VW GTI & GOLF R: Bilstein B6 Suspension Upgrade DIY

Is your daily driver handling worse lately? This is a step-by-step guide on how to replace your front and rear suspension dampers using Bilstein B6 Performance shocks and struts! I did this install on a MK7 Volkswagen GTI but the Golf R and regular Golf process is nearly identical.
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TORQUE SPECS FOR THE MK7 GTI/GOLF R:
Front:
Strut Pinch Bolt: 70 Nm + 180 °
Pinch Bolt Nut: 70 Nm + 180 °
Ball Joint Nut: 40 Nm + 45 °
Strut Top Bolts: 15 Nm + 90 °
Strut Mount Nut: 60 Nm
Inner Axle Bolts: 70 Nm
Outer Axle Bolt: 148 FT-LBS + 180 °
Rear:
Rear lower shock bolts: 70Nm + 180 °
Rear top shock mount bolts: 50Nm + 45 °
PARTS USED IN VIDEO (2016 VW GTI Manual-Transmission, Amazon Affiliate Links):
Note: Here's links to all the parts individually, but many stores sell install kits with these things bundled together. I'd shop @ecstuning or @Deutscheautoparts for those kits.
Bilstein B6 Front Strut 35-229872 (x2) - amzn.to/3hwWnAk
Bilstein B6 Rear Shock 24-229890 (x2) - amzn.to/394vxuP
VW Front Strut Mounts 5Q0412331E (x2) - amzn.to/3tG3wmx
VW Front Strut Bearings 5Q0412249E (x2) - amzn.to/3A7h2Ca
VW Front Sway Bar End Links 5Q0411315A (x2) - amzn.to/399jooa
VW Rear Shock Mounts 5Q0513353E (x2)
VW also requires new hardware (nuts, bolts, etc).
TOOLS USED IN VIDEO (Amazon Affiliate Links):
Metric Sockets (Deep and Regular)
Metric Wrenches
Milwaukee Impact - amzn.to/398Ys0w
Metric Offset Box Wrench Set - amzn.to/3lnpPcX
Allen Wrenches - amzn.to/3kaoJCb
Hex Bit Socket Set - amzn.to/3EgEDTk
Pass-Thru Wrench Set - amzn.to/3loM9D5
Torque Wrench - amzn.to/3ny8cKo
Triple Square Bit Socket Set - amzn.to/3CcEtdX
Strut Nut Sockets (You only need 21 and 22mm) - amzn.to/3lqt5nT
Spring Compressor Tool - amzn.to/3lnT9A8
Steering Knuckle Spreader Bit - amzn.to/3EhEWxn
24mm 12 Point Socket - amzn.to/3lrPxNu
Brass Hammer
Torx Bits
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
CHAPTER MARKERS:
0:00 Intro
1:50 Parts Overview
3:00 Rear Shock Removal
4:00 Rear Shock Assembly
5:46 Rear Shock Install
6:54 Front Strut Job Overview
7:44 OEM Struts VS B6 Struts; eBay Warning!
9:43 Tools Needed For Front Strut Job
11:17 Front Coil-Over Removal
15:31 Coil-Over Disassemble, Assemble How-to
17:18 Front Coil-Over Install
20:39 Project Wrap-Up
#jasonexplainsthings #vwgti #golfr #bilstein #suspension

[@JasonExplainsThings]

At 1:21 I wanted to use "I Will Always Love You" From Whitney Houston... so just imagine that part with it please! :-)

[@Fsciabica76]

The time spent, the tools and the new parts, all added to the effort of the time it takes to study and learn, plus the ingenuity of one to complete the project, it all adds up. The cars are German, Japanese, Korean or American, they all have the same factors in common (time, money, sweat, insults plus ingenuity). Sale or keep it!? You already invested!!

[@raphaeldevalle9653]

Keep it!

[@bonthan8728]

I rolled the bilstein b8’s, H&R sport springs, bbs chr 18x8.5 offset 47 and the 034 rear swaybar. Put big brakes on and had to do a 10 mm spacer for clearance. I’ve driven it with this setup for a year, it is superb. It has not rubbed or bottomed out a single time. No problems ever, fantastic ride. Drives like it’s on rails.

