Hi,

 

This is my first proper post to the forum!

 

I'm trying to figure out which front coil springs will fit my Mk1 Fabia Combi.  It's a 2006 model with the 1.2 BME engine and air conditioning.

 

Common parts places like GSF and ECP list 2 different products but fail to give any specifics - all I am seeing is one is dearer than the other 🤔

 

Sachs' parts finder gives two versions, one for with air conditioning and one for without.  They list the correct part for my car as equivalent to 6Q0 411 105 AE.  Can anyone confirm if this is correct?

 

Unfortunately I have the dreaded upper suspension bearing clunk (it's not the ARB bushes, drop links, rear console bushes, lower ball joint or track rod ends as I have recently done all of these!).

 

I intend to follow HatBoyHarveys video on changing it, but understand that the drivers side is more difficult than the nearside passenger's.

 

I've ordered some new driveshaft hub nuts along with a slim 36mm 12 point socket to remove/install them, just in case I need to drop the hub right out.

 

I'm looking to change springs, shocks, upper bearings and mounts all at the same time.  Have also ordered a hub spreader bit socket and a set of spline bit sockets for the M14 pinch bolt which holds the hub to the shock absorber.

 

I also need to find a coil compressor somewhere of course.

 

Any info much appreciated.

 

Dan.

31 minutes ago, dandare1980 said:

6Q0 411 105 AE.  Can anyone confirm if this is correct?

 

If the springs on the car now are the originals, or correct genuine replacements, they'll have a sequence of coloured paint marks on them. This is the key to finding the part number.

 

3 red marks then 2 blue would corrrespond to the part number you mention.

 

Edited 11 October, 20214 yr by Wino

Thank you Wino - that was a great tip 👍🏼

 

I have just checked and after rubbing away the dirt there's 3 red dots followed by 2 blue, so looks like 6Q0 411 105 AE is indeed correct.

 

I think there's only the one main choice of shock absorber (6Q0 413 031) and the same for the top strut mounting and bearing.

 

Any idea where to get the 3 replacement bolts for the top strut mounting?  Also, can the M14 hub to shock absorber strut pinch bolt and nut (N90954802 & N10106402) be substituted for a conventional hexagonal M12x1.5x80 high tensile bolt with an M12 locking nut?  The genuine parts seem quite dear for what they are.

 

I'm also open to any recommendations for reasonably priced spring compressors that won't explode in my face 💥

Dan.

 

 

I didn't replace my strut mount bolts, I reused them, that was six years ago and they're still all intact, likewise the pinch bolts.

You don't have to replace every fastener if they're not stretch bolts.

21 minutes ago, dandare1980 said:

one main choice of shock absorber (6Q0 413 031

That's not enough of the part number to say; the letter suffixes are all that differs between every variant of shock, standard, heavy duty, sports etc. There's probably a sticker on your old ones if original, 

Probably -BH as shown on this page (view on computer, not phone to see all info). Part numbers for the other bits are all there too. Ebay seller 'vagbolts' is usually competitive on genuine fasteners and often next day delivery.

suspension; shock absorbers - Fabia(FAB) [EUROPA 2006 year] (7zap.com)

 

 

 

40 minutes ago, sepulchrave said:

I didn't replace my strut mount bolts, I reused them, that was six years ago and they're still all intact, likewise the pinch bolts.

You don't have to replace every fastener if they're not stretch bolts.

I sometimes do this if I can get away with it, but I fear mine will be well past their best and I've been stopped on so many occasions by knackered old fittings 😬

23 minutes ago, Wino said:

That's not enough of the part number to say; the letter suffixes are all that differs between every variant of shock, standard, heavy duty, sports etc. There's probably a sticker on your old ones if original, 

Probably -BH as shown on this page (view on computer, not phone to see all info). Part numbers for the other bits are all there too. Ebay seller 'vagbolts' is usually competitive on genuine fasteners and often next day delivery.

suspension; shock absorbers - Fabia(FAB) [EUROPA 2006 year] (7zap.com)

 

 

 

Again, very helpful Wino, especially the other part numbers too.

 

I think 6Q0413031BH is correct as my vehicle's PR code is G01.  The struts are so badly rusted I think I would be lucky to find any markings or stickers.

 

Dan.

4 hours ago, dandare1980 said:

I also need to find a coil compressor somewhere of course.

