Can anyone tell me what's the difference between 50mm standard and 55mm / standard sport front shocks please

Cheers

It's to do with strut size. Think 55mm is for diesel models and the 50 for petrol. Could have that the wrong way round though.

Cheers for that

The strut size is determined by brake set up / hub. 312mm and 288mm front discs will be 55mm, where as 280mm discs will be 50mm.

That's canny

Don't no what my size is

Thanks

1.9PD is probably 50mm but get the calipers out and measure the diameter of the strut where it exits the hub.

Cheers

Sorry, silly question, would all 4 shocks have to be 55mm if the fronts are ?

Sorry, silly question, would all 4 shocks have to be 55mm if the fronts are ?

 

Nope, the 50/55mm option is only for the front

If your Callipers are stamped FSIII you have the 50mm

Ah right, thanks guys, I've bought new Bilstein B4 55mm fronts, my suspension code is G07/L13. I wondered about there rears being the same size or 50mm. Thanks again

Ah right, thanks guys, I've bought new Bilstein B4 55mm fronts, my suspension code is G07/L13. I wondered about there rears being the same size or 50mm. Thanks again

 

the rears shocks sizes are standard across the range so there are no different size like the front shocks,  only choice is whether you have sport or standard suspension (this caters for the firmness of the damping - to complement your spring setup)

Edited 9 June, 201610 yr by wiilydog

Thanks Willydog, so I'm guessing because I'm going to use Bilstein B4's, there's only one type of shock (not sport). If I wanted a more sporty shock I'd have to use another set from the B range, i.e. B6 for example ?

Edited 9 June, 201610 yr by cj_uk

B4 cater for both standard or sport suspension, if you look at the bilstein catalogue it will give you the spec part numbers for your car dependent on what suspension set up you have. B6 are mono tube high performance shocks hence you pay almost double compared to B4 ones.

The B4 sports shocks are the same as the standard B4 with a shorter stroke, so they can be used with lowering springs, but they're still OEM spec in terms of performance and comfort.

Thanks for the confirmation guys

Edited 10 June, 201610 yr by cj_uk

Sorry, just one last question, I've bought new shocks, genuine springs, droplinks, top mounts, front arms and ball joints, do I need to buy new bolts at all. I only ask as I know VAG use stretch bolts in some applications

Edited 10 June, 201610 yr by cj_uk

It's highly recommended that you replace a lot of the bolts (maybe all of them?). Have a look at this guide, it should tell you everything you need to know - http://www.myturbodiesel.com/wiki/strut-shock-installation-and-replacement-mk5-vw-tdi-and-audi-a3/

 

The bolts can easily be bought from any VAG dealer, I got mine from the local VW dealer at a cost of just under £1 for each nut and each bolt. The price is a bit steep but it's worth doing them.

Edited 10 June, 201610 yr by TobyMTDI

As above stretch bolts should be used once only. Your local TPS should have them in stock as you just let them know your reg and they will get the right nuts and bolts for you.

Thanks guys

Sorry, just one last question, I've bought new shocks, genuine springs, droplinks, top mounts, front arms and ball joints, do I need to buy new bolts at all. I only ask as I know VAG use stretch bolts in some applications

I didn't bother but I re-use stretch bolts in certain applications all the time.  I'm a notorious corner-cutter.

Mk2 is VRS are 55mm strut I would recommend measuring the diameter before ordering

My mechanic reuses the bolts as well, but personally I think it's better to replace them for the sake of £25. I haven't got round to doing the fronts on my car yet, but for the rears at a bare minimum I'd buy the lower control arm bolt and nut, and the lower shock mount bolt. They get pretty rusty so IMO you'll want replacements at hand just in case you damage them even if you're not bothered about reusing stretch bolts (which you probably should be!).

 

The part numbers for the rear bolts are:

n-106-286-01 x2 (control arm bolt)
n-101-064-02 x2 (control arm nut)

n-910-274-01 x2 (lower shock bolt)

 

Edit:

Just wanted to add, if you want to replace the top mount bolts the part numbers for those are n-910-661-01 x4.

Edited 16 June, 20169 yr by TobyMTDI

I'm new to this but I'm in the middle of changing my coilovers as the old ones are shot. Does the bottom strut bolt screw out or does it just slide out I'm reluctant to cut bolt if I then need to drill and remove threaded bolt

Cheers

 

2 hours ago, Maybug said:

I'm new to this but I'm in the middle of changing my coilovers as the old ones are shot. Does the bottom strut bolt screw out or does it just slide out I'm reluctant to cut bolt if I then need to drill and remove threaded bolt

Cheers

 

Once you undo the nut, the bolt should slide out, although you may need to punch it out due to corrosion.