[@LegerAndCo]

I'm about to do b8's with lowering springs and 18x8 with a 35 offset on my mk7.5 gti this weekend I can't wait. I'm at 100k kilometers as I bought it in 2019 doing about 20k a year here u canada the road get rough in spring so most car suspensions don't last past 100k kilometers or 60k in miles. Had to to the same thing with my previous Gli aswell but I went cheap and regreated it hopefully the bilstiens will improve my thoughts on lowering cars.

[@leejohnson8719]

One of the best videos on this process that's out there. Thanks for taking the time putting this one together.

[@True77]

Awesome! This is a DIY project coming up for my Focus. Totally feeling those same wobbles in my car.

[@ethanluu3011]

Finally a video on the b6/b8 video lol, i just got my b8’s installed with eibach pro springs 2 weeks ago and it’s a night and day difference for sure!

[@JasonExplainsThings]

Is that sarcasm? I can’t tell! I know I’m about 7 years late to the game making MK7 GTI videos. :-) But yeah I’m very happy with the new suspension.

[@ethanluu3011]

@@JasonExplainsThings oh no not at all just found your channel! This was the best bilstein b6 video out there! Instant subscribe!

[@petescarp4275]

Hey Ethan , I see you have pro kit with Bilstein b8 I'm looking to do this really soon on my 2018 GTI SE do you like the ride with that setup?? I keep hearing people say B6 shock with the pro kits since they were designed to be used with the stock struts, any info would be great thanks man

[@ethanluu3011]

@@petescarp4275 Apparently, the eibach’s and bilstein’s were a part of a b14 coilover kit a while back which is cool, but after driving with it for a couple months….I love it! It’s very planted with very minimal body roll, you’ll feel your car eat hard turns like it’s nothing and the ride feels very comfy. Also make sure to get a dcc delete kit or you’ll throw a code,

[@Tactidad]

Fantastic tutorial and fun to watch. I firmly believe the VW GTI any generation is a Great car with a good balance of speed, affordability, and tuneability, not to mention aftermarket support and good DIY VIDEOS LIKE THIS ONE!

[@sergentgriff]

Even though I don't have a VW it's been interesting to see these videos just to see how the cars are put together.

[@nitty728]

Hey Jason love all your videos! Keep being you man!

[@JasonExplainsThings]

Will do! I have no choice.

[@ghostwrench2292]

A couple of months ago, installed Bilstein B8 with H&R lowering springs on my 140k mile Volvo S40. I love how it handles now (installed larger rear sway bar while I was at it) so now I want to put Bilstein B6 on my Mini now! Definitely worth the money!

[@MichaelLifeof..]

I’m watching this for Blistien reviews for my S40.

[@WingLun]

Great video! Very informative thank you 😀

[@davestewart9146]

Unless you really need to sell the car I think you should keep it, she brings a big smile to your face, great video my friend 👍😁

[@JasonExplainsThings]

Yeah, what may replace it is also very cool... but very different. Still a manual! :-)

[@audieconrad8995]

I have a red '17 just like the one here [manual.] Am going with the exact B6 setup this coming week. Am really looking forward to it. Gr8 vid here!

[@isaacplans4778]

Excellent video. Really well described

[@123motd]

Gained a sub! Very thorough video thanks!

[@mwong987]

Dude, thank you -- I have a 1998 Boxster and am in debating whether to put in Bilstein B6 shocks myself, or hire a mechanic. I'm entertained, and enlightened.

[@Dan-zz7yr]

Good vibes, good content! 👍

[@JasonExplainsThings]

Thanks Dan!

[@glennlozuke268]

Great video instruction. Been wanting to install coilovers on mk6 TDI golf

[@JasonExplainsThings]

Nice! The general process should be the same. You'll just need different parts. I'm pretty sure the front struts are a different diameter.

[@MegaHollywood1971]

Incredible charisma and pretty clear and concise tutorial + personal feedback that was concise. Well done 👍

[@GenXPatriots]

This is hilarious. GTI AND a Tacoma. I have now come to your channel for both my cars.

[@JasonExplainsThings]

Rad! I miss the GTI but the Tacoma is more my interest these days.

[@GenXPatriots]

@@JasonExplainsThings I just used your video to replace shocks, struts, and springs in my MK6 GTI. Mine was a little more difficult because of more rust but I did get it done, thanks for the help!

