VW MK4 Coilover Removal and Installation DIY

[@EliteHotRodSniper]

Massive donut fan and I am modifying my MK4 and was searching around for an install video and had to triple check I was seeing correctly 😂

[@TheSaif78]

Same

[@griffinkoger2949]

Did the same😂

[@urbandiscreet5468]

Yep money pit zach on a vag car

[@padraigregan2639]

Same haha

[@toptiertay5118]

yup me too lol

[@tristanlewis3251]

Seeing him not on a donut media video tripped me out.

[@shadowsbelong5129]

Bro same holy shit

[@583327]

Yuop

[@audi_steve8363]

He started with ECS. I felt the same when I saw him on Donut media instead of ECS.

[@crimvevo]

you’re never gonna believe this…

[@redbeardpoker3305]

this is actually an amazing video. great mk4 content to us dudes that still drive nicely stanced golfs/jettas/beetles. Just did my coilovers 3 weeks ago and I've been stoked since.

[@redbeardpoker3305]

also i had a question. do those perches sit flush? i think i have some rust built up because the perches weren't flush but they were tight after i tightened the nut on the plate underneath.

[@5.0_brendo43]

I just bought mine today and got the rears in, So pumped yo

[@TylerSmithMusic1]

Mine I just installed make some banging in the back from what sounds like the top of the rear shock mount, is that a ride hide issue? Please help 😅

[@banana_manz3060]

@@TylerSmithMusic1 use the stock strut mounts

[@squeakyvoice2101]

4 years later after much abuse and dealing with the north east winters/salt and pot holes they're holding up. Very rusty and definitely worn out but they still work. Going to be buying another set of these soon. Also threw a hitch on the ole girl and towed around my quad/snowmobile and jetski with my MK4. Suspension handled it great

[@MrTheHillfolk]

It's amazing how many are still on the road. In my travels for work daily I usually see a handful of them cruising along.

[@squeakyvoice2101]

i just put this kit in my mk4 gti 3 door last week with 18x9.5 rims with no spacers and it rides amazing, i did the same adjustment as this video and it is the perfect height. all parts fit as expected, took me about 3 hours to install, it was very painless and i couldn't be happier with the results. I had to change my sway bar end links to adjustable ones. other then that absolutely no rubbing and it handles like its on rails. very quality parts and the install kit just made it a hell of a lot easier. Ill do an update after a few months of everyday driving with regular 3 hour road trips.

[@squeakyvoice2101]

I would reccommend doing both sides of the rear at the same time, i had to learn that the hard way. nothing a bottle jack cant fix tho lol

[@TTaylor841]

2 years later do you still recommend these coil overs? I’m looking to get a set and i am not quite sure what to get.

[@antonio-xh2pk]

with what offset

[@squeakyvoice2101]

no idea honestly, still have them over 4 years

[@squeakyvoice2101]

@@TTaylor841 yes

[@okerr4093]

Thank you guy from Donut! This is a much better video than Racelands video due to them not explaining everything they should have! Appreciate it a lot!

[@TRCFL]

Just a recommendation, The rear axle needs some adjustment when lowering. Loosen and replace the stretch bolts that secure the rear axle to the body (don't torque at this point). The swing arm is heavy so support with a jack, etc. Get the ride height set as close as possible with the car on blocks and tighten down the rear axle bolts along with the lower shock mount bolts. The reason for this is the swing arm bushings will be under considerable torsional stress once the car is lowered. They are set during original vehicle assembly for a factory ride height. The bushings should have little or no pre loading on them to prevent premature wear. To reiterate, do not reuse the bolts. They are torque to yield and should be discarded once removed. Ideally, replace the bushings with ECS Polyurethane rear axle bushing kit. These are much nicer than stock, which are probably worn out by now if original. Dropping and re installing the axle isn't all that difficult. I've done it many times by myself using a floor jack, but as with most things in life, it's always easier with help. The only shit job is getting the old bushings out without the proper tool. I've done it using a bearing press tool, jigsaw with a metal blade and a hammer / chisel. Many KZbin videos on this topic.

[@Michal_S0L]

What rear axle

[@TRCFL]

@@Michal_S0L I use VW nomenclature and they also refer to it as: “Axle Assembly”

[@MacThreinfhir]

Agree good idea to “adjust” the load on the rear beam axle bushing but replacing is a massive pita if it’s not necessary.

[@Matitys]

did any fluid come out when you took the front axles off?

