Replacing a COMPLETELY Worn Out, 20 Year Old Suspension ~ MK3 Volkswagen

[@HumbleMechanic]

If you guys want to see more Cabrio content, let me know :) Be sure to like and share it up. If the video does really great I can convince the owner to let us do more videos:)

[@breannaschlaht6501]

I've been waiting for these videos! I have a 95 2.0 ABA Golf that I daily drive. Came with a clutch problem just like the previous video you did on this car LOL. I was so stoked to see that last video! I'm trying to bring my Little Red back up to par and being a brand new, KZbin certified, self-taught DIY mechanic who previously knew absolutely nothing about cars a year ago when I saved her from going to the scrap yard, I really appreciate your videos so much! Your how-to's are always so thorough and they've taught me a lot. Not to mention entertaining as well LOL. Definitely looking forward to more MK3 content for sure! ❤️🔧

[@HumbleMechanic]

@@breannaschlaht6501 Thank you!!! Im excited to see you get yours back to awesome.

[@dB_944]

How about an 07k swap. :)

[@GrapeSodaGarage]

Love this video Charles. It’s nice seeing the older cars get some fresh new parts.

[@chrisfreemesser]

I like watching vids of the "older" modern VWs so yeah, if you're willing to do a brake video I'm willing to watch. The downside is that if my wife sees that Cabrio she'll be all over me to buy one for her 😉

[@HumbleMechanic]

I want to tell yo guys something. THANK YOU! Ive been feeling pretty down about videos lately. It seems like everything I've posted has flopped basically all year. While the views are not killing it, the comments are. It makes me so happy that these videos give you guys some entertainment and some education. Getting your feedback that you enjoyed this one means the world. Thank you guys so much..

[@jamesisaphotographer]

This is easily one of my favourite car channels on KZbin - if not my favourite. You really know what you’re talking about but it’s got just the right amount of irreverent humour thrown in as well. I have a mk1 SEAT Leon PD150, which is built on the Golf mk4 platform, and it’s helped me so much with my general knowledge, and all those little things you’ll come across while you’re working on the car. You wouldn’t believe how many snapped bolts or hours scratching my head you’ve saved me. It’s not just the wrenching - it’s your character as well - it just makes it all so easy to follow, and I’ve polybushed my car, installed a rear ARB and a boost gauge because of the added confidence you’ve given me over the years. I haven’t watched the race car type videos because that’s not really my thing, but this kind of video I’ll watch even though I don’t have a mk3 or a mk8 or a W12 or a petrol engine. Keep up the good work, Charles.

[@timewa851]

it COULD be worse. the Left lower control arm bolt? The auto trans pan gets in the way so it's a fluid dump or loosen the upper support dogleg. : l & jack it up out of the way...... This looks fun in comparison. lol. I enjoyed it. Upvote.

[@danam2584]

Keep up the good work Charles! I really appreciate all the work you put into them.

[@brianbuc3687]

Hello Charles, I always look forward to seeing your new (& old) video's, always informative and very clever entertaining dialog. Please do not be discouraged I am sure they are enjoyed by many. Looking forward to some videos on your TT, been a TT owner for years, when they get posted I will let my TT forum members know 🙂 thanks to you sir

[@rolls_8798]

this video was great, and I loved all the little tips you included along the way to help us out

[@slicknickwc]

Yes more Cabrio content please! I'm so thankful you keep working on everyday cars like this, you haven't moved on like other KZbinrs to exotic cars. Would love a series on some older VWs like a caddy truck or something!

[@MagnetbergOfficial]

Definetly

[@json8172]

agreed. have you seen oli's channel nick? Great early watercooled stuff.

[@magellanicspaceclouds]

100% Mk1 and Mk2 please!

[@nmcrar]

I can't get enough of you showing some love to the mk3 platform. I spent the day today replacing the coolant pipe and thermostat housing on my 1996 VR6.

[@Tomd4850]

I love seeing these older VWs getting fixed up. Every time I see content on one of the Mk3 and Mk4 platforms, the more I want one myself.

[@schrodingerscat8621]

I just scored a barn find 1982 Rabbit convertible with 23K original miles. The suspension is shot from sitting and I’m also putting new brakes on it. I think these cars are very cool. Always been a fan of this generation Cabrio.

[@jasonzondor4788]

Thanks Charles! Your videos remind me of the old days where I would watch car shows on Sundays!

[@HumbleMechanic]

AWESOME!! Thank you!

[@DCshoesforfools]

I am in the process of this myself and was wondering what to do about the control arm bushing. Finding this video has been a life saver.