 

Draper 14173 Coil Spring Compressors

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Draper-14173-Coil-Spring-Comssors/dp/B0001K9Q2W/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=draper+14173&qid=1633963913&qsid=258-4143725-5817839&sr=8-1&sres=B0001K9Q2W%2CB01BKNY0BA%2CB0001KA0JU%2CB0001K9PGE%2CB0108APBRI%2CB06XXBWPRM%2CB07CRNT3S8%2CB000VMC758%2CB0002BUVGK%2CB004OTOL0I%2CB00205OQPI%2CB0001K9WNA%2CB000TOLSDK%2CB0108LGLU8%2CB000MQ7X9I%2CB0001K9RXA%2CB01EHSXUZW%2CB000PJAF1A%2CB00BWPZ0DO%2CB00HNUX9A8

I had some feedback from GSF and they've pointed me towards one of the Lesjofors coil springs (Part No: 454VG1130) which was also the cheapest weighing in @ £26.40 for a pair.

 

CarParts4less seemed to be the best for the shock absorbers (Anschler) @ £45.36 for a pair.  Also for the top strut mounting with bearing (Starline) @ £36.85 for a pair.

 

Minus tools and fixings, not too bad for just under £110 for both sides, despite the "pedigree" of some of these parts.  I drive like a little old lady so hopefully they will outlive the rest of the car 👵🏼

 

Just got to fit it now...

 

Thanks for everyone's help.

Dan.

Having just done my fronts and rears only thing I would suggest maybe paying for is a local garage to fit the springs onto the shocks as I tried some spring compressors and honestly it scared me lol so I took them to garage and they mounted them on for 20 quid.

If you're replacing the lot then it isn't necessary to use spring compressors, I just wound the top nut on and that compressed the spring just fine.

7 minutes ago, sepulchrave said:

If you're replacing the lot then it isn't necessary to use spring compressors, I just wound the top nut on and that compressed the spring just fine.

Really?  I guess if I release the hub from the driveshaft there would be enough room but does the shock absorber extend far enough to reach the top nut without spring compression?

 

Might save some messing about 🤔

Just now, dandare1980 said:

does the shock absorber extend far enough to reach the top nut without spring compression?

Nowhere near in my experience.

Ah, I was fitting Eibach springs to Bilstein struts, maybe the springs were a lot shorter.

On 11/10/2021 at 18:32, dandare1980 said:

I had some feedback from GSF and they've pointed me towards one of the Lesjofors coil springs (Part No: 454VG1130) which was also the cheapest weighing in @ £26.40 for a pair.

 

CarParts4less seemed to be the best for the shock absorbers (Anschler) @ £45.36 for a pair.  Also for the top strut mounting with bearing (Starline) @ £36.85 for a pair.

 

Minus tools and fixings, not too bad for just under £110 for both sides, despite the "pedigree" of some of these parts.  I drive like a little old lady so hopefully they will outlive the rest of the car 👵🏼

 

Just got to fit it now...

 

Thanks for everyone's help.

Dan.

I'll throw in my 2pWORTH for a Midlands small family firm "EnergizedCuston ",  based in Telford. I found them when looking to replace the two headlamps damaged in a car park. Here's their bit on top mounts https://www.energizedcustoms.co.uk/suspension/top-mounts.html?vehicle_make=58&vehicle_model=7788

They don't do standard springs, but do lowered ones.

delivery is free on all orders or next day for a few £ . If in doubt message them with requir4ements and reg no and they'll get back to you.

I've no connection, but on my experience I'd recommend them.

Longest delay I've had on two orders is order late on Friday and delivered Tuesday.

For folks living close to Telford, EG allow collection from site but pre arranged.

For those using online facilities at Carparts4less, be aware that they do charge a click & collect fee. Whether they'res a limit I don't know. But AFAIK it's dearer than you think. Same building, same staff, same computer system . Just lower prices till the collection fee gets added in . e.g. H7 bulbs ( dip headlight) , CP4 PRICE £1.54, ECP price circa £4.50 or more.

 

Edited 13 October, 20214 yr by VWD

7 hours ago, VWD said:

I'll throw in my 2pWORTH for a Midlands small family firm "EnergizedCuston ",  based in Telford. I found them when looking to replace the two headlamps damaged in a car park. Here's their bit on top mounts https://www.energizedcustoms.co.uk/suspension/top-mounts.html?vehicle_make=58&vehicle_model=7788

They don't do standard springs, but do lowered ones.

delivery is free on all orders or next day for a few £ . If in doubt message them with requir4ements and reg no and they'll get back to you.

I've no connection, but on my experience I'd recommend them.

Longest delay I've had on two orders is order late on Friday and delivered Tuesday.

For folks living close to Telford, EG allow collection from site but pre arranged.

For those using online facilities at Carparts4less, be aware that they do charge a click & collect fee. Whether they'res a limit I don't know. But AFAIK it's dearer than you think. Same building, same staff, same computer system . Just lower prices till the collection fee gets added in . e.g. H7 bulbs ( dip headlight) , CP4 PRICE £1.54, ECP price circa £4.50 or more.