[@TRCFL]

@@Matitys On the MK4’s, no oil should drain from the final drive when the front drive axles are removed. If oil does escape then it’s an issue with seals. These cars are old now and major parts are wearing out. I finally sold my MK4 as I was tired of chasing the never ending issues. Bought a new Tiguan. Growing up with kids changes your vehicle choices.

[@jasonslambert]

From all the videos ive watched ,this was the most helpful one

[@Juany1985]

Awesome vid! I'm a huge Donut fan! I've been in a fight with my 02 Jetta for a lot of the day today because I could not get that passenger side front strut to drop! Searched everywhere for an answer and was surprised to see a short haired Zach with the answer. lol thanks man. Gonna get out there tomorrow morning after I take my little girl to school and hopefully pick her up with some new coilovers installed by the afternoon.

[@cifamotanii4587]

There's no need to unscrew axle from gearbox 😬 Very clean everywhere all new parts, try to do it on 10 year old car bro! 😁👍

[@BlackDomeJerome]

You have to disconnect the axel some way or another, either by removing the M8 nuts or by undoing the big axle nut on the hub. Im installing the Jom Bluelines on my 03 Golf TDI and the axle needs to be dropped a bit some way or another...or I think maybe the springs could be compressed to slide it out but even then I don't think it will work. All of my bolts are rusted to shit, they salt and brine our roads like crazy in the winter. When I undid the rear top mount there was salt in it, literally a mound of salt...its August lol

[@Koalateatimes]

I have a wagon I bought coilovers for and this video is so helpful.

[@17Shkurt2008Pavarsia]

There is no need to remove the caliper, ball joint and all that stuff. As long as you remove the (6) 12 point bolts and disconnect the axle from transmission and just move the axle to the side you have plenty of room remove the old suspension and install the new coilover.

[@theyrealltaken3]

Great kit! 45k mi, zero issues. I did use Audi 80 (I think) upper mounts. Drops front another inch, so you can put more spring back in coil and still be low. Rest I used ECS heavy duty install kit.

[@Simplyput_]

The way you do it stresses me out...not everyone lives in a shop with every tool imaginable some of us need poor person DIY instructions

[@theyrealltaken3]

You're poor bc you're stupid. Your senseless comment proves that. That's your parents fault, not his

[@salemcripple]

What exactly here can't be done at home? The only thing shown here that wasn't a basic, BASIC set of hand tools was the lift and trans jack. Neither of which you absolutely need to get the job done. Jack it up, sit it on stands, then use floor jack to line everything back up. When torqueing rear shocks set it on blocks of wood. Every other tool here can be had for a grand total of like ~$200 from harbor freight.

[@DaSNoble]

Yeah, wtf? I mean MAYBE the band saw too, but he said to use a Razer blade, which I'm sure you have you depressed fuck.

[@dougarias6532]

@@theyrealltaken3 imagine calling someone stupid and forgetting a period at the end of your last sentence. :)

[@admiralsnackbar2811]

@@dougarias6532 Imagine being a grammar nazi and starting your sentence without a capital letter. :DD

[@Hyp3rBee]

Wish I came across this video before I installed my BC Racing Coilovers. Very good to detail video.

[@TheMainMan318]

What all did you need with the BC Racing Coilver kit. Just got the kit in and trying to watch this video for everything I need before I start taking everything off.

[@Lawsuit-and-Goldie]

You can do the passenger side without removing the axle aswell. If you undo the stabilizer, tie rod, and ball joint you can get enough rotation to pull the strut out aswell. Just a helpful tip for yall😊

[@janikakis]

Awesome vid guys! Great instructions and presentation... no ums or uhs... unlike some other retailers' videos :P

[@ISupportTheCurr3ntThing]

Holy shit it’s old Zach. Donut needs more Jetta content.

[@TCK8287]

I think I saw you on the other channel playing around with dashboards

[@maveric0738]

Not all MK4's were created equal..

[@patches1526]

hell yeah, MK4 R32 owners unite

[@kottyking]

patches1526 reporting in

[@satoshibautista7766]

About 6:45 into your video i noticed the top cup snuggled tight on the strut tower. What happens when it's got weight back on it? Mine popped up like an inch. Is that normal? If not what can i do to make it snug. All the nuts are tight by the way

[@bloodyvega9087]

Do you need to put shorter drop links/ sway bar links

[@Mroberto7.077]

Does it matter if you don’t put the wheels on blocks and instead just jack the control arm up without the wheel, only asking because I don’t have blocks only rams

[@guitarking4734]

Getting these coilovers installed tomorrow!!