[@markamarkam]

Yes, please more Cabrio! This is the only video online that covers the suspension on a Cabrio. I swapped the rear bushing on our Cabrio w the Audi TT bushing using one of your other videos, didn't realize this one was out there. But I've been having the hardest time putting the control arm back in with the new Audi TT rear bushing. Now I know why! Great content!

[@Vits2001]

Hey man, sorry for my bad english, i just wanted to say i think your content is absolutely awesome. It sucks that you havent been getting the numbers you deserve lately, but please keep it up!! This is entertaining, educative, interesting and a long etc. Hopefully a big boom is coming. Just know that you'll always have a fanbase here that will enjoy all of your uploads. KEEP UP THE AMAZING WORK CHAMP!!!! (Also you are indirectly keeping my mk4 golf alive with all of the things you've taught me)

[@HumbleMechanic]

Thank you so much

[@bearddevil]

I personally love to see videos on older/cheaper/more relatable cars. Especially with how much less far the enthusiast dollar is going these days. So yes! Moar Cabrio!

[@jacknimble1]

MK1's & 2's please!

[@wadegoodwin6773]

What a brilliant conductor is to a world-class orchestra, you are to Volkswagens brother man,,,

[@alexk3421]

Something so satisfying about an old car getting new parts. That first drive after installation is always so fun lol

[@ZylonFPV]

I want to see it with new wheels and brakes, and see how the owner reacts to her first drive after all the work. I think that would make for a great video! Even if you don’t actually film her you could ask if you could use her audio reaction 🙂

[@HumbleMechanic]

Great idea!!! She hasn’t driven it yet! So it would be genuine

[@ZylonFPV]

@@HumbleMechanic 🙂🙂

[@XtremeBUZZ]

I just like watching modification videos! Very informational!

[@HumbleMechanic]

Thank you

[@renerobes30]

Those struts are beyond the horizon for that old Cabrio! Now you got to match the rest of the car work to the suspension.

[@m0i0k0eAnthony]

Please more Cabrio content. It warms my heart to see the mk3.5 get a little love.

[@shawno2363]

As an owner of a really nice clean mk3 Jetta these are great for reference. Especially the clutch video you made.

[@HumbleMechanic]

Glad to help

[@eduardogarcia7228]

Watching you bring back several late 90’s model VW’s bring back good times. After school, I had the pleasure and opportunity to begin my career working for Jennings VW, Glenview, IL. Remember working on these vehicles daily, and I’ve owned a VW ever since.

[@charleshollow5734]

Please do more mk1, mk2, and mk3 content for us old folks.

[@nootahs]

A couple of years ago when I bought my A3, I promised my wife we would get an older VW with a convertible top. She had a white MK4 Jetta back in the day and really wanted something along those lines. When I showed her a green MK3 Cabrio with it's black top, she fell in love. I've been considering the idea of getting one as a project since she now has a Tiggy to tide her over. I'm looking forward to maybe seeing more of this as it'll probably give me a great idea of what I'm getting into. Thank you so much!

[@blakeb3164]

I'm commenting not for the cabrio content but for the mk3 content in general. DO MORE PLEASE! I've learned so much from your channel but I need MORE

[@GeekSHO]

Dangit Charles! I just sold my Mk4 VR6 Wagon because I was spending too much time wrenching on it. But your work seemed downright joyful, and reminds me of how easy and fun the suspension can be on these machines. Maybe I'll have to get another some day. Keep up your great work!

[@ts31966]

Thank you for making a video where I actually saw how something was done. Thank you for working on a regular car. People who own expensive cars pay the dealership to do the work.

[@ChrisHsuCars]

Please show more! Cabrios don’t get enough love from the VW world

[@darkminstrel2041]

It's a stigma from the MK1 cabbys. People saw them as a "chick car" so they didn't get as popular.

[@HumbleMechanic]

I got trashed when I had my MK1 Cab. But IDK I love them.

[@edwinsemidey1992]

Me personally thought it was a little to low for my liking but loved all that you've done with it.

[@declanlee6894]

I absolutely agree with everyone here that it’s nice to see a how to on a more complicated procedure done on an older vehicle and with such detail clarity and transparency. You clearly care a lot and it shows keep it up!

[@alanburke76]

I like these older and more affordable cars. Though I can’t right now, something like this is much easier to justify to the wife, and we can both enjoy a convertible after it’s fixed and roadworthy again. Keep this content coming.

[@CaliNinerGaming]

It sucks you haven’t gotten the numbers you deserve, but it’s still quality content. I don’t even own my 01 Jetta vr6 anymore and haven’t for 5 years but I will watch the content.

