VW Transporter Suspension | Do's & Don't + Knocks & Fault Diagnosis

We thought this video could be useful when you come to having your suspension fitted or if your current suspension has developed knock's and creaks etc. If you are getting a garage or even a VW specialist to fit your suspension, it might be worth asking them to watch this first. I've heard many time that suspension has been fitted by a 'specialist' and they've still fitted it wrong.
We honestly spend hours every week trying to help people with suspension issues. We've tried to cover as many thing's are we can in this video. No doubt we've missed some thing but hopefully its useful to you.
Thank to Josh for putting the video together.
Below is a link to the heavy duty lower spring rubbers we've developed. These are honestly a must as the standard ones really are weak. We've developed these to sit and fit perfectly with every type of suspension, lowered, standard and lift.
transporterhq.co.uk/vw-transp...
If you have any questions, please do ask in the comments, we do our best to answer them all.
If you've found the video useful, please do hit the like button. It means a lot and helps youtube show it to other.
Please share with anyone that's planning on getting suspension fitted or has a knock or issue on their current set up.
As always, thanks for watching :)

[@slojam100]

Josh fitted my B14's last December Absolute Brilliant. Thanks THQ 👌

[@THQAutomotive]

Glad you're pleased with them. Thanks for your comment 😊

[@kristiancdf]

Thanks. Gives me so ideas as to why I’m getting knocks on my front end having refitted my struts. 👍🏻

[@THQAutomotive]

Glad to help, that exactly why we did this video :)

[@peterwilding9744]

Yet again a very good video showing how to fit suspension And some of the faults You can come up against 👍👍👍👍👍👍👌👌👌👌👌

[@THQAutomotive]

Thanks Peter 😊

[@00pturnerj]

Glad I watched this. Replacing a set of leaking KWs on my T5.1. Ordered a set of B14 komfort lows and wasn’t aware of the need for the dust covers! They didn’t come with so have just ordered a set.

[@THQAutomotive]

Yes they're very important

[@MrC2958]

Was going to call you actually about a knocking noise. Brought my T6.1 2023 California down to you earlier this year for suspension and wheels. Its developed slight knock on the left side. I'll get the dealer to check the drop links

[@jameshosking9233]

Had a lightbulb moment on tyres watching this. Running 275’s was a fail on my part. Will be switching to 265’s - this will hopefully solve the slight ‘rub’ I’m experiencing on a B14 Komfort set-up on full front steering lock, or when bottoming out on a compression on the road (again in the front). Also need to check if the longer drop links were fitted on my 6.1. I learned a lot watching this - thanks chaps.

[@THQAutomotive]

Glad to be able to help :)

[@mikenefkens6626]

Thanks guys! Recently fitted the twin adjust low kit and have a knocking on the rear, new spring seats from you guys fitted. Bump stops cut down, spring seated correctly. Seems like maybe knocking from adjuster? I heard the spot welds can rattle against the collar. Not sure what else to look for.

[@468cotter]

Great help, thank you.

[@THQAutomotive]

Glad to help 😊

[@andygta]

Great video chaps. Had no idea about having the spring text facing forward!

[@THQAutomotive]

Glad it was useful.

[@mkerr8790]

@@THQAutomotive Question: Spring Text facing forward on front & rear springs??

[@THQAutomotive]

@@mkerr8790 Fronts. More facing out than forward :)

[@mkerr8790]

Thanks guys And regarding the rear springs… which way should the text face??

[@THQAutomotive]

It can only fit one way because of the shape. It'll make sense when you are fitting them

[@Georgegallowa7]

Great info bud,

[@THQAutomotive]

Glad to help :)

[@Georgegallowa7]

Can you lads do a job for my 2006 t5 130, all front bushes and rods re new and drive shafts and steering knuckle if needed. Iv got play and front knocking Cheers

[@THQAutomotive]

@@Georgegallowa7 we don't do customer work sorry. We're fully development and distribution now

[@slinkyboy777]

Great video can you do a video on getting them safely up on a trolley jack. Had a look and can’t see much details on that as most people don’t have access to a ramp and these vans are heavy. Thanks

[@THQAutomotive]

We'll try and add that to a coming video

[@Penberth1]

Great vid for teaching the likes of myself about Transporter suspension! My 2011 T32 has developed a knocking on front driver side as of late - new d bushes on anti-roll bar, new track rod end, checked the top nut and tension OK.... but alas she still knocks when steering! Looking in wheel arch today with the other half steering I can see towards top of shock assembly it's not a smooth motion, it's a jump jump jump creating the knocking. Well out of my realm so it's off to the garage - but would you hazard a guess at what's up? Bit of corrosion in there but passed MOT like it in December.