[@aquatone61]

If you haven’t seen the 2x4 method, it uses that upper sway bar mounting hole and a 2x4 to push the strut up and compress the spring. That allows you to lift the strut out of the knuckle by compression. I have some Koni FSD’s waiting to be installed on my ‘15. I just need to get those special sockets with the hole in the side.

[@JasonExplainsThings]

I have. Shop Dap did a video about that.

[@TheCinderellaman10]

To retain dcc on your vw/seat these bilstein b6 dampers will allow you to do so but definitely change your mounts all round and get your ideal lowering springs of choice

[@portlandon]

Hey those 1989-97 thunderbirds had independent rear suspensions! Good cars except with the 3.8 v6 that ate head gaskets every 90,000. Mine had the electric shoulder seat belts that tried to take off my head at least once per month.

[@JasonExplainsThings]

I loved that car. I had the 4.6L V8. Was my car through college.

[@stewstube70]

From my experience with the front struts on other VWs you can use a jack under the hub to compress the strut in situ than apply the spring compressors to the spring in situ. In this case the strut can then be removed without needing to disconnect the driveshaft as its kept shorter.

[@sibzilla]

I was thinking of putting spring compressors over the highest part of the spring and under the lip of the shock where the spring sits, but this idea sounds better as it will keep the spring compressed all the way through. Have you tried it? Deffo enough space in there?

[@merwes3616]

Maybe im going to try the B6's on my Rx8. I have 45mm H&R sport springs atm but its a little bit to low for my hometown 😅 i would remove the h&r springs with the normal rx8 springs and use the bildstein B6 instead to keep it more "sporty"😅

[@RALLYFANCLUBn1]

4:44 - не обязательно её разрезать) и так снимается. я так 100 раз делал) подписался! привет из россии!

[@LegerAndCo]

so many people run those continental extreme contacts dws06 this is like the 5th video I've seen with them on gti. I run them as well great daily driver tire and rain performance. actual performance not so much, compared to my Indy 500's. 0-60 is almost whole second faster with them on.

[@MM168NSX]

Great vid! Do these not have in built bump stops? So stock ones shouldn’t be used?

[@JasonExplainsThings]

Correct. Don’t use the stock bumpstops.

[@sergiom2175]

Great video! What type of jack stands are those?

[@PNW_Bison]

They're safe jacks. Jason did a video on them waaay back in the day. Here's a link! kzbin.info/www/bejne/kJa1Ymaqgt92ask

[@rcast9022]

nice video! very informative. when you say firmer ride is it uncomfortable compared to the stock?

[@JasonExplainsThings]

That's kind of a subjective thing. It's a little less comfortable on rough roads, but not like lowering springs would be. Overall I'd say it's an improvement.

[@RandomMichael]

Can you reuse the top shock mount? Why did you get a new one and where can I purchase it?

[@Jasonnf1]

Hi ! I have a b6 passat lux sedan. Im thinking about pilot sport all season 4 & this suspension? How would that work ? 😁

[@lucidhorizon6943]

I am actually in the process of installing similar Bilstein coil overs. I am nearly done and now the Linkage seems to be too short. Any ideas?

[@JasonExplainsThings]

Happy ending to my eBay story. My brother-in-law has a MK6 Golf that can use the struts that I was sent in error. At least someone can use them. I'm definitely gun shy about using eBay to buy expensive parts for a while.

[@Logan-st7vb]

Must be one happy brother-in-law

[@ghostwrench2292]

I could never use eBay for something as important to me as my cars suspension. FCP Euro is my (almost) exclusive parts supplier for my Volvo and my Mini. I spend thousands of dollars per year with them and have not been let down yet.

[@jkclassy3643]

Nice upgrade! Where did you get those splash guards?

[@JasonExplainsThings]

They’re OEM accessories.

[@elvctorsd]

Keep it!

[@Carlosmartinhox]

Good job, Tell me something are these bilstein B6s for use with original springs? and there is no problem in the inspection??

[@JasonExplainsThings]

Covered in the video.

[@kevindougherty2936]

Where’d ya pick up that pass thru wrench by chance? Love the DIY though man!

