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Golf Coilovers Install Guide

Your Golf

Pick your year to see what fits.

Adjustable height
Expert$850–$1,8004–6 hrs
All Golf mods

Why do it

Sets the height and cuts body roll.

Tools you'll need

Starting out? See our budget tool list.

Parts to buy

Double-check fitment before buying. We may earn a commission when you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you.

Before you start

  • Book an alignment before you start. You need one right after.
  • Soak all the bolts in penetrating oil first.
  • Book an alignment before you start. You need one right after.
  • Soak all the bolts in penetrating oil first.
  • Book an alignment before you start. You need one right after.
  • Soak all the bolts in penetrating oil first.
  • Book an alignment before you start. You need one right after.
  • Soak all the bolts in penetrating oil first.

Steps

  1. Remove the old coilovers

    • Take off the front and rear.
    Watch this step (ECS on a Mk4) (0:20–2:28)

  2. Assemble the front

    • Set up the front coilovers.
    Watch this step (2:28–4:41)

  3. Install the front

    • Fit them.
    Watch this step (4:41–6:32)

  4. Assemble the rear

    • Set up the rear.
    Watch this step (6:32–8:45)

  5. Install the rear

    • Fit them.
    Watch this step (8:45–10:41)

  6. Remove the front

    • Take off the front struts.
    Watch this step (ECS on a Mk5/Mk6) (2:07–6:59)

  7. Assemble the front

    • Set up the coilover.
    Watch this step (6:59–8:29)

  8. Install the front

    • Fit it.
    Watch this step (8:29–13:04)

  9. Remove the rear

    • Take off the rear shock.
    Watch this step (13:04–14:57)

  10. Install the rear

    • Fit the rear.
    Watch this step (14:57–17:40)

  11. Torque everything

    • Final torque.
    Watch this step (17:40–18:10)

  12. Remove the front

    • Take off the front struts.
    Watch this step (ECS on a Mk5/Mk6) (2:07–6:59)

  13. Assemble the front

    • Set up the coilover.
    Watch this step (6:59–8:29)

  14. Install the front

    • Fit it.
    Watch this step (8:29–13:04)

  15. Remove the rear

    • Take off the rear shock.
    Watch this step (13:04–14:57)

  16. Install the rear

    • Fit the rear.
    Watch this step (14:57–17:40)

  17. Torque everything

    • Final torque.
    Watch this step (17:40–18:10)

  18. Remove the front

    • Take off the front strut.
    Watch this step (on a Mk7 GTI) (0:59–6:41)

  19. Fit the front

    • Fit the coilover.
    Watch this step (6:41–13:46)

  20. Do the rear

    • Take off the rear and fit it.
    Watch this step (16:55–24:43)

How to know it worked

Did this guide work for you?

Safety first

  • Park on flat ground, set the parking brake and chock the wheels.
  • Never get under a car held up only by a jack. Use jack stands.
  • Let the engine and exhaust cool first.
  • Disconnect the battery before unplugging electrical parts.
  • Wear safety glasses.
  • If something doesn't match your car, stop and ask a shop.

Follow your part's instructions and your service manual's torque specs.

Coilover install guides for other cars

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