[@pharmerthom77]

I’m a mk1 guy but appreciate the format of this vid! Great work Humble M!

[@json8172]

Would be fun to see Charles and Oli from Oli's garage do a project together. I bet those two would vibe well together.

[@watchmanonthewall3852]

I'm getting my 2000 VW Beetle 1.9 TDI 5 sp (225,000 miles)back on the road and you inspire me to keep going. It's clunking in the rear over bumps so I think it's the sway bar bushings. Will try to find one of your videos to help. As a registered nurse , I thought I could do it since the mechanics I've asked told me to "take it to the VW dealer". If I can't figure it out, I guess I 'll just live with the clunk. I can't get it to bounce up and down but I'm not that strong, so I hope its not the shocks and springs. The sway bar bushings were easy to replace on my Honda Element. Thank you Humble Mechanic. Wish I could bring my bug to you.

[@nickpitsakis755]

A very detailed video. Well done. The whole setup resembles the Audi TT mk1 setup, with the exception of the rear rotors which share a similar setup from the early beetles.

[@cperrineIII]

Just picked one of these up for my High School kid's first ride. Thanks for the good stuff, keep it coming. (500.00 bucks from a buddy). Need to replace the heater core to start...and it's just gross. But perfect HS car!

[@whitleyhood6241]

Hello there, Humble-Wan -Kenobi. Sorry to hear you have been feeling down. Finally, after 30+ years I've been able to get back into a VW. Having only owned air-cooled classics in the past, I was a little nervous about getting into a newer VW because I am used to working on the older ones. And although I can turn a wrench and have mechanical abilities, working on any car from 1985 onward isn't my strong suit. I had to have a VW so I did buy a 2000 GTI with the VR6. Totally amazing car, mind absolutely blown. I just got my coil overs and this vid as well as all of your vids are easy to follow and have totally helped me to get my confidence back and work on this little car. It has been a lot of fun and with your help I've changed all of my front end bushings, serpentine belt and tensioner, as well as just help with a basic understanding of the overall workings of this engine and car. So from all the way over here on the southern Washington coast thank you again!!! Grey skies are gonna clear up!!

[@starnethotmail]

I got some coilovers for my b5.5 passat too. And im really excited to install them. Just gotta prepare the fenders for them and bring it to a shop to make them install them. Charles I totally love how u give so much tips and how u explain things. It makes it more simple and easy to understand.

[@Dringo8899]

Het Charles, yes I enjoyed the Cabrio content. It’s good to see work on older VWs. I’ve owned a couple mk3’S in the past. Keep up the good work!

[@grantgrant77]

Love it! Love it! LOVE IT!!! I have a mk4 cab still, and I totally love it. I’ve been worried about the suspension and you just helped a lot! I’d totally love more mk4 cab videos. Please! Please! Please!!!

[@HumbleMechanic]

Awesome!!!

[@CarlosPena-h4r]

My 2001 cabrio has been sitting for over a year. I need to figure out an alarm issue, hopefully its the door latch. Can’t wait to get it running. Make more vids of this car. Thanks

[@michaelblacktree]

Those R32 / Audi TT control arm bushings are a nice upgrade for a Mk4 as well. I put them on my Mk4 TDI, and could feel the difference!

[@HumbleMechanic]

Its what I run on basically all my premk5 stuff

[@Leigha45]

Thank you! This video is great and helped so much! My new to me Cabrio is getting some much needed maintenance done. I got mine for $900!

[@cudamank]

I'm working on. 2000 Cabrio as well. Your videos are a great help and inspiration

[@johnchambers12]

I have a 2000 bug that i left parked since the beginning of covid when it needed new struts and i agree this was inspiring and very informative, i took the strut mount bushings off in 2017 and thought i was the only one to see them so crushed, thanks to Charles I have been informed!

[@hyper8545]

I saw a mk6 hardtop eos today and thought dam that think looks good in black. Never seen one like that before 😅🤙

[@benlancaster1391]

I'm a big fan of the Mk3 and would love to see that car properly overhauled. I remember those ABT Cabrios that European Car Magazine used to feature back in the mid-to-late nineties. Seeing another build in a similar style would be awesome to watch.

[@davidkinsella]

I just subscribed, I've watched the odd video from time to time and dig seeing the old VWs. Hope to see more of this one!

[@danielcarter5579]

Just love seeing this car, can't get enough of it I definitely need a better suspension, even though mine isn't bad, it's stiff as hell there's some clunks here and there, those strut hats, my passenger one moves up and down when the car is lifted.