[@brendobicks1744]

How do you like the coilovers? I'm wondering if it's worth getting or if I'm better off spending a few hundred dollars more and going with Koni or bilstein

[@tacodiegoburrito9926]

Literally just installed these tonight on my 05 GLI. For your basic suspension refresh these are a great deal. Just be sure to get camber adjustable top mounts and install kit to go with them.

[@JKissling]

Really nice video, ECS. Think I’m going to pick up a set real soon as my wheel gap is killing me every time I look. Maybe during another one of those famous flash sales... *hint hint* 😉

[@JKissling]

Black friday sales are awesome. Ordered a set. Thanks y'all. Hope to get them installed soon and kill that wheel gap!

[@brendobicks1744]

How do you like the coilovers?

[@chessleyplank]

Wait... ZACH FROM DONUT MEDIA WORKED FOR ECS?? Whaaaaaa🤯

[@colewilkie]

I know wtf

[@garlicbreadjenkins5780]

i knew this dude look familiar

[@damianahern611]

My alignment tab at the back when I push it all it the hole in the alignment tab doesn't line up so cannot put bolt through and the coilover strut will not go down anymore as there is a lip underneath to stop it from going down too much

[@luismiguelramirez3892]

How much does it weigh ?

[@avtheboss2945]

Cómo se llaman esos dados? Min 3:53 ?? Si pudieran ayudarme, muchas gracias..!

[@chuckpromotion2015]

What was the socket size and what kind was it for the front coilover

[@ichewtoast111]

I'm curious why you didn't use the dust cover on the rear shocks, any reason? i plan on doing this soon and am wondering if i should do the same.

[@marconator3896]

What about camber and caster after the coil overs why you dont mention...

[@dshimp37]

Talk about continuity. Watching Hi Low on Donut while I do a coilover install on my Mk4 and would you look at that the same host for both videos haha

[@reynaldotorres2522]

This is exactly what I'm buying

[@Matitys]

did any fluid come out when u too the axle off in the front?

[@BranzFlakes]

I found taking out the front spindle and swapping the strut on the ground easier than fighting it in the car

[@Blake-dw8ou]

Do i need to buy the installation kit? thanks

[@indo509]

Hey Zach I just had a set of these installed. Upon inspection after I left the shop I noticed they didnt seed the shaft all the way down in the knuckle. Shouldnt these go down all the way into the boot?

[@sirTimithiusReviewsProducts]

What is the socket you used to tighten the top hat on the front mount with an Allen wrench? Mine are loose and can’t seem to find a way to tighten it

[@SanchoSanto]

They sell the socket as well. Just buy the 5 pack combo for future changes. I needed a 17, 21, and 22. www.ecstuning.com/b-schwaben-parts/strut-nut-socket-set-5-piece/003046schkt/

[@forrestmoody6940]

I just took a set of these coil overs off of a broke down gti so that i can install them on my mk4 vr6 jetta......... i noticed that instead of throwing away the shipping nut whoever installed these used the "shipping nut instead of the tapered nut when torquing down in the vise" where can i find this correct taper nut??????? you dont even show it in this video and it appears that it doesnt come on the coil over. do i use the taper nut from the oem stuff i pull out ??? ...

[@SanchoSanto]

I used the oem nut from my 337. You can always go to your local VW and buy them. Just make sure to have your vin number as they require it.

[@freedomarms2]

Cool video. Just curious how these coilovers compare to the H&R Street Coilovers? I'm interested in getting the H&R but if these are comparable then...

[@ctrljason]

where can i get that bolt at 9:00 i really need them

[@frostywindshield2034]

I have a mk4 1.8t with coilovers But in the front when I hit bumps and potholes Its so rough and doesnt take it nicely. I was looking at your ecs suspension rebuild kit, with the control arms and everything, is that what I would need you think? Idk what I should get to make it smoother

[@aygwm]

Ryan Reilly the problem is that you have $400 coilovers.

[@frostywindshield2034]

Aaron Garcia nope it's not, coils are good it's control arm bushings,maybe you should know about parts before putting out ridiculous comments like this one

[@frostywindshield2034]

Aaron Garcia took the car apart and it needed a whole bushing kit and the control arm bushings were the problem of front end play

[@ke6bnl]

very watery antisieze what kind is that. or did you dilute it down

[@SonofGodly]

Lots of extra work you didnt need to do. But text book is best when you are learning .

[@kws1957]

Thank you, very professional video ! Gave me new ideas ! Thanks again, this video spares time.

[@droppingears3614]

Just ordered mine! Cant wait to get low!

