noise??

[@CoreMaster111]

@@mbk1487 Did you also get shorter shocks or are you using OEM length ones?

[@mbk1487]

Karl H. Künstler Still on the OEM ones...2008 s-line...not sure if they’re shorter than non-s-line...

[@JohnAnderson4242]

These are a proven combo suspension, they just work and for a long time.

[@nintikou]

KW V3's all day everyday!

[@r6rider336]

Put these on a project I'm building with the power flex bushings. I did not lube those bushings. Would you recommend pulling them out and throwing some lube on them? I'm assuming to keep the squeak down?

[@HumbleMechanic]

I would

[@mauriciomenjivar7742]

Thank you for an awesome video. I am looking to replace my Q5 2012 shocks and struts as a maintenance. I am looking at Bilstein B12 Pro-Kit. the description said it lowered about 40-30mm. I just looking for a good handling , but I don't mine the lowering a little bit. Do you have any recommendations about the stocks. Are the PowerFlex Mounts generic or car specific, and where do you order the hat and the seat? Best Regards,

[@GMRS4]

Great video as always ! Could you show me the original bump stop on your oe front suspension? Ive replaced my bearing and top bushing, with oem, but still have a creaking noise, like the spring is turning in its seating, and i don’t remember seeing a bump stop in there! Many thanks!

[@davidnovelo6731]

Is this the same method on replacing the suspension on a MK5 r32

[@kiambre96]

Hi, my big question is, it's very better than the original bearing that's blue bearing?

[@carbonio28]

Nice video 👌..but was looking for how to lower it to lower hell and beyond 😘

[@HumbleMechanic]

Hahah not my style as much

[@gplusgplus2286]

You probably got the B8s, I have the B6s with the same H&R kit on my mk1 TT (but with oem rubber mounts). Although awesome on a highway, the minute you hit a speedbump or a pothole its NASTY KLUNK TIME. I also have a big klunk noise on right full steering lock which I haven't been able to pinpoint. Everything else is renewed on the suspension (bushings, stabilizer bars etc).

[@kottyking]

Does this still clunk?

[@gplusgplus2286]

@@kottyking it was the horizontal bushing on the dogbone, it was perished

[@jaywillsey6797]

Thanks for the great video! Question, you did not remove the hub bolt, is there a risk of damaging the CV joint with the weight of the hub pulling on the CV shaft? Thank you.

[@HumbleMechanic]

You’d have to pull it down really far to have it come apart

[@davidstyles9028]

Hey Charles I have a question, I’m just starting out as a diesel mechanic and don’t know much of anything, I started with an apprenticeship yesterday and the techs there don’t seem to want to help me out at all, I’m asking them how I can help and am trying to learn but they just don’t seem to want to do anything with showing me how to do stuff and teach me, any tips I should know?

[@tjs5012]

Do you have any thoughts on resetting control arm bushing preload for the new ride height?

[@jankindl915]

dont tight shock absorbers while vehicle in the air. it must be in ride position or you will destroy the bushing after time

[@tadmalenczak4437]

Ok dad😂

[@kaffetrakter4174]

Lol, that must be the easiest strut-steering knuckle separation i've ever seen. Have that car ever seen salt or snow?

[@HumbleMechanic]

Nope. Lol FL car.

[@marcusmayle]

hey charles can i get ya feed back on the powerflex top mounts? any vibrations or noises from suspension at all?

[@HumbleMechanic]

It’s been years since i did them. Great performance and no noise!

[@diddly7309]

I'm actually just eyeing up new suspension options for my R32, was toying between KONI FSDs and Bilstein B8s, i had heard the B8s are a bit harsher a ride?

[@jacobjohnson7290]

Any major differences doing a lowering spring install on a mk 7 gsw that you know of? Thanks!

[@destroyer6470]

What spring compression tool is that?

[@tashaunmcfarlane4330]

Hey Charles where can I get one of those spring compressor?

[@ledmk2]

Nice video, I just turn my coilovers down

[@aquaticasmr184]

Your racelands

[@jeepmanxj]

@@aquaticasmr184 or bc, or tein, or any other Chinese turd with crap travel and a ride like lawn tractor.

[@Lotsofthings373]

What do you recommend for putting load on the suspension to torque necessary suspension components to spec only using a floor jack for the r32?

[@HumbleMechanic]

I like to have the car on ramps when loaded torquing. It’s a pain but works

[@Lotsofthings373]

HumbleMechanic I figured that was the way. Thanks Charles!! Much appreciated.

[@georginedyalkov1855]

What number is Powerflex?

[@StreamlineSuccess]

How much you pay for this suspension? Need to know price for mine

[@andynorris3537]

Good video but my god i had a different experience doing my octavia vrs, hub bolt snapped and had to be hammered out when it was glowing red hot 😂

[@Logicalx]

Something to look forward too! 😭

[@hectorgonzalez637]

Hey I have a mk4 gti vr6 and wanted to lower it but it looks like my oil pan is close to the ground is there anything you recommend like spacers, there’s a huge gap in between my fenders and wheels and would like to have it sit nicer

[@HumbleMechanic]

I run spacers on my golf R. Nothing crazy. But it helps the look

[@AnonYmous-qg4ph]

If u guys are raising or lowering your newer cars with ADAS, you will need to have someone recalibrate your ADAS sensors like the front facing camera, radar devices, 360° camera, etc.