[@kevindougherty2936]

Disregard I should of paid attention and found it in the description 😂

[@JasonExplainsThings]

No prob! Glad it helped.

[@peterenwick6098]

Easy way the spread the knuckle clamp…. Put a thin piece of steel in the slot and run the bolt back into the threaded side to push against the steel and spread the clamp.

[@alromero9561]

Was the HD shock to harsh for sport springs or was it still comfortable? My mk6r definitely needs nee shocks at 160k now. Thanks in advance!

[@JasonExplainsThings]

This setup is designed for stock springs. The ride was definitely firmer with the b6’s. I personally wouldn’t want any firmer or lower for a daily driver. If you want to do sports or lowering springs you’ll want to look at the B8’s.

[@anthony6006]

Hi. I have a 2012 mk6 1.6 tdi and i currently have excel g shock absorbers but they ride very harsh of bad roads so i wanna change them to a softer shocks. What shocks do you reccomend to buy?

[@JasonExplainsThings]

Probably the OEM replacement Bilsteins. These would not be softer than stock… they’re quite a bit firmer.

[@sibai84]

I installed the B6 on my 2014 Mercedes e350 couple of months ago. The performance and handling have improved so much, but the car is not as comfortable as it used to be on bumpy roads. Do you have any recommendations on softening up the ride with the B6? I lowered the tire pressure by 2 PSI. It helped little. Thanks

[@Mambomel]

Than maybe the B6 isn’t for you? B4 is the stock recommended. I am considering between the B6 and B14 but leaning towards the B6 on my golf variant as i do not want to lower my ride.

[@sibai84]

@@Mambomel I ended up replacing the B6s with the B4s. The car ride softer and handles well. I'm pretty happy with the B4s so far.

[@davidbarnes1410]

The Bilstein B6 and B8 are filled with nitrogen gas to 350 psi. This makes them too stiff. You can remove the access cap at the bottom of each damper, and use a shock needle and gauge to lower the nitrogen pressure to 150-200 psi to get a better ride.

[@Emily-ou6lq]

Hi there again, got another question, what do you mean by "axle" in inner axle bolts and outer axle bolt? The driveshaft?

[@JasonExplainsThings]

CV Axle. Driveshaft would be for a rear wheel drive vehicle.

[@Emily-ou6lq]

@@JasonExplainsThings Thanks

[@jeviersihombing7614]

Bro how bout the adaptive?

[@ramseyshelmandine]

Did You Keep the GTI? And hows the shocks after 10 months because I am looking at installing B6 struts and shocks on my 2016 Mazda 6 also I am dropping it 1.0" with RSR coil springs. And the whole Gas chamber joke was hilarious! 😂 but let me know if i should go with B4s upfront and B6s in the back since Im dropping the ride height a minimal drop of 1". So im thinking less shock pressure up front is better sinc eim dropping it. Or should I stick with B6 all the way around?

[@JasonExplainsThings]

If it were me I’d make them match. But that’s my personal opinion. I sold the GTI back in March to get a Toyota Tacoma. The B6’s were great, but they did make the ride a little more harsh. B4’s would essentially be an OEM equivalent.

[@mauroturbo9454]

My name is Mauro First of all, I wanted to congratulate you on your website and video tutorials. I am emailing you to ask to what extent are Blinstein shock absorbers firmer than original ones? I had heard they were 30% firmer than other suspensions, but I haven't received any useful information or advice, when asked. I just wanted to know whether such a "firm" car will still be safe, especially if driven on wet ground. Thank you in advance for your help. I look forward to hearing from you soon. Regards, Mauro

[@JasonExplainsThings]

They are definitely firmer… I don’t know about 30% firmer, that seems a bit exaggerated. As for safety it’s just as good or better. The car stays more planted over bumps or turns. Only negative is you feel bumps in the road more. This doesn’t change anything like ride height, etc. They car handles great in rain or snow.

[@mauroturbo9454]

@@JasonExplainsThings many thanks many thanks for the reply

[@boyanratchev877]

On Passat B8 2017, the ride improved significantly, but I started hearing knocking / squeezing sounds ij the front. Unfortunately after refitting the shocks 2 times the knocking sound during drive did not disappear. I visited the official VW dealership from where I bought the car. They examined the car and said the original strut bearings are not compatible with Bilstein B6 shocks and confirmed this being the reason for the knocking sound. Does anyone has solution for this.