[@OriginalLofiBeats]

I need some help from the comments here, I got some function and form type 1 coilovers for my jetta, what is the alen key for? i dont see any place to put it? I see other videos of people using alen keys, but i dont know what it is for? If i could get some help from a fellow Vdub'r that would be great.

[@vilux2205]

What is that special bit called

[@marklashko6674]

No instructions on preload? That would have been helpful.

[@mladenhristov9877]

How do you adjust the camber with the stock strut mounts? I am struggling with positive camber. In my passenger side. It's eating my tires up. Any info will be greatly appreciated. Nice job on the video!

[@MacThreinfhir]

Not adjustable in a mk4 unless you ad camber plates. I’ve read that increasing caster may impact camber…

[@customboatscreensolutions5893]

Can this be done without removing drive shaft bolts.

[@kyledelancey9430]

Yes

[@SanchoSanto]

I tried but wasn't able to dk so on my 337. Maybe others have but I would rather be safe than sorry.

[@johnwilcherjr2521]

Okay. What the hell is the spreader tool called?

[@lasurvivor47]

Nicely done...Much help...Thank you!

[@ecstuning]

You're welcome, glad it helped!

[@nomajhondeere3324]

Wait what I was looking for a video for mk4 and is fricken zach jobe

[@nelobrunomusico-consultant4628]

Amazing job , congratulations 🎈🎉🍾🎊

[@Zayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy]

Is it okay that there’s a gap between the strut tower and top of the coil ?

[@morganbudge5694]

I have that same thing and I’m trying to figure out if it’s just loose but it’s causing me a clunking noise every time I go over bumps

[@JpCerano]

Is this process the same as a mk4 golf ?

[@MacThreinfhir]

Yes

[@tedjohnson64]

No spring compressor needed?

[@johnnyionescu9888]

When these are shipped are they set at 1.4 inches of lowering?

[@ecstuning]

They are not shipped with the threads set at a particular ride height. You would have to spin the threads to your desired height during/after installation. You can check out more info on our coilovers here: goo.gl/QiMaHw

[@aygwm]

What’s the purpose of trimming the bump stop down?

[@tempest411]

It's because the car will sit lower after the springs and shocks/strutc shown in this video are installed. The bump stop is for a vehicle at stock ride height. They were trimmed down so that at the new, lower ride height they wouldn't constantly bank into the shock body.

[@josephdelgardo584]

What size tire and wheel combo is used here perfect stance

[@DeHart_outdoors]

is it normal for the rear springs to hang loose when you put the car in the air when lowered on coils?

[@tempest411]

When I unbolted my shocks and the trailing arm on my FWD Audi TT, my H&R springs fell out and rolled away:P

[@ecstuning]

MK4 Coilovers/Install Kits available here: goo.gl/u5xF9D

[@poopbum4676]

Would it be a good idea to get an alignment after installing coil overs? Or should the alignment be fine

[@guitarking4734]

Raceland Ultimo Coilovers Or EcsTuning Street Coilovers ? i don't know which ones to get

[@ecstuning]

ECS Street Coilovers! Here's a link if you want to learn more about them: goo.gl/QiMaHw

[@ВиталийНовицкий-т5з]

Пыльник не поставил. Тоже мне тюнинг ст. Шарашкина контора

[@vagodroch6980]

я тоже запалил!

[@The1995camaro]

That's crazy that I also have a Jetta wagon, albeit 1.8t and am looking to lower it. Hows the ride quality? And does it corner well?

[@MacThreinfhir]

Go with coil overs. I went the static route and regret it.

[@kanidoodnommereen]

pretty neat shop and neat work

[@ShannonDizmang]

that nut strut socket is hard to find. Thought I could use a 7/8 oxygen sensor socket but whoever put the shocks in before us use shocks that have a 10mm upper mount. With that being said, please ship me the socket as soon as you can. Car is in pieces waiting for it unless I come up with something.

[@juice3906]

Shannon Dizmang where you stay at ?

[@rubioo93]

What are the wheel dimensions on the on those 52's?

[@ecstuning]

Here's a link to our fifteen52 wheel options for the MK4: goo.gl/5ooQ42 18"x8.5" ET35 All Around 5mm Spacers Front, 10mm Spacers Rear, 235/40/18 Tires

[@gideonrivers6986]

ECS Tuning I think I’m missing something, but I can’t find these rims anywhere

[@ShannonDizmang]

just ordered that kit...awesome vid.

[@ecstuning]

Thanks for the order! Good luck in the sweeptakes.

[@johnaynanhskdhd256]

ECS Tuning how is the ride quality I have a Jetta wagon looking to buy some coil overs that ride smooth and sit decent low

[@ronniekorbel2235]

Thank I watch this and did mine no worries thank you sir

[@TURBODON.6]

So much extra work why??