[@HumbleMechanic]

Yep

[@AnonYmous-qg4ph]

@@HumbleMechanic I got thrown to the wolves(I have ADHD). I get assigned ALL the electrical problems, ADAS calibrations, and programming.

[@HumbleMechanic]

Ugh. That happens far too often

[@RedondoBeach2]

Charles, are the purple strut mount bushing featured in this video 5:41 designed specifically for shorter shocks like your Bilstein Sport Shocks, or are they suitable for use with shocks that replicate factory specifications? For example, I bought the Bilstein B6 Heavy Duty (HD) Shocks designed for the MK4 but have not installed them yet. I believe the Bilstein HD shocks are longer than the Bilstein Sport Shocks on your car. Unsure if the purple bushings are taller than factory spec, and if so, would make installation of the taller strut, spring, bearing and bushing assembly into the knuckle and strut tower, impossible. I realize the components will compress during assembly but unsure if the compressed assembly will still be too long if the purple bushings are taller than a factory spec bushing. Your feedback is appreciated. 👍

[@HumbleMechanic]

The purple ones are stock size. They have black ones that are shorter I believe

[@TylertheGeek28]

How much of a drop did you get with the new springs compared to stock?

[@HumbleMechanic]

Not much. About 1” in the rear and almost nothing in the front. That’s mostly due to the suspension being so collapsed

[@carolynekeeler]

Is the beefy spring compressor in this video the same as the spring compressor on your Amazon link? I ask because I clicked on the link for the spring compressor but it was just a manual one; it didn’t look like the fancy one that you used in the video..

[@HumbleMechanic]

It was the closest I could find. When I get to my computer I’ll see if I can take another look

[@carolynekeeler]

@@HumbleMechanic Thank you! I tried to Google "beefy spring compressor," but as one might imagine, the results were a little off... :)

[@Peter_Riis_DK]

What do you mean by improving ride quality - what kind?

[@HumbleMechanic]

This got it back to what "stock" was like. The suspension was worn out. But improving ride may mean a firmer ride too

[@davidbrugger292]

I have a 2013 Passat 2.5 5 spd. Which shock/strut would you recommend to pair with the H&R OE spring which drops the car about an inch ? Looking to firm it up a bit but not harsh.

[@HumbleMechanic]

Look at these P8s. They are great

[@davidbrugger292]

@@HumbleMechanic I thought the P8 was for a more substantial drop.

[@luisamoa2500]

No rubber insulators on top and bottom of springs ?

[@HumbleMechanic]

Not on these

[@josematanzo5879]

The spring is under compression not tension.

[@muznick]

"Loaded spring bomb". haha

[@TheWolf133]

It is like a bomb, don't ask me how i know.

[@kevfong2]

Do you have a name/part number for that spring compressor?

[@HumbleMechanic]

Link to a similar one in the description. I couldn’t find the exact one I have

[@franciscorubio3613]

Would these be the same step for a 2000 mk4 Jetta glx?

[@HumbleMechanic]

Front are the same. Rears are a little different. But close.

[@xgamerbih]

Will there be any Passat B5/B5.5 videos?

[@HumbleMechanic]

Yes. Got some love the Passat needs. I have a few more Golf R videos to lock down.

[@McCheeseKid]

3:23 ripped CV boot!!

[@reidwilsonii5960]

Have the exact same springsa and struts ready to be put into my r32, only thin holding me back is replacement hardware, not sure what to replace, can anyone help? car has just about 200,000 on it so definitely want to replace before i jump into this. are they specific bolts or just generic ones?

[@BenState]

specific

[@hapjoy16]

Come on now dude. Why, didn't you also replace the Rear Control Arms as you dropped your R32 more than .75 so when you go to do alignment it won't exactly get back to Stock alignment specs? Please correct me if I am wrong!

[@kottyking]

You are correct and not only that you need to do the uppers and lowers so you buy two sets of Two if you want to dial everything in correctly

[@braddowns17]

What about an alignment?

[@krugerblue]

I really liked the part where kyle did...something :)

[@HumbleMechanic]

He was working too. It’s my fault for not doing a good job showing that.

[@joeyreed5439]

3:22, is that cv boot / gator split??

[@HumbleMechanic]

Yep. Lol

[@MrCalindor]

Why no before&after pics though...

[@bentos117]

have never understood what exactly looks better if car is lowered...

[@Lotsofthings373]

Any help would be appreciated! Thanks

[@Logicalx]

Jacking it on the sills... Why? It will damage them over time specially that height you’ve just done. The indents are for the scissor jack. There should be 4 jacking point under the car that are re-enforced. You could always buy the jack pads. I hate it even when garages use the hoist and chuck them on the sills!

[@Innetbezbed]

Круто

[@ml16R32]

spring is under compression. Tension would be pulling apart...

[@stephenmoncrieff2056]

Looks like your C/V boot is torn . Or am I seeing things??

[@HumbleMechanic]

It is. Its on the repair list

[@leesage888]

Your CV gaiter looks split

[@kraymer999]

Cv boot

[@mattiloponen92]

Thats the longest and weakest looking swaybar endlink ive ever seen. Replacing that with something beefier along with swaybars would probably improve the ride quite a bit.