[@THQAutomotive]

So hard to say. What suspension are you on? If it's coilovers, the first thing I'd check is if the install fitted the OEM top nut. One of the solow approved installs would be able to diagnose it I'm sure. solowsuspension.com/solow-installer-network/

[@iambloater]

Helpful video - thanks. Can I do the rear spring adjuster delete on my STX coilovers? If so do you sell them and which one do I need please?

[@THQAutomotive]

Yes although I didn't know the internal dimension of the ST springs. The B14 adjuster delete on our website is the narrowest. That will be most likely be the best fit.

[@keanMechanic]

And don’t forget to follow the manufacturer instructions and renew ALL FIXINGS.

[@twig3288]

Why would anyone lower their ground clearance bearing in mind the condition of British roads, with speed bumps, potholes and flooding?

[@THQAutomotive]

Because they are so much more comfortable when lowered correctly.

[@carlgrove7414]

Very useful video. Thanks. I have a set of 20” Navis twin 5’s. What size tyre would you recommend as the most comfortable tyre on a T28?

[@KeviNissan]

Depending of the width of the rim. 8,5J need a smaller tyre than a 10J for example. For 8,5 is the recommendation between 235 and 255 so for the best is 245.

[@babelonchabalala1690]

Had a T5 with a knocking sound when turning the steering ...... Noticed under the wipers that the shock wasn't centered in the gap and knocked against the chassis...... Turned out to be a worn stabilizer link that caused the shock absorber not to stay centered while turning the steering wheel .....unfortunately the T5 does not have nuts on top like normal cars that holds the shock in place

[@MrMilky1190]

Great video. I have 275 on my t6.1 on adjustable coil overs. When Reversing up a slight incline my transporter grinds to a sudden halt. If I go really slow I get no issue. I cannot see that the tyre has caught anything. It sounds like I’ve hit something but I haven’t. The front hasn’t ground out etc. Any ideas?

[@THQAutomotive]

Are you getting warnings on the dash? It won't be tyres.

[@s1_vbe]

Just bought the full so-low LOW kit etc with all the trimmings.. Are all ur installers around the country trained with the knowledge that u just all explained. I am going to take it to a&t motors in newbury. Thanks again

[@THQAutomotive]

Hello.Yes all our installers have had to come to us for training before getting approved.

[@s1_vbe]

@TransporterHQ thank you and cant wait for the delivery to turn up. Its not the airride I wanted but money is tight so go for the next best thing

[@THQAutomotive]

100% :) @@s1_vbe

[@adrianquinn5535]

Are the twin adjust projekt dampers the same as the b14s on a 4motion with the bushing offset? Have a set on the way from the shop in the Netherlands atm!

[@THQAutomotive]

No, only lift dampers are offset

[@MAXlMUS]

Nice vid guys. Do you have your service stations in europe? Or do you recommend anyone for this kind of suspension work? In particular: Poland, Germany. Thanks!

[@THQAutomotive]

Speak to Stefan at a company called Felgen doc in Germany

[@colinhill6287]

Can I ask why the spring would be knocking if the writing isn’t facing forward?

[@peterodriguez4642]

Top tech no frills info...

[@THQAutomotive]

Glad it helps

[@colinhill6287]

Hi, bit late to the chat, but can you help. I noticed the numbers on the front springs, my komforts have 6/21 as the top number, what relevance is this please?

[@stoem]

Do you have to modify the LED brackets/sensors at all when going low to make sure the headlights are still correct or does it work at any ride height?

[@THQAutomotive]

We've not no. I don't have any issues with my factory LED headlights and i roll really low on Solow Air suspension

[@PatrickKoenig-lp2oz]

I’ve got a t6.1 4motion.. rides great on b14. Just fitted the rear poweflex bushes and putting it back together the rear left axle seems to be “stuck” hanging down.. it seems to have come out of the cv on the hub side no idea how get it back in.. don’t really want to open the boot 🤷🏼‍♂️🤦🏻‍♂️ anyone got any ideas lol

[@TheMt9398]

Hello, thanks for your video. Can I ask please where you are located? I have a t6 which shakes and bumpy drive. best Mo

[@THQAutomotive]

Google Transporter HQ and you'll see our full address :)

[@susan5530]

Hi I replaced my rear broken lowering springs with stance + & adjusters. T5.1 now going over a small bump there's a hard knock. Been told there not compatible with standard shocks. Do you think this is the problem?