[@SeanBZA]

Just replace with the stock ones, it makes a massive difference in handling. Solves around half of your body roll just having new shocks and rubbers all round.

[@m-tech1816]

This is what I would have needed when I installed my coilovers. The clever solutions to work without spring compressors would have been nice to know, because the springs where clearly trying to kill me. The cut up sockets for holding on to the inner shock piston are also a nice solution. Good stuff to keep in mind if there are any problems that need those special solutions without waiting for any new tools.

[@Back2BasicsUS]

about a decade ago i had a red 97 cabrio highline with fully blown out suspension (like this one lol). put coilovers on and it felt like i picked up 40hp. the cars front end didnt aim towards the sky on acceleration and then nosedive when i pushed the clutch in. had that car for 3 years and it was such a fun thing to drive

[@HumbleMechanic]

There is something so fun about a nice Cabby!!!! My first VW was a 96 Cabrio

[@ProGuitarist]

Your videos are coming out just in the perfect time that I’m finally getting to rebuild my 2002 Cabrio I got a few years ago! I’m definitely wanting to see more cabrio content from you!

[@MK-xs4up]

Simple as that ! Everything you need to know, and all you need to do to make it significantly better and safer.

[@KC-lu7vo]

My mk3 also needed half shafts and rear swing arm bushings which I did at the same time. Planning took me about 6 months. Gathering all the parts and the replacement nuts and bolts was a real challenge. I also ordered tie rod ends for the alignment but I was told mine were still in good shape. This is a very good video for all mk3 suspensions.:)

[@DesolationTech]

funny you posted this! i replaced shocks/springs on my 2001 mk4 golf gti and lets just say the shocks fell under their own pressure after being 21 years old hahaha great vid!

[@LuisMartinez-th1ci]

And a quick shout out to my peoples in Milford,CT FCP EURO great 👍🏽 love you guys

[@GroundhogCPD]

found you a few months ago, came back now that spring has sprung... I have an 2002 that is about ready for a rebuild. She has 145,000 km (yes, km) on her... got her in 2019 and ran her all over Florida. Moved to AVL in 2021 and that summer, things started to break. Pretty sure all the rubber and seals under the paint are ready for repair/replacement. Engine swap? auto to manual? all tbd! please please please more content about these!

[@AndrewChapman5]

Yay little fun cars. Close enough to motorcycles for me to enjoy as well, well done!

[@perrosdemaiz]

I love the Cabrios! I’ve been looking around for one for a while now.

[@mytek998]

This are very helpful videos. You know your thing. One of the best car channels out there!

[@panzerveps]

Did this job on my mk4 a couple of weeks ago, and im glad i ordered new hardware. Half the bolts and nuts snapped during disassembly.

[@HumbleMechanic]

Yea new hardware is always good

[@panzerveps]

@@HumbleMechanic expensive though! About €100 with employee's discount 😂

[@AndreThompson925]

This is a very helpful video. About 6 months ago I had a friend install new Raceland coilovers but I didn't replace all the rubber you did. I'm starting to regret that decision as there's some low speed wobbling that probably is related to these parts being worn out. It's kind of the only thing left to be replaced but the car is going to be for sale soon so it'll have to be up to the next owner.

[@alext.7313]

Much love for the Cabrio!

[@patkelly7999]

Great job Charles, good tip with the dremel, have done the damper trick, but got caught where the ram sucked down and the only way it would stay up would be to keep pressure on it and had to compress the spring more to get shock top back on, so I don't do that anymore😁👌👍😎

[@sletourneau3]

I can't wait to get my coilovers on my mk4 golf. I've been waiting for this video.

[@JessicaGuest-v2j]

Im seriously considering one of these mk3 cabriolets for my teenage daughter, (or maybe a Porsche 924?), so many thanks for the video.

[@alicetaylor1001]

please more Cabrio it's very hard to find clear informative videos like yours for the Mark 3 3 1/2 need more content of everyday cars that some of us still have I have a 1998 Cabrio and you help me fix the blend doors with your older videos thank you If need a cabrio to demo on I love to have you work on my cabrio!!!!

[@jamesk3565]

@3:13 to say that shock is blown....IS AN UNDERSTATEMENT 🤣🤣🤣

[@HumbleMechanic]

Hahah right!

[@matthewshambler2644]

More please! I've always liked those Mk3.5's..

[@luislozano1513]

Definitely interested in more Cabby content!

[@S_ipsc]

id love to see more jetta sportwagen TDI videos. of anything really! all of your videos have been great.