[@TheTexican05]

New to your channel. VW fanatic of 18 years. Did you end up keeping or selling the Red Rocket?... 👀 😖

[@JasonExplainsThings]

She’s gone. I miss the GTI sometimes. Leaning into trucks and camping now… but still have the classic Beetle.

[@danh9225]

vw scirocco workshop manual says 60nm for that top strut nut

[@leonmovrin2205]

I have Eibach pro kit installed on golf 7. Is better to use BILSTEIN B6 or B8?

[@JasonExplainsThings]

Not sure. But Eibach stuff is great. I have it their shocks and springs on my 4Runner.

[@mekekeli9354]

Will you need an alignment when you remove the axle nut??

[@JasonExplainsThings]

You need an alignment any time you replace front suspension components. These are meant to keep the stock ride height, but they're still different. And that's for any car or truck.

[@amorbavian]

Any argument for b4 instead of vw stock since b4 are a bit more expensive?

[@JasonExplainsThings]

Check the end of the video. I talk about the difference.

[@grg88888]

Did it raise the ride height? looks like there is alot more wheel gap

[@JasonExplainsThings]

No, same spring so it doesn't lift it at all.

[@seragali1353]

Is it necessary to replace the two shock absorbers together, even if the other is in good condition? Knowing that the car has traveled 100,000 miles

[@JasonExplainsThings]

100% yes. Never change only one side. You can probably get away with just doing the front or back, but never do just one side.

[@seragali1353]

@@JasonExplainsThings I understand from your words that it is necessary to change the front two, even if the other is in good condition

[@Emily-ou6lq]

I'm confused, the "Pinch Bolt Nut: 70 Nm + 180 °" is the nut on the "Strut Pinch Bolt: 70 Nm + 180 °" right? I believe you didn't mention the the torque specs of the swaybar link and ball-joint to triangle nuts?

[@JasonExplainsThings]

Hi there, yes you understand it correctly. If I missed some specs please check the description or do a google search.

[@Emily-ou6lq]

@@JasonExplainsThings Thanks! Yea, the description doesn't mention them either...they're both 55NM btw

[@RedondoBeach2]

16:31 is this bushing an OEM or aftermarket part?

[@JasonExplainsThings]

Everything is OEM minus the Bilstein struts.

[@RedondoBeach2]

@@JasonExplainsThings Interesting. I have a 2004 GTI VR6. My car does not have the rubber bushing that separates the spring from the shock. I bought the Bilstein B6 shocks (front and rear) along with Eibach springs. I also bought new control arms with R32 bushings instead of the factory GTI bushings. I understand they are stiffer than the GTI bushings but offer a more forgiving ride than polyurethane bushings. I may also buy a new sway bar from Eibach. I anticipate having all of this installed near the end of the year since it will be replaced in conjunction with a brake rebuild, axle replacement, tie rod replacement, sub-frame bushing replacement, rear axle beam bushing replacement, engine/transmission mount replacement, clutch replacement, timing chain/guides, coolant hoses, radiator, heater core, serpentine belt/tensioner, starter, alternator, thermostat/housing, coils, spark plugs, ignition harness, secondary air system replacement, throttle body cleaning, exhaust manifold replacement, stick shift bushing replacement, cooling fan replacement, and whatever else needs to be replaced. Right now I'm in the gathering parts, special tools, and bookmarking DIY videos phase. If all of this maintenance goes well, I'll have the car repainted, reupholstered and buy new rims. Basically, a full refresh. The objective is to maintain the car in OEM+ condition in order to preserve reliability and ride quality on the open road. I want to avoid performance parts that might degrade ride quality, durability and comfort. I appreciate your video because it gives me an idea of what to expect from the B6 shocks. I believe they're the best option for my intended use.

[@Patrickarjay]

How was the ride quality and ride comfort?

[@JasonExplainsThings]

I talk about that at the end of the video.

[@tkskagen]

THANK YOU for NOT Lowering your GTI!

[@sandmangti7040]

Lower it! 1 inch. Eibach.

[@raphaeldevalle9653]

KEEP HER!!!

