What to replace on suspension?

[Nathanael Greene]

Hi folks, I am planing to redo my suspension on my 04 Jetta Wagon TDI, but I want to make sure I actually replace what is needed to fix the issues I'm having.

The issues I'm having are these:
- It squeaks a lot going over bumps or just any time the car jerks.
- There is a popping/clunking noise coming from the front springs at low speeds, I was able to put my hand on the spring while the car was parked and have friend turn the wheel and it felt like the wheel would turn some, and then the spring would jump a catch up to the position of the wheel.
- It seems to have more body roll than it should


What I plan to get so far is this:
suspension kit with shocks. https://www.cascadegerman.com/product/complete-suspension-kit-mk4-front-rear/
Towing spring kit https://www.idparts.com/lift-spring...1105cd-1j0511115an-40950934295133-p-5966.html


What else should I be replacing along with these?

Thanks,
Nate

 

[Vince Waldon]

Just be aware your rear shocks are wagon-specific... slightly longer IIRC. Factory part number is 1J9513025E ,

The rear spring is wagon-specific as well, 1J0511115CP, but the kit you've pointed to seems to be aware.

 

[Nathanael Greene]

Ah, good to know!

I'll check if they can swap out the rear struts in the kit to be wagon ones.

anything missing from the kit that I should replace while I'm doing all the work?

 

[STDOUBT]

I would inspect the control arm bushings and consider just swapping in new control arms pre-loaded with TT bushings (IDParts) or get the
Black Forest Industries ones with pre-loaded poly (Made in USA!). Also, for sure refresh the sway bar bushings but check to see if your sway bar is 22mm or 23mm before selecting a pair.
Removing the control arms before trying to drop out the struts makes it a lot easier, too.
EDIT: that kit doesn't seem to come with the shock sleeves that attach to the bump stops.
Personally I'd hand select all the components and build my own kit, but I'm really particular about "country of origin".

 

[Nathanael Greene]

I would inspect the control arm bushings and consider just swapping in new control arms pre-loaded with TT bushings (IDParts) or get the
Black Forest Industries ones with pre-loaded poly (Made in USA!). Also, for sure refresh the sway bar bushings but check to see if your sway bar is 22mm or 23mm before selecting a pair.
Removing the control arms before trying to drop out the struts makes it a lot easier, too.
EDIT: that kit doesn't seem to come with the shock sleeves that attach to the bump stops.
Personally I'd hand select all the components and build my own kit, but I'm really particular about "country of origin".

Ok, I'll look into just selecting each part.

Nate

 

[STDOUBT]

Oh, and use caution when freeing up the control arms from the subframe, as the fasteners go through a captive "nut" that's literally just glued into the frame. Don't use impact tools here. Slow, even loosening is your best bet.

 

[Zak99b5]

Add in a rear sway bar. It will help with body roll, plus it will reduce under steer a noticeable amount. The car will feel much better on curves, and it rotates more willingly.