 

 

Wish I had known about them sooner! Just had a quick look and they're really good on price, but I've already picked up the springs this morning and the CarParts4Less order with the shocks and bearings arrives tomorrow.

 

I usually tart between GSF, ECP and the above.  Previously used Mister Auto for big orders, but their website doesn't seem to be accepting orders currently.  Sometimes use eBay for branded parts but it's a pain if the wrong item's delivered.

 

Will definitely book mark them for future reference 👍

Asked them about springs as top mount good price. They do not stock front standard springs for mine.

6 hours ago, VWD said:

Asked them about springs as top mount good price. They do not stock front standard springs for mine.

 

I couldn't find standard springs or shocks either, but the bits they did stock like the top mounts with bearings were good value.

 

All my parts have finally come through except for the hub spreader 😐

 

I may give in to the use of a cold chisel if I get around to it this weekend, although I'm currently finishing off an inner CV boot on my wife's Suzuki so I better leave it alone until that's back on the road.

13 minutes ago, dandare1980 said:

All my parts have finally come through except for the hub spreader 

 

I may give in to the use of a cold chisel if I get around to it this weekend, although I'm currently finishing off an inner CV boot on my wife's Suzuki so I better leave it alone until that's back on the road.

 

It doesn't take that much to spread the lugs at the base of the strut. Even getting a lever in there is enough to do it. I found getting the pinch bolt out a bigger issue.

Yes, I need to take it steady and use WD40 and heat carefully.  Probably wire brush the threads and pre-soak everything a couple of times the day before I start.

8 minutes ago, dandare1980 said:

Yes, I need to take it steady and use WD40 and heat carefully.  Probably wire brush the threads and pre-soak everything a couple of times the day before I start.

 

Yeah I did that all too. The nuts were no problem at all. But one of the bolts had seized into the holes. Bit of heat got it out though.

I would suggest looking to use Plusgas as a release agent rather than WD40. Also the spring compressor quoted above is not a good tool as the jaws creep around the spring when tightening and you can end up with different tensions on both sides, I have a set of Sykes Pickavant - so obviously not a cheap chinese brand - in the bottom of my toolbox with a nice bow in the tensioning bolt from where they slipped around the spring.

Edited 15 October, 20214 yr by KeithCheetham

10 minutes ago, KeithCheetham said:

I would suggest looking to use Plusgas as a release agent rather than WD40. Also the spring compressor quoted above is not a good tool as the jaws creep around the spring when tightening and you can end up with different tensions on both sides, I have a set of Sykes Pickavant - so obviously not a cheap chinese brand - in the bottom of my toolbox with a nice bow in the tensioning bolt from where they slipped around the spring.

 

I must admit I have never tried Plusgas and really should.

 

I went for these spring compressors in the end because I could get them locally and I figured I would return them if they were duff.  I had an identical pair several years ago which worked fine but a mate stole them never to be seen again 🙄

33 minutes ago, dandare1980 said:

 

I must admit I have never tried Plusgas and really should.

 

I went for these spring compressors in the end because I could get them locally and I figured I would return them if they were duff.  I had an identical pair several years ago which worked fine but a mate stole them never to be seen again 🙄

 Those compressors are the type I use now. As Sep mentioned, I also have never replaced the top mount or pinch bolts, having done springs on both my Mk1's and current Mk2 with as far as I remember access to the top mount bolts from the underside to pre-lubricate, and the pinch bolt head being gripped with mole grips - think its actually a torx head - and working the bolt in/out as they can seize in position. Check you can access to slacken the strut to top mount nut as its sat in a deep recess in the mount and while it has a hexagon for an allen key, if you only have a socket you may find the damper rod just turns when off the car. I usually slacken off slightly when still built into the car.

 One other issue - been there done that and was the subject of a post recently - is make sure the spring goes on the correct way as they can be fitted upside down, one end of the coil has a "ramp" to match the damper seat.

 Probably too late for you to get materials but for my recent MOT following a rusting springs note on the last MOT I have just protected my rear springs by treating the rust and covering with electrical heat shrink so have nice red springs now. It needs to be a good shrink ratio as the profile of a coil needs a loose fit to fit the continual small radius turn down the coil.

2 hours ago, KeithCheetham said:

 the pinch bolt head being gripped with mole grips - think its actually a torx head - and working the bolt in/out as they can seize in position.

 

Spline drive/XZN Keith. 😁

 

Not that you care in the slightest.

 

Mine went back in with a liberal slathering of grease. Not that I am intending to take them out again anytime soon but I will need to change the front shocks at some point in the not too distant future.