[@JasonExplainsThings]

It's too late my friend. But classic VW stuff will always be on my channel... and other VW cars will come in the future for sure. I need to get the Beetle 100% squared away first.

[@irfanspace]

great , 2 things , dw40 and Anti-seize

[@JasonExplainsThings]

The side I did off camera had lots of PB Blaster used. :-)

[@itsnotstock]

Did you get rid of the GTI or decide to keep it?

[@JasonExplainsThings]

Likely going to sell. Nothing against the car, I’m just interested in getting a truck.

[@jamesmedina2062]

@@JasonExplainsThings What truck!? How big you need?

[@jamocerwin5841]

Koni+voghtland progresive springs

[@munkieluva]

45 degrees is one eighth-turn, not one-quarter turn.

[@leeharrison1477]

@6:15 mark: You torque to a spec and then, "...go a quarter turn past the click..." What's up with that? Also, the text at that time says, "Torque Top Bolts to 50Nm, + 45 Degree Turn." A 45-degree turn would be an 1/8 turn, and a "quarter turn" would be a 90-degree turn. But the real question is why torque to a spec and then go an arbitrary amount beyond the spec?

[@JasonExplainsThings]

It’s weird, yes. But I follow manuals.

[@leeharrison1477]

@@JasonExplainsThings I’d then agree. Follow the book - but strange that’d they’d just not simply increase the torque value.

[@christopherjecert]

@@leeharrison1477 We are trying to achieve a predictable clamping force across the bolt fastener but things like lubricity of the treads and bolt/nut can mess up the torque to clamping force relationship. The torque plus angle method of tightening increases the repeatability in achieving a set clamping force by removing most of the error from friction. The first torque value simply ensures the fastener is fully engaged, the angle stretches the fastener a fixed amount which following hooks law ensures a defined clamping force.

[@leeharrison1477]

@@christopherjecert That’s a good explanation. Thanks! Ah, physics!

[@PNW_Bison]

@@christopherjecert well, I'm not gonna argue with this! Thanks! ✌️

[@vasm1807]

Keep it Sir… you won’t have anything similar again… you feel bored coz you aren’t driving it enough… you should take some trips and hang out with VW people to get the fever again

[@tkskagen]

Please keep the GTI, it's already PAID FOR!

[@PNW_Bison]

Free cameramen come with jokes, it's a national fact. 🤷

[@JasonExplainsThings]

Dad jokes and snap zooms!

[@chihabeddineeddaoui5046]

Why do we havs to change the old struts? (I want to upgrade to b6 by the way)

[@guillermobustelos4991]

audi technician here, please dont use a hammer there is no need if you use a porroper oppener in its position. hammering is the clarckson way and i respect that but...

[@JasonExplainsThings]

Comments welcome! I'd love to work on one of these with someone like you who knows all the tricks and proper tools. I found this suspension the most difficult to work on I've experienced. Most of my past suspension work is on older cars or trucks.

[@nathanhoy2130]

The bolts are stretch bolt designed to be one use only and torque correctly. Word or advice, don’t be a cheapskate and get new bolts.

[@JasonExplainsThings]

Yeah I covered that.

[@tommybronze3451]

Nm, is not European, it's world wide measurement ;*

[@timbrett1532]

You shouldn't work on cars & you don't need special tools either. I'm installing these struts right now & got my old struts out by just using a screw driver to widen the lower part the strut sits in.

[@JasonExplainsThings]

I'm sorry I failed you Tim. I'm so, so sorry.

[@game4alaughman]

Oh such a shame you don’t know or didn’t say how to fit the top mounts in the correct way, to much joking about & slight time lapse on fitting the mounts, incase you didn’t know the mounts have 2 arrows & need to be fitted correctly on the car. You put the shocker on without even looking, I will have a Quick Look at some of your other videos tho

[@JasonExplainsThings]

Thanks for commenting buddy!

[@wadeduvall7026]

Sell it and daily drive your overland vehicle!

[@JasonExplainsThings]

Cough…. May have ordered a Tacoma…. Cough, Cough

[@dannycasquilho3880]

You just left the bottom of the dust boot not fastened? I am in middle of doing same install on 2010 Jetta with B6’s. The stock dust boot seems like not the correct dust boot.

[@neilg3364]

No need to it covers it when on the ground