Suspension Refresh

I just ordered the VW A4 Complete AUDI TT suspension overhaul kit from Aaron (BleachedBora) and coilovers from another company, so I was wondering if there was any special tools I would absolutely need to do this or if there was any other parts you guys would recommend for my golf.

Camber Kit, Strut tool, anything...

I have searched this before, but I get bits and pieces here and there....so sorry if I annoyed anyone by asking.

PS- the car does have 105k miles, about 35k of them lowered.

PPS- my car doesnt want to go into gear on the first swing everything anymore, i hear new dogbone mounts might fix this?

For the LCA bushings get this tool:

http://www.autozone.com/autozone/catalog/accessories/accProductDetails.jsp?displayName=BallJointPress&itemId=1258-10&navValue=101258&parentId=6-10&productId=557231&fromString=search&itemIdentifier=557231_0_0_&filterByKeyWord=ujoint&categoryNValue=100006&store=2466&skuDisplayName=BallJoint/UJointPressSet&categoryDisplayName=Tools&_requestid=1266616

Or HarborFreight:

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=38335

No need to freeze the bushings or torch the LCA. With this tool, they go in like butter. You should be able to press them out with it too. Make sure that you lube the LCA, use silicone grease only.

You can rent it for free at Autozone (if you have one around you)

Jetta2001TDI said:

For the LCA bushings get this tool:

http://www.autozone.com/autozone/catalog/accessories/accProductDetails.jsp?displayName=BallJointPress&itemId=1258-10&navValue=101258&parentId=6-10&productId=557231&fromString=search&itemIdentifier=557231_0_0_&filterByKeyWord=ujoint&categoryNValue=100006&store=2466&skuDisplayName=BallJoint/UJointPressSet&categoryDisplayName=Tools&_requestid=1266616

Or HarborFreight:

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=38335

No need to freeze the bushings or torch the LCA. With this tool, they go in like butter. You should be able to press them out with it too. Make sure that you lube the LCA, use silicone grease only.

You can rent it for free at Autozone (if you have one around you)

Click to expand...

I actually have one of those already, it helps having a brother who loves to do his own work

Is there anything missing from the kit i purchased from aaron i might want to look into replacing?

The only other thing that I would do, since I just overhauled my suspension with the same parts kit, is to replace the whole tie rod, rather than just the ends. You are already there, and you will need an alignment anyway, so might as well replace the whole tie rod. It will probably add another 100.00 to the cost and you will be good for another 100k. You will need this tool for the tie rod job:
http://www.amazon.com/Lisle-45750-Inner-Tie-Tool/dp/B0002SRGFW

The difference is night and day, and my steering is very tight now.


Also, the kit that you bought from BoraParts does not have all the required replacement bolts for the struts and and LCA and other various suspension components. All of the suspension bolts and nuts that you remove, must be replaced with new ones. Do not use the old ones. Also make sure you know the torque values for each bolt.

You will also need an impact gun to remove the top strut nut, it is the easiest way.

Jetta2001TDI said:

Also, the kit that you bought from BoraParts does not have all the required replacement bolts for the struts and and LCA and other various suspension components. All of the suspension bolts and nuts that you remove, must be replaced with new ones. Do not use the old ones. Also make sure you know the torque values for each bolt.

Click to expand...

I'm going to go ahead and order new tierods and the tool, do you know of a vendor that sells a suspension bolt kit?

EDIT- by the way, thanks for all of your help so far!

Here you go. This should be all you need:
Make sure that you counter hold the steering rod when you loosen and tighten the tie rods

http://tdiparts.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=908 suspension bolt set
http://tdiparts.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=702 ball joint bolts (6 needed)
http://tdiparts.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=1139 control arm to sway bar bolts (2 needed)
http://tdiparts.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=400 spreader tool
http://tdiparts.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=1194 top strut nut (2 needed)
http://tdiparts.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=701 control arm rear bolt and nut (2 sets needed)
http://tdiparts.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=977 control arm front bolt (2 needed)

Make sure that you ball joints come with the nuts
Make sure that you tie rods come with the nuts