[@jackbardsley]

do this with an mk6 gti

[@ivanvega2821]

Do you guys have this coilover kit for a mk5 GTI?

[@ecstuning]

We have a MK5 kit, here's a link: goo.gl/8Svmkq

[@DuelistWave]

The Donut media Expanded universe continues

[@last.chance_24]

this reminds me of seeing Linus on NCIX

[@horizonnp5153]

The forbidden money pit episode

[@mcwopplays3935]

ope i just watched this fully cause im changing my coilover setup... just noticed in the rear that bolt that goes through the lower control arm.. i never did that i just threw it in and have put like 10000 miles like that lol luckily that shit didnt fall out haha

[@sparkadaus]

Zac from donut media!!!!

[@SanchoSanto]

The video seems to be rushed like if you were talking to people who have already done these kinds of projects. You have to pretend that you are guiding paper pushers on their first project. Lay out all the parts, explain how the parts go together, a brief on how your coilovers work, and the tools you are using when you are using them. Slow it down... what should I watch out for? What are the biggest problems I might run into? I had to review many other videos on youtube in order to understand some of things you rushed through. For example: when you put together the front coilover I didn't see how the bearing went on because they have two different sides. I also didn't see which nuts were used. You also didn't explain how it would affect the oem sway bar end links. I think this is a very important piece missing from the video.

[@hydraboss1208]

Wow look at who we got here

[@andri40172]

OMG! is that the guy from donut media 😮😮

[@nicpstg]

So extra with the bandsaw 😂

[@ecstuning]

Power tools are more fun than razor blades!

[@bradleyvandyk725]

What kind of title is that you cant just say vw mk4 you need to elaberate

[@ecstuning]

We don't usually negotiate with big purple terrorists, but this is a mk4 gti

[@bradleyvandyk725]

@@ecstuning much respect for that comment ahahahaha

[@no-poma9661]

No need to remove that cv axle if u got a big washer take the bolt out on top and the little aluminum cup thingy throw the washer down the cup thingy and the bolt tighten back in as if u were putting it and have someone jump on that shit and the other hit with a hammer get that shit outta there don’t wate time I did this piss drunk cheers my friend best of luck 🍺🍺

[@notoriousairsoft467]

Dont use track coilovers flr a road car 🤯

[@andrewwright.]

Nice

[@mildlyhot1]

That was more like 82Deg :P

[@billyp.7889]

I welcome installation videos; if you are going to teach people how to do things correctly, I think you need to emphasize the use of safety gear and proper use of tools. You guys probably sell safety equipment; ear, eye protection, gloves etc. through your Schwaben line of tools (another marketing opportunity); while it may not look as good on video with your tech presenter, I think it is important to emphasize safety when doing this type of suspension work. I can't tell you how many times I hurt myself as a young kid; because, I didn't know any better. There are many first time young diy's guys out there and they need to learn about safety, as well as how to install things like this suspension kit in a correct manner. Not trying to come off as annoying but just a thought and something to think about; when making future videos. Thanks for posting this and I hope to see more on the Mark IV VW line of older cars... .some of us, are still driving them! :) Thanks, again! :) PS: a second video about post installation issues; like alignment, camber adapters, adjustable endlinks and sway bar fitment, would be appreciated. I think, all of these types of issues are important to know about and how one, should make the correct adjustments, when lower a car like this.

[@nutter4butter]

Billy P. Chill

[@yuh377]

1.9 thousand likes on this video... nice

[@Goosedoode]

Yo wtf. It’s Zach?!?!

[@olsmokey5256]

Ok, im bringing my jetta by tomorrow

[@jared4670]

Such a difference from money pit

[@carsonstone7574]

BRO ZACH!?

[@JDNSAUDIS]

Or orrrrrrr you could just remove the cv nut...

[@Hooptie100]

No way Zach Jobe

[@isaiahwhytus396]

Wait a minute this isn’t throtl

[@johneapleseed6876]

I'm not going to lie. I'm wicked frickin scared to do this ked. I used to have help with my Honda but now I'm alone with a jetta. I just ordered some solo werks joints and they arrived from ecs. I'm going to Boston tomorrow going to get some tranny oil and tools. I'm going to go for it. I think I'm going to pork it. Drop the car on myself all alone on the side of the skate park. Some scooter kid will find me toes curled up. Start dancing around singing ding ding the wicked middle aged skater is dead.

[@JoshuaMartinez-xd3rl]

Lol damn he gets around