[@ruigameiro2973]

Keep the Cabrio videos coming! Even though I have already done this to my first Cabrio, now that I own a new one, and I have to do the exact same thing you did here, is allways good to have some videos reminding me how to do it the proper way... Nice work! ;) I'll be following the channel in order to see other maintenance videos! Cheers from Portugal

[@aarondobson7710]

Heres my comment for support. Thanks for having an awesome channel!

[@steveocda]

Thanks!

[@HumbleMechanic]

Thank you so much!!! 🫶🫶🫶

[@abb7387]

I truly love those videos! Especially that you point out how to install everything (and that's is important to torque it) and where the manual is buggy. Keep up your attitude, it's awesome! Thank you for your videos and effort.

[@Big_daddy_1170]

Mk2 and mk3 content is awesome. Would love to see more of the wookie scirocco car.

[@HumbleMechanic]

Paul sold that car. BUT we are going to start a new collaboration soon. Very different, but similar vibe.

[@WingedDorito]

Hell yeah that cabrio looks awesome!

[@tripleh3195]

Seeing this makes me want to get my mk3 Jetta back on the road. I miss that little go kart.

[@tommorides8086]

18:47 I have the same wheels on my Bora/Jetta. Super awesome. 🤙

[@michaelmerta8956]

Very interesting, what an incredible transformation 😎

[@amjovi]

I really enjoyed this video. Recently bought an MK3.5 convertible and ordered nice coilovers and other upgrades for it. Was wondering about the upper bearings+bushings on the coilovers, which I needed.

[@nadyazawrocki]

Thanks

[@HumbleMechanic]

Thank you so much 🙏🙏🙏

[@AB-jk7tw]

Love this Cabrio update. Would also like to see more Audi content.

[@HumbleMechanic]

Coming soon! Next week wil be a 1.8t video. And the s4 needs some work. It’s got an interesting engine issue

[@ZigArrok55]

Cabrio looks awesome! I've been waiting to see what the coils looked like on it. I like it.

[@HumbleMechanic]

Yea I’m really digging it

[@sebastianlorenzo4935]

Almost forgot, another awesome video. Thank you. 👍🏽

[@AbrahamDiPaolo]

Love this kind of stuff! Please more

[@chrisring9403]

Working on a 2001 now. Thanks for the info.

[@steelefiscus2317]

Very informative. Videos like these give me confidence on repairs.

[@tt-rs1457]

I Like the Construction with these two mounting bolts instead of the fixed one like MK 4 and up comming much better. Had the same on my 1979th super Beetle, able to adjust the camber pretty easily. It is always a pleasure to watch. Never saw that kind of worn oot shocks Must changed two times my KW-Suspenssion, made noises.....the first one after 2000miles, the second after only 80miles. sadly ,I was only able to commison warrenty on the second one....

[@nadyazawrocki]

This was amazing! I learned so much and I love that you made me laugh throughout. Great footage! ❤

[@vr6280]

I've been looking for a mk1 cabrio, but now after this series I am liking the mk3/3.5 as an idea. Great videos as always :)

[@allianceofvengeance]

I love the look of this old VW. Makes me want to get one.

[@Aleks_Mechanics]

notification squad, Have a nice weekend!🔥🔥🔥

[@HumbleMechanic]

CHEERS!

[@mikencrew8885]

Is this your garage at your house??!!!! Man it looks like a progressional shop. I’m it is a professional shop but in a house garage. That’s pretty dope

[@TraverseNowhere]

Very informative and makes me feel most confident about doing the suspension work on my car. So far right front strut mount bearing is going bad.. an odd creaking sound when turning the wheel right. I have also been told my back something is going bad because of old oil on the rear shocks. So yeah I'm a total fan and especially any knowledge pertaining to suspension systems.

[@vwmaverick]

LOVE the Old School stuff!! Keep it up.

[@luisamoa2500]

I personally prefer these vids over working on the newer cars. Reminds me of my B3 Passat synchro and my corrado

[@HumbleMechanic]

The good old days!

[@erikschutzman2402]

ummmmmm, those coilovers look so good and tasty. I have tool envy for all of your special box wrenches

[@대격변이퍽내가바로]

i dont like vws or audis but your maintenance vids are good radio content nice to listen to while doing house chores lol

[@HumbleMechanic]

Thank you!!!

[@Izzy_Havoc]

you gotta keep it going man.

[@bannerstonemusic9376]

Saving the VW’s one at a time 💪🏻💪🏻 Thanks for the continued content!!

[@HumbleMechanic]

Just scored a $500 GTI with broken timing chains! More to come

[@craigsooman7901]

Great video, would love to see another on the Cabrio.

[@randallmunson9909]

Thank you for your time.