[@THQAutomotive]

yes thats correct. the standard shock will be bottoming out.

[@lasersailing2k8]

Wish i was closer to you as have all sorts of knocking on the front end which is very frustrating…….. :(

[@THQAutomotive]

maybe you could show this video to your local garage.

[@alistairgrice660]

May I ask what was the wheel and tyre size on the van on the hoist?

[@vwjoshua]

If your meaning the tyre size at the end of the video. That is a 235/55/17 general grabber, if my memory serves me right

[@tonyormsby1409]

Ref: 'Bilstein B14 Komfort with Eibach Pro Lowering Springs' on a 6.1 California. Please can you advise how much threaded adjustment you get on the Rear Adjusters ~40mm or more? I think there is nearer ~ 70mm on the front, but it is the rear where it's needed as Californias are much heavier than standard Vans or Kombis and typically have ~40mm of rear sag! Bilstein quotes typical lowering of 30 - 50mm and others quote 50 - 70mm. Aware that the shorter spring accounts for ~ 30mm, although stiffer. Many thanks.

[@tonyormsby1409]

Sorry, meant to add I wish to keep the max height at the rear (for extra load of a Camper and associated kit) and lower the front to level accordingly.

[@THQAutomotive]

There isn't an exact calculation as all vehicles are different especially when loaded. We see vehicles a lot heavier then a Cali so they are ideal for those too. I'd genuinely set the rear 20mm higher then the front on the adjust to allow for weight. So set the rear at the highest and adjust the front down 20mm on the adjuster. It's trail and root though. You may need a few attempts to get it right. The front is easier to adjust so I'd set the rear high. You can then easily tweak the front

[@tonyormsby1409]

@@THQAutomotive Thanks. Wondered if you could advise the exact amount of thread on the Rear adjusters, for the max setting?

[@s-om6962]

Ive a 2005 t5.4 mo...whats the cheapest 50mm.lift..EVERYTHING i need to do it..ie diff spacers...etc...anything else i need ?..eg.longer brake hoses? Have you a full video on this job please. Cheers..

[@matthewlaw8268]

Will a 265/40 tyre fit on a 10j rim? I have staggered alloys on my van with 275/40 tyres fitted and was told 275 is as narrow as you should go on a 10j rim.

[@THQAutomotive]

265/40 is fine on a 10 wide wheel. It'll just have more stretch. To give you an idea, I run a 255/35 on a 10.5 rear on my own van on air suspension.

[@chrisandlauraritchie7998]

Are you able to get the bolts that go in the front hubs?

[@vwjoshua]

If you contact a vw parts department at your local dealer they a purchasable or alternatively speak to TPS as they stock VW parts too

[@mashlikethepotato]

I cut the rear bump stop housing down as pointed out. I removed the rubber first which simply pushes into the housing. However, the housing (tube) was sleeved and seemed to be held by wax...?! After shortening the tube with a grinder, the sleeve wouldn't stay in place and therefore wouldn't hold the rubber bumper... This was 2 years ago now but I think I have explained it right. Any advice?

[@mashlikethepotato]

2007 T5 btw (Resist the lift 🤟)

[@THQAutomotive]

You don't need the rubber bumper. Just remove it.

[@mashlikethepotato]

@@THQAutomotive I grip filled the shit out of it 🤣

[@THQAutomotive]

@@mashlikethepotato 😂 💪

[@markmclean4897]

Got knocks thanks

[@THQAutomotive]

Hope this helps

[@gandhi1078]

Do you take the top rubber out on the rear spring? I’ve bought your updated lower rubber but still got an annoying creaking when I brake so thinking it’s the top rubber.

[@THQAutomotive]

If you have adjustable suspension, yes you remove the top rubber plate. If you have just springs with no adjuster, you need a top rubber though. Some of our spring only sets come with a replacement to the EOM one.

[@gandhi1078]

@@THQAutomotive great cheers for the reply. I’ve got coilovers, I might buy your adjuster delete 👍🏻

[@stephencharlton9823]

Which wheels are they at 3:54?

[@vwjoshua]

They are Black Rhino Arsenal 17x8

[@HorsleyLandy88]

Why are you using a toy blowlamp ?

[@THQAutomotive]

Because it does the job and we use it